|Scholarships
Will you be a high school senior in 2025-2026?
Get excited for the next round of Rotary scholarships!
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Application
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Required essays
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Media release form
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Transcript release form
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Your signature if you are over 18 (if you are under 18, your parents must also sign)
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Recommendation letters from your high school counselors/staff/instructors/other adults. Do not submit recommendation letters from your family members.
How To Apply: Ask your high school college/career counselor for an application packet. All materials must be submitted by April 3, 2026.
Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee Scholarship
$3,000
The Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee Scholarship shall be awarded to a graduate of Newberg High School, Catalyst High School or St. Paul High School. Preference will be given to students planning a career in the agriculture industry/agri-business or related field.
Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee Scholarship
The Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee Scholarship was established by a non-profit foundation in her name and later transferred to the Newberg Rotary Foundation Board to administer. The focus of this scholarship is to encourage young people to enter careers that focus on working with the land.
Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee was the last member of the Parrett family to be born and raised on Parrett Mountain. From a young age, Crystal understood the hardships required to carve a living from the land. 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 high school graduates in our area.
Eligibility: The Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee Scholarship shall be awarded to a graduate of Newberg High School, Catalyst High School or St. Paul High School. Preference will be given to students planning a career in the agriculture industry/agri-business or related field. The qualified applicant:
- Plans to pursue a college/university course of study
- Attains a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above
- Demonstrates excellent citizenship and respect for others
- Is willing to attend a personal interview with members of the Rotary Scholarship Committee
To learn more about you, we would like you to submit one personal essay in response to the essay prompts below.
As you compose your essay, please tell us about the general activities you have done, including a specific example or two to demonstrate your eligibility for this scholarship.
Your response to the essay prompts should be no more than 500 words.
Essay for Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee Scholarship
In 500 words or less, tell us about
a) your work experience in agriculture, agribusiness or a related field, both paid and volunteer
b) what you have learned from your work experience about managing the land for the future
c) your hopes and plans for how you will continue to build a career in agriculture, agribusiness or a related field
Joan Austin Scholarship
$3,000
The Joan D. Austin Memorial Scholarship shall be awarded to a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School. Preference will be given to applicants with volunteer or work experience in entrepreneurship and/or business management.
Joan Austin Scholarship
The Joan D. Austin Scholarship was established in 2013 by the Newberg Noon Rotary Club Foundation. The focus of this scholarship is to recognize a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School who best emulates Joan Austin’s life values and leadership. Joan was a 1948 graduate of Newberg High School. Joan became co-owner of A-dec, Inc., the largest privately owned dental equipment manufacturing company in the United States, and co-chair of its Board of Directors. 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 Austins’ generosity to our community. “Education provides us with the knowledge to pursue our dreams”—the motto at Joan D. Austin Elementary School.
Eligibility: The Joan D. Austin Memorial Scholarship shall be awarded to a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School. Preference will be given to applicants with volunteer or work experience in entrepreneurship and/or business management. The qualified applicant:
- Emulates Joan Austin’s life values of kindness, compassion, generosity, perseverance, vision and community service
- Has demonstrated leadership in volunteer or work experience that focuses on developing opportunities and/or improving opportunities in the workplace or the community
- Plans to pursue post high school education or training–not limited to university or community college
- Attains a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or above
- Demonstrates excellent citizenship and respect for others
- Is willing to meet for a personal interview with members of the Rotary Scholarship committee
To learn more about you, we would like you to submit one personal essay in response to the essay prompts below.
As you compose your essay, please tell us about the general activities you have done, including a specific example or two to demonstrate your eligibility for this scholarship.
Your response to the essay prompts should be no more than 500 words.
Essay for Joan Austin Scholarship
In 500 words or less, tell us about
a) your work experience, paid or volunteer, and how you provided leadership that developed or improved opportunities for others in the workplace or the community
b) volunteer or work experience in business management
c) your intended vocation and how your vocation will help you make a positive difference in the world
Ken Austin II Scholarship
$3,000
The Ken Austin II Scholarship shall be awarded to a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School. Preference will be given to applicants with a record of practical creativity and inventiveness that promotes the well-being of others.
Ken Austin II Scholarship
The Ken Austin II Scholarship was established in 2015 by the Newberg Noon Rotary Club Foundation. The focus of this scholarship is to recognize a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School who best emulates Ken Austin II’s life values, inventiveness, and leadership.
Ken Austin II was a 1949 graduate of Newberg High School. He continued his education at Oregon State University, earning 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.
In addition to establishing A-dec, Ken also was the inventor of many different dental tools and accessories. One of those inventions is a portable dental unit he called Rota-Dent. State of the art dentistry can be accomplished anywhere with this unit, plus water and portable power. All services from these portable dental units must be provided at no charge to the patient. Many nonprofit dental associations have used RotaDent units to provide dental care to people in the most remote locations. Rotary has been the key sponsor to promote this service.
Property for the construction of Joan Austin Elementary School is an example of Ken and Joan Austin’s generosity to our community. Ken’s legacy of giving will leave its mark for many generations.
Eligibility: The Ken Austin II Scholarship shall be awarded to a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School. Preference will be given to applicants with a record of practical creativity and inventiveness that promotes the well-being of others. The qualified applicant:
- Emulates Ken Austin II’s life values of perseverance, integrity, citizenship, service, inventiveness, generosity, and vision
- Plans to pursue post-high school education or training – not limited to university or community college – in one of the following fields: science, technology, engineering, or math
- Attains a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
- Demonstrates excellent citizenship and respect for others
- Is willing to attend a personal interview with members of the Rotary Scholarship committee
To learn more about you, we would like you to submit one personal essay in response to the essay prompts below.
As you compose your essay, please tell us about the general activities you have done, including a specific example or two to demonstrate your eligibility for this scholarship.
Your response to the essay prompts should be no more than 500 words.
Essay for Ken Austin II Scholarship
In 500 words or less:
a) describe your work experience, both paid and volunteer, and how you used your interest and inventiveness in science, technology, engineering and/or math to develop and/or improve the lives of others in the workplace or community.
b) describe your intended vocation and how your vocation will build on your Interest and inventiveness in science, technology, engineering, and/or math to make a positive difference in the world.
Ray Simonson Scholarship
$3,000
The Ray Simonson Scholarship shall be awarded to a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School. Preference will be given to students planning to enter the field of education.
Ray Simonson Scholarship
The Ray Simonsen Scholarship was established in 2015 by the Newberg Noon Rotary Club Foundation. The focus of this scholarship is to recognize a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School who best emulates Ray Simonsen’s life values, service, and leadership.
Ray’s career included earning football All-American at Linfield College, serving in the Korean War, serving 26 years with the Oregon National Guard, teacher, principal, Newberg School District Central Office administrator, and Rotary member. Ray always embodied the Rotary motto “Service above Self.”
Ray’s impact on the Newberg community has been substantial. As a retired educator, Ray Simonson had a special devotion to our youth. Ray’s resumé of humanitarian endeavors runs two pages, but in particular, through Rotary, Ray coordinated the Newberg Noon Rotary Club Student Needs Program, distributing funds for the basic personal needs of children in Newberg schools. He also chaired the Rotary scholarship committee for many years, overseeing the distribution of hundreds of thousands of dollars to Newberg and St Paul high school graduates.
(All applicants for the Ray Simonsen Scholarship are encouraged to apply for the Ellen Bailey Harshbarger Scholarship as well. (Note: A student can be awarded only one scholarship.)
Eligibility: The Ray Simonson Scholarship shall be awarded to a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School. Preference will be given to students planning to enter the field of education. The qualified applicant:
- Emulates Ray Simonson’s life values of kindness, compassion, generosity, perseverance, vision, and community service
- Plans to pursue post-high school education or training
- Plans to enter the field of education, particularly public school teaching and/or administration
- Attains a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
- Demonstrates excellent citizenship and respect for others
- Is willing to meet for a personal interview with members of the Rotary Scholarship committee
To learn more about you, we would like you to submit one personal essay in response to the essay prompts below.
As you compose your essay, please tell us about the general activities you have done, including a specific example or two to demonstrate your eligibility for this scholarship.
Your response to the essay question should be no more than 500 words.
Essay for Ray Simonsen Scholarship
In 500 words or less, tell us about
a) your experience with helping others learn, both paid and volunteer (examples: tutoring, student aide, or coaching)
b) how that has inspired you to want to become an educator
c) whether you hope to work as an educator in early childhood, elementary, middle school, high school, post-high school and why
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.
Larry Bohnsack Scholarship
- Application packet must include Application, Three Confidential Letters of Recommendation, most current college transcript, and Essay. (See guidelines for details.)
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.
Leroy Benham Rotary Trades Scholarship
$3,000
The Leroy Benham Rotary Trades Scholarship shall be awarded to a Newberg High School, Catalyst High School or St. Paul High School graduate. Preference will be given to students planning a career in any skilled trade.
Leroy Benham Rotary Trades Scholarship
The Leroy Benham Rotary Trades Scholarship was established in 2022 by the Newberg Noon Rotary Club Foundation in honor of Leroy’s many contributions to the club and community for over 40 years. The focus of this scholarship is to recognize a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School who best emulates Leroy Benham’s commitment to the trades, his life values, and leadership.
Leroy Benham served in numerous officer roles before becoming the Newberg Noon Rotary President in 1994. Leroy managed the Rota-Dent program for 10 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. He believed 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.
Eligibility: The Leroy Benham Rotary Trades Scholarship shall be awarded to a Newberg High School, Catalyst High School or St. Paul High School graduate. Preference will be given to students planning a career in any skilled trade. The qualified applicant:
- Expresses high interest and demonstrated aptitude in a trade field
- Plans to pursue post high school education or training in a trade (enrolling in a trade school, apprenticeship program, community college or university)
- Attains a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above in high school
- Demonstrates excellent citizenship and respect for others
- Is willing to attend a personal interview with members of the Rotary Scholarship committee
To learn more about you, we would like you to submit one personal essay in response to the essay prompts below.
As you compose your essay, please tell us about the general activities you have done, including a specific example or two to demonstrate your eligibility for this scholarship.
Your response to the essay prompts should be no more than 500 words.
Essay for Leroy Benham Trades Scholarship
In 500 words or less, tell us about your
a) work experience in a trades field, the skills you have learned, and how that has inspired you to continue to develop those skills
b) specific plans to build on those experiences and skills to become qualified to work in a trades field
c) your thoughts about how to use your skills and career to make a positive difference in the world
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 College/University 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.”
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.
Ellen Bailey Harshbarger Scholarship
$3,000
The Ellen Bailey Harshbarger Scholarship shall be awarded to a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School. Preference will be given to those preparing for a career in education, particularly early childhood or elementary education.
Ellen Bailey Harshbarger Scholarship
This scholarship honoring Ellen Bailey Harshbarger was established in 2024 by her husband Paul and is administered by the Newberg Noon Rotary Club Foundation. The focus of this scholarship is to recognize a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School who best emulates Ellen Bailey Harshbarger’s life values of meeting significant challenges with courage and dignity.
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…”
Because Ellen‘s mother taught at the elementary level for her entire career, this scholarship will be awarded to a local high school graduating senior who intends to work toward a career in education. with preference given to those studying early childhood or elementary education.
All applicants for the Ellen Bailey Harshbarger Scholarship are encouraged to apply for the Ray Simonsen Scholarship as well. (Note: A student can be awarded only one scholarship.)
Eligibility: The Ellen Bailey Harshbarger Scholarship shall be awarded to a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School. Preference will be given to those preparing for a career in education, particularly early childhood or elementary education. The qualified applicant:
- Emulates Ellen Bailey Harshbarger’s life values of courage, dignity, and perseverance
- Plans to pursue post high school education to prepare for a career in education, preference given to elementary or early childhood education
- Attains a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
- Demonstrates excellent citizenship and respect for others
- Is willing to meet for a personal interview with members of the Rotary Scholarship committee
To learn more about you, we would like you to submit one personal essay in response to the essay prompts below.
As you compose your essay, please tell us about the general activities you have done, including a specific example or two to demonstrate your eligibility for this scholarship.
Your response to the essay prompts should be no more than 500 words.
Essay for Ellen Bailey Harshbarger Scholarship
In 500 words or less, tell us about your
a) work experience, paid or volunteer, with a focus on helping children learn and grow
c) how that experience has inspired you to enter the field of education, and which level you will prepare for
d) what you will bring to students to inspire their resilience and persistence in their own lives
Denise Bacon Scholarship
$3,000
The Denise Bacon Scholarship shall be awarded to a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School. Preference will be given to applicants with volunteer or work experience in any of the following: civic service, (e.g., library, city hall, elections, animal shelter, police); student government; helping the poor and/or unhoused.
Denise Bacon Scholarship
This scholarship, established in 2024 by the Newberg Noon Rotary Club Foundation, honors Denise Bacon. The focus of this scholarship is to recognize a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School who best emulates Denise Bacon’s life values, service, commitment to community, and leadership.
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. According to the official October 25, 2022, statement from the City of Newberg, “She never stopped dreaming about where Newberg is going and worked to make her ideas a reality. She earned the trust of the people she led because she always did what she said she would do. Denise’s legacy includes practicing kindness, showing compassion, and focusing on what brings us together as a community rather than what divides us.”
Eligibility: The Denise Bacon Scholarship shall be awarded to a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School. Preference will be given to applicants with volunteer or work experience in any of the following: civic service, (e.g., library, city hall, elections, animal shelter, police); student government; helping the poor and/or unhoused. The qualified applicant:
- Emulates Denise Bacon’s life values of kindness, compassion, and bringing people together into community
- Plans to pursue a career in civic service or government
- Attains a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
- Demonstrates excellent citizenship and respect for others
- Is willing to meet for a personal interview with selected members of the Rotary Scholarship committee
To learn more about you, we would like you to submit one personal essay in response to the essay prompts below.
As you compose your essay, please tell us about the general activities you have done, including a specific example or two to demonstrate your eligibility for this scholarship.
Your response to the essay prompts should be no more than 500 words.
Essay for Denise Bacon Scholarship
In 500 words or less, tell us about:
a) your volunteer or paid service to the community through civic or nonprofit organizations
b) your experience in bringing people together around common concerns or goals
c) how your service and experience has shaped your goals for your education and vocation
d) how your vocational goals will continue to work to build community, whether local, national, or global
Bill Dolan Scholarship
$7,500
The Bill Dolan Scholarship is funded and chosen by the Dolan family for a St. Paul High School student. Please contact the St. Paul High School counseling staff to apply for this scholarship.
Bill Dolan Scholarship
Bill Dolan graduated from Oregon State University in Agricultural Engineering in 1953. He was drafted into the Army and served in Korea at the end of the Korean War. Following his service, Bill started a career with RM Wade in Portland, designing and selling irrigation systems. From there he became a successful owner of Ernst Hardware in St. Paul, Ore., until he retired in 2000.
Bill joined the St. Paul Rodeo Association in 1966; was a SPR Director and its President from 2001-03. He served on the SPR Foundation Board and was inducted into the St. Paul Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2013. He dedicated 25 years to the St. Paul Fire Department as a firefighter and board member. Bill was honored as the Grand Marshall of the 2016 St. Paul Rodeo Fourth of July Parade.
Bill was a member of the Newberg Community Hospital Board and the Newberg Noon Rotary Club, serving as its President in 1997.
At Oregon State University, Bill served on the Board of Directors of the E. R. Jackman Foundation and he established the Dolan Family Agricultural Ambassador Scholarship Fund. The College of Agricultural Science has honored him as a Diamond Pioneer, but his greatest joy was to watch OSU sporting events with family and friends.
Stan Kern Scholarship
$3,000
The Stan Kern Scholarship shall be awarded to a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School. Preference will be given to students planning a career in health care or public health.
Stan Kern Scholarship
The Stan Kern Scholarship was established in 2025 by the Newberg Noon Rotary Club Foundation. The focus of this scholarship is to recognize a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School who best emulates Stan Kern’s life values, commitment to caring for others’ health, service, and leadership.
Stanley D. Kern’s legacy is one of service, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to improving the health and well-being of others. His journey from a small town in North Dakota to a respected medical practitioner in Oregon is a testament to his passion for healthcare and his desire to make a difference in the lives of those around him.
Stan grew up one of eight children in a small North Dakota town. He learned the values of hard work, community, and compassion. His mother battled diabetes, a sister was born with spina bifida, and his father pastored the local Nazarene church. These experiences inspired his future career path in medicine and his commitment to service.
Stan attended Northwest Nazarene University. From there, he went on to complete his medical degree at the University of Kansas.Two years spent studying in North Dakota and two in Lawrence, Kansas, helped him understand the diverse healthcare needs of rural and urban populations.
After earning his medical degree, Stan practiced medicine in Osceola, Missouri, and then in Cottage Grove, Oregon, where he and his wife Ramona felt drawn to the amazing beauty of the state. His dedication to family medicine and patient care became evident during his years there, eventually leading him to open his own medical practice as a family practice clinic in Newberg, Oregon. From 1963 until his retirement in 2005, Stan served the Newberg community with commitment and compassion, earning the trust and respect of countless patients.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Kern was known for his expertise in family medicine, his ability to treat patients of all ages, and his deep empathy for the people he cared for. Stan found that all of the most important values of his life were embodied in the mission of the local Newberg Rotary club; he was an active member for over 50 years.
Eligibility: The Stan Kern Scholarship shall be awarded to a graduate of Newberg High School or Catalyst High School. Preference will be given to students planning a career in health care or public health. The qualified applicant:
- Plans to pursue a college/university course of study
- Attains a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above
- Demonstrates excellent citizenship and respect for others
- Is willing to attend a personal interview with members of the Rotary Scholarship Committee
To learn more about you, we would like you to submit one personal essay in response to the essay prompts below.
As you compose your essay, please tell us about the general activities you have done, including a specific example or two to demonstrate your eligibility for this scholarship.
Your response to the essay prompts should be no more than 500 words.
Essay for Stan Kern Scholarship
In 500 words or less, tell us about
a) your work experience in health care or public health, both paid and volunteer
b) what you have learned from your work experience that motivates you to pursue a career that improves the health and well-being of the community
Newberg Rotary Scholarship Winners for 2025
2025 Scholarship Winners
| Student | High School | Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin Hernandez | Dayton High School | ABC Dayton |
| Clay Smith | St. Paul High School | Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee |
| Justice Chamberlain | Newberg High School | Denise Bacon |
| Kathryn Wharff | Newberg High School | Ellen Bailey Harshbarger |
| Brooke Faucher | Newberg High School | Joan Austin |
| Oliver Kolbet | Newberg High School | Ken Austin |
| Peyton Leifeste (Linfield) | Linfield University | Larry Bohnsack |
| Leo Keelan | Newberg High School | Leroy Benham |
| Mason Warberg | Newberg High School | Ray Simonsen |
| Jonathan Rapp | Newberg High School | Stan Kern |
| Lucy Woodruff | Catalyst High School | Community College |
| Addison Boock | Newberg High School | University/College |
| Sophia Cooke | Newberg High School | University/College |
| Dax Duggan | Newberg High School | University/College |
| Gavin Erickson | Newberg High School | University/College |
| Kingston Gottfried | Newberg High School | University/College |
| Thomas Gray | Newberg High School | University/College |
| Cora Hempel | Veritas High School | University/College |
| Kylie Jenkins | Newberg High School | University/College |
| Ethan Johnson | Newberg High School | University/College |
| Emma Kriehn | Newberg High School | University/College |
| Priyanka (Esther) Muthiah | Newberg High School | University/College |
| Mason Myers | Newberg High School | University/College |
| Benjamin Nipp | Newberg High School | University/College |
| Audra Rose | St. Paul High School | University/College |
| Rianne Schlachter | Newberg High School | University/College |
| Elise Steffen | Newberg High School | University/College |
| Dominic Tomaselli | Newberg High School | University/College |
| Alaina Voeller | Newberg High School | University/College |
