Newberg Noon Rotary Club scholarship application is now open!
- Application with your signature (if you are under 18, your parents must also sign).
- Required essays
- Recommendation letters from your high school counselors/staff/instructors/other adults.
- Media release form with your signature (if you are under 18, your parents must also give consent).
- Transcript release form (if you are under 18, your parents must also give consent).
- Ask your high school college/career counselor for an application packet. All materials must be submitted by April 17, 2023.
About Newberg Rotary Club Scholarships
Up to $50,000.00 per year is awarded to area students by the Newberg Rotary Noon Club through the NRF. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding students to help defray the cost of the first year of post high school education.
Contact your local High School counseling office for additional information regarding Rotary Scholarship as well as the Rotary Student Exchange program.
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.
Leaving Parrett Mountain to pursue a career in government service during World War II, she met and married a Navy man, Robert Rilee. Together they returned to Parrett Mountain in 1953. As the decades passed and Portland’s suburban development reached the mountain, Crystal and Bob became deeply concerned about the future of her family’s land. Their most fervent wish was that the remaining 368 acres of land, history and traditions be preserved.
Upon their death, the land became a part of Chehalem Park and Recreation District to be preserved for the people of our area for generations to come. Her wish was that farming and its rich traditions be furthered by a scholarship to be presented to young students in our area. This is the Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee Scholarship now being conferred.
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.
Joan was co-owner and co-chair of the Board of Directors for A-dec Inc., the largest privately owned dental equipment manufacturing company in the United States. Although Joan did not attend college, she was involved in the company’s administrative, personnel, philanthropic, financial and legal operations throughout her lifetime. Joan was widely recognized as an influential philanthropist. Her legacy of generosity will leave its mark for many generations. The donation of property for the construction of Joan Austin Elementary School is just one example of the Austin’s generosity to our community.
Ken Austin II Scholarship
The Ken Austin II Scholarship was established in 2015 by the Newberg Noon Rotary Club Foundation. Ken Austin II is a 1949 graduate of Newberg High School. He continued his education at Oregon State University, graduating with a degree in engineering. Ken and his wife Joan co-founded A-dec Inc., the largest privately owned dental equipment manufacturing company in the United States. 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.
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. Joan was co-owner and co-chair of the Board of Directors for A-dec Inc., the largest privately owned dental equipment manufacturing company in the United States. Although Joan did not attend college, she was involved in the company’s administrative, personnel, philanthropic, financial and legal operations throughout her lifetime. Joan was widely recognized as an influential philanthropist. Her legacy of generosity will leave its mark for many generations. The donation of property for the construction of Joan Austin Elementary School is just one example of the 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”. Ray’s resume of humanitarian endeavors runs two pages, but in particular, Ray’s Rotary efforts were: coordinating the Newberg Noon Rotary Club Student Needs Program distributing funds for the basic personal needs of children in Newberg schools, and Ray has been the Chairman of the Rotary Scholarship committee since 1974. Since that time the scholarship committee has given out hundreds of thousands of dollars to Newberg and St Paul Students. Ray’s impact on the Newberg community has been substantial and in his name we dedicate this scholarship.
Larry Bohnsack Scholarship
- Application packet must include Application, Three Confidential Letters of Recommendation, most current college transcript, and Essay. (See guidelines for details)
- Completed applications must be received by April 5, 2021.
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 College 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.
LeRoy managed the Rota-Dent Program for ten years and helped begin a dental project in Guatemala in 1994. Leroy was also the CEO/Owner of Climax Portable Machine Tools for 30 years and believes that the trades have been long neglected–thus, the focus of this scholarship.
The trades are many (i.e., web design, heating/cooling, cosmetology, welding etc.), and can offer personal fulfillment, high salary potential and job stability. While trade schools generally cost less and take less time than a four-year college degree, the trades are in high demand. Continuing education is also an essential part of staying competitive in the field.
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. Academic achievements, paid work and volunteer positions are also considered when awarding this scholarship.
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.” This service may take many forms – to family, school, church, or community. Paid work and volunteer positions, and recommendation letters from a high school faculty or staff, and a community member are taken into consideration when awarding this scholarship.