|Scholarships

Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee Scholarship

Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee was the last member of the Parrett family to be born and raised on Parrett Mountain. At a young age Crystal developed an understanding of the hardships required to carve a living from the land. At the same time, she developed a passion for family history and a fascination with how her family had helped shape the land and how the land had shaped their lives in return.

Joan Austin Scholarship

The Joan D. Austin Memorial Scholarship was established in 2013 by the Newberg Noon Rotary Club. Joan was a 1948 graduate of Newberg High School. The focus of this memorial scholarship is to recognize a young woman graduate of Newberg High School who best emulates Joan Austin’s life values.

Ken Austin II Scholarship

The Ken Austin II Scholarship was established in 2015 by the Newberg Noon Rotary Club Foundation. Ken Austin II was a 1949 graduate of Newberg High School. He continued his education at Oregon State University, graduating with a degree in engineering. This scholarship award is intended to recognize a male graduate of Newberg High School who emulates Ken Austin’s life values of perseverance, integrity, citizenship, service and vision. Ken’s legacy of giving will leave its mark for many generations. Property for the construction of Joan Austin Elementary School is an example of Ken and Joan Austin’s generosity to our community.

Ray Simonson Scholarship

The Ray Simonson Scholarship was established in 2015 by the Newberg Noon Rotary Club. A retired educator, Ray Simonson had a special devotion to our youth. Through his career as a Korean War Veteran, 26 years with the Oregon National Guard, Football All-American at Linfield College, Teacher, Principal, Newberg School District Central Office Administrator, and Rotary member, Ray always embodied the motto “Service above Self”.

Larry Bohnsack Scholarship

The Larry Bohnsack Rotary Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010 by the Newberg Noon Rotary Club Foundation. Larry Bohnsack was co-owner of KLYC radio station located in McMinnville, Yamhill County, Oregon serving Yamhill County residences. Its purpose is to provide a one-time scholarship award to a Junior or Senior student attending George Fox University or Linfield University majoring in Mass Communications.

Leroy Benham Rotary Trades Scholarship

The Leroy Benham Rotary Trades Scholarship was established in 2022 by the Newberg Rotary Foundation in honor of Leroy’s many contributions to the club and community for over 40 years. Leroy Benham served in numerous officer roles before becoming the Newberg Noon Rotary President in 1994.

The Newberg Rotary College/University Scholarship

The Newberg Rotary College/University Scholarship recognizes high school seniors planning to attend a four-year university or college to pursue a degree who have also demonstrated the motto of Rotary: “Service above Self.” This service may take many forms – to family, school, church, or community.

The Newberg Rotary Community College – Vocational – Technical Scholarship

The Newberg Rotary Community College – Vocational – Technical Scholarship recognizes high school seniors who are planning to pursue a degree or credential from a community college, vocational or technical school who have also demonstrated the motto of Rotary: “Service above Self.”

Ellen Bailey Harshbarger Scholarship

This scholarship, established in 2024, honors Ellen Bailey Harshberger. A vibrant, healthy woman, Ellen was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis as a young adult. The devastating disease left her a quadriplegic. She confronted her new reality with bravery, dignity, and poise never letting her innumerable challenges diminish her joy of life nor color her temperament. “Loveliest of trees, the cherry now is hung with bloom along the bough and stands about the woodland ride and wearing white for Eastertide…”

Denise Bacon Scholarship

This scholarship, established in 2024, by the Newberg Noon Rotary Foundation, honors Denise Bacon. Denise was a long-time Newberg City councilor, Rotarian, and community advocate before passing away in October 2022 from lung complications at the age of 56. She dedicated her life to serving others and making Newberg a better place.