Education Together Foundation

Updated 4/11/26

Scholarship Donor Bios

Name	Established	Biography
A Tiger Advantage Scholarship	2022	A Tiger Advantage scholarship was started by Junction City residents Mae and Ryan, and is meant for a student who might not otherwise continue their education. Mae grew up in Junction City where she played three sports, loved school, and was awarded a life-changing scholarship that funded 90% of her higher education costs. The generosity of a stranger helped her attend a small liberal arts college and ultimately start her career as an application developer. Ryan found a home in Junction City by way of marriage. As a teenager he was excited about computers and technology, but opportunities to learn and grow in the field were limited; he graduated with a C+ average. After high school Ryan flourished at Western Oregon University, collecting degrees in Information Technology and Business. Mae and Ryan wholeheartedly believe that a person’s education shouldn’t be limited by their ability to afford it, and their academic potential is not defined only by high scholastic achievements. This scholarship is designed for a Tiger we know will succeed, a Tiger who just needs an advantage.
Amy and Todd Nystrom Scholarship	2021	The donor has not provided additional details about the scholarship.
Andresen Family Scholarship	2026	The Andresen family has been a part of the Junction City fabric since 1960. Verne (who turned 96 on March 23, 2026) was manager of the Junction City branch of the U.S. National Bank of Oregon for many years. His wife Alves (who is 95) was involved in teaching, community singing, and Scandinavian dancing. For 43 years, threee of the four Andresen brothers ran the Swedish Pancake Booth at the Scandinavian Festival, ending their run in 2022. The four brothers (there are no sisters) received all of their primary and secondary education at Junction City public schools, with Bruce graduating in 1972, Glen in 1974, Bryan in 1975 & Gordon in 1977. Music was – and still is – an important part of the Andresen family’s life. All of the brothers played in the JCHS band, and most are still playing an instrument 50 years later. We want to encourage students to develop a lifetime enjoyment of music, either as a performer, or an audience member, which is why we are offering this scholarship.
Betty Pitney Memorial Endowment Scholarship for LCC	2002	When our mother (Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Zeller Pitney) died in 2000, we knew that an Education Together Foundation endowed scholarship was the perfect memorial for someone who valued education and lifelong learning, especially for women. We knew she would be pleased and honored that this scholarship would be funded and awarded year after year. She grew up in a home where education was important, was the daughter of an Oregon State College (now University) botany professor, and her husband a Lane Community College Board member who served for 25 years. All four children graduated from OSU.
Bill and Terri Nielsen Endowed Fund	2021	The donor has not provided additional details about the scholarship.
Bob Butler Endowment	2014	Hello! In 1962 I graduated from South Eugene High and received a $300. “Future Teacher” scholarship. From 1966 – 1969, I was a Social Studies teacher at Junction City High, loved it there. Aside from distant cousins, I have no family left. This fund will help out a great bunch of families. And great new teachers. In a way, a memorial to all my fellow teachers at JCHS. All are gone now (I was the youngest in a school with years of stable, local staff) but many of them are in my memory.
Brooks & Arlene Cox Mikkelsen Endowment	1998	This scholarship is to be awarded to a graduating senior or continuing education college student who has demonstrated a commitment to increasing their knowledge in mathematics and/or music and whose activities or volunteer work have demonstrated interest in becoming a teacher or involvement in activities which support public education.
Bud and Betty Carpenter Endowment	2003	The Bud and Betty Carpenter Scholarship was established by the Carpenter Kids after our parents passed away. Our dad worked at Gibson Motor Company in Junction City starting in the lube rack and working his way to salesman, then sales manager, retiring after 37 years. He won many awards as Fords “Top Hatter” salesman for top truck sales in the Pacific Northwest. Dad was a member of the Masonic Lodge and a Shriner. Early morning hours during the festival, he would volunteer to sweep the streets downtown around the booths. He was a volunteer member the Junction City fire department. Mom stayed at home and was very involved in raising their family. She cooked, cleaned, was an amazing seamstress, canned everything possible and was active as a home room mother, Cub Scout leader, and helped with Brownies, Girl Scouts and the Rainbow Girls in Junction City. She was a member of the Eastern Star. During the summer mom would take all four of us kids to Hentze’s and help pick strawberries, cherries and beans until we were old enough to go on our own. She then worked summers at the local cannery to put money away for our college education. After the youngest graduated high school, mom worked as an aide at Oaklea Middle School. She absolutely loved working with young kids and was always looking out for the less fortunate or troubled kids. Our parents instilled in us that it was vitally important to further your education after high school. They understood a university wasn’t for everyone coming right out of high school, but believed that each student should be encouraged and given an opportunity to attend a technical school, trade school, community college or university. We hope this scholarship will assist in your own educational endeavors.
Buzz & Janet Gibson Scholarship	2021	The donor has not provided additional details about the scholarship.
Casey Wahi Memorial Scholarship	2007	This scholarship was set up in honor of my late wife Casey Wahi. Casey was born and raised in the Eugene-Springfield area. She went to the University of Oregon and Oregon State University graduating with a Masters Degree. Casey was passionate about education and children. She was a Member of the Eugene Active 20-30 Club along with her husband Vineet serving children in Lane County. She served as a middle school counselor at Oaklea Middle School until she passed away from Multiple Sclerosis in December 2005 at the age of 34. Casey was an upbeat, joyful and fearless woman who was well loved by her students, colleagues and family. She is missed every day. Being an educator is one of the most noble pursuits a person can take on. More important than that is to be kind and generous and a person of unwavering character whatever path life presents. Casey’s family and friends congratulate you on taking the next steps in your professional life and look forward to following your success in the years to come!
Dari Mart Stores Scholarship	2021	The donor has not provided additional details about the scholarship.
Dave & Tami Zech Scholarship	2021	Tami and I have supported Education Together for years, through donations and fundraisers within our Junction City Lions Club. Our club has participated in the Education Together Scholarship program for the 16 years I have been a member, and I have seen the positive impact it has had on the youth in our community. Tami and I are happy to participate on a personal level, and to give back to the community that has supported us through my agency.
David & Glenna Barker Scholarship	–	We established this scholarship because #1 – IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO! Glenna and I were born at a time (1945-1950) when advanced education offered great advantages, but wasn’t necessary in order to have a home, raise children (including their college) even save a little and have generally affordable health coverage. Careers with on the job training for advancement were plentiful and generally secure for us. My tuition (U of O ’68 – ’70) was $160/term with a full load. Toward the end of our working lives, that began to change. Automation, outsourcing /globalization, skyrocketing medical, housing, and education costs changed our generation’s lives. Advanced academic and/or technical education and training are nearly a necessity to meet today’s demands for well educated and highly trained workers. With today’s high costs for advanced education and training, we thought the best way to re-pay the great advantage we had by being born when we were, is to help today’s young people achieve what we took for granted. Just for info, I was a dump truck driver and Glenna drove school bus.
Dean & Tani Moes Memorial Endowment	2003	The donor has not provided additional details about the scholarship.
Dody & Stan Hall Education Endowment	2012	Dody and Stan Hall were both career teachers/educators in the Junction City public schools. Stan taught high school biology and Dody taught at Laurel Elementary. Dody and Stan raised 3 children in Junction City, all attending JC schools and graduating, Chip, Class of 1971, Leslie, Class of 1972 and Darcy, Class of 1974. Our family decided that to support a college bound JCHS graduate was the best way to honor our parents’ career commitment to Junction City schools and their students. The Hall Family is happy to honor our wonderful parents and provide scholarship assistance to an annual deserving JCHS graduate. Thank you so much to volunteers at Education Together Foundation.
Don & Dolly Deardoff Memorial Endowment	–	The family established the scholarship fund in honor of our father and mother who are both deceased. Don and Dolly Deardorff, owners of Eagle Veneer and Eagle Plywood. Both were avid supporters of kids and education.
Dr. Don Anderson Scholarship	2021	We have enjoyed being involved in various levels of K-12 education through teaching and administration. It is our desire, through this scholarship to encourage our next generation to become educators.
Dr. John & Stacy Hunts Scholarship	2012	This scholarship was established to help inspire students to continue their education and give back to the community.
Dr. Mary Whitlock and Wayne Earnshaw Scholarship	2004	Wayne and I both believe that the value of a well-rounded education prepares one for the challenges of the real world and life as well as the business world. Merit-based scholarships funded by generous donors also believing in the value of education, helped me, one of eight kids, achieve my goal of becoming a veterinarian and pursuing my dreams. Wayne, a descendent of an 1850 Oregon pioneer family, is the first university graduate in his family. Education is indeed power. Mary A. Whitlock, BS (biology), DVM – Graduate of University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Owner of Countryside Animal Clinic in Junction City for 27 years. Wayne L. Earnshaw, BS (political science and history) – Graduate of University of Oregon, 40 year career with the State of Oregon and practice manager of Countryside Animal Clinic upon retirement. 30+ years living and working in Junction City. Volunteering along the way, working hard with other community members, to do our part in making Junction City the proud community that it is today. Wherever you end up following your formal education, get involved in your community!
Dr’s Powell & Fredrickson Future in Medicine Scholarship	–	As a business located in Junction City, it is important for us to support the local area. We are specifically interested in helping the youth in our community. Once we heard about the opportunities that ETF scholarships afford local students, we were compelled to get involved. One of our owners, Dr. Fredrickson, was a recipient of a scholarship that was sponsored by a local dentist in Eugene. That was very encouraging to him and we hope to help many in that same spirit.
Eric and Sharon Schrenk Endowment	2006	Eric was born and raised in Junction City, graduated in 1971 from JCHS. We both feel strongly that the youth in the area benefit from education. We gave the scholarship to thank all students who worked for us over the years (1988 – 2004). It is an honor to Harold and Lois Schrenk as well, for Lois’ commitment to 4-H youth. We had originally wanted it for Ag-Ed – but with so many already dedicated to Ag, we were honored to be able to help in any way.
Ernie Gent Memorial Scholarship	2025	In memory and honor of Ernie Gent who owned a ranch in Cheshire for 60 years where he raised cattle, horses and six children. Ernie loved family and his faith. He lived a frugal and modest life, he enjoyed learning and supported the education and professional development of his children. He passed away from cancer in 2013 but lives on in our hearts and memories. We encourage you to work hard and keep going even when things get tough.
ETF Community Memorial Endowment	2002	The Education Together Foundation Memorial Endowment is made up of funds donated in memory of beloved community members. Donations are compiled and awarded to deserving students with ties to the Junction City community.
ETF Endowment	2002	The Education Together Foundation endowment was started in 2002. Through these funds the ETF Board awards scholarships to deserving students with strong roots in Junction City, OR.
Function 4 Junction	–	The donor has not provided additional details about the scholarship.
Gary & Beverley Nelson Memorial Scholarship	2022	Gary and Beverley Nelson are native to the Junction City area. They valued hard work and investment in personal educational goals as well as supporting the community and propping-up commitment and vision. They both had a lifetime of personal and professional interest and experience in the culinary and hospitality industry.
Gary and Carol Holm Scholarship	2021	We established this scholarship because it is important to pay it forward in life. Gary was a 1973 graduate of JCHS. Our daughters graduated in 2005 and 2007. They were both recipients of Education Together Scholarships. Four generations of the Holm/Hentze families on each side have been JCHS graduates. Education is very important to all and should be supported by everyone. Giving a graduate a helping hand to further their education holds real value to us. Learning a trade by attending a Trade School is just as valuable as attending a four-year college. This world will always need trade laborers be it welders, electricians, chefs, bakers, hair stylist, etc. The world is your oyster… grab a hold of it and enjoy the ride!
Gary Straube Memorial Endowment	–	Gary and Pat Straube are both graduates of a University and education was very important in our lives. It gave us the knowledge and confidence to become successful business people in our local community. We have been giving a scholarship for several years and have now set up an endowment scholarship in memory of Gary. Gary was a managing partner in a family business and was instrumental in the growth and success of the Dari-Mart Stores.
Gayle Denison Strome Memorial Endowment	2001	The donor has not provided additional details about the scholarship.
Geoffrey D. Butler Memorial Endowment Fund	2022	Geoff Butler attended Junction City Schools all 12 years. He enjoyed the sports, including wrestling and football, and made it to states some of those seasons. Later, he continued his education by receiving degrees from LCC in Auto Mechanics and from Pioneer Pacific College in Informtation Technology. Geoff was a “fit-it” person. While in high school the work study program sent himto Bob Fountain’s Motorcycles Shop, instilling a fascination of motorcycle riding and various projects. Junction City’s motorhome businesses were a natural occupation for Geoff and as they left town, he became a go-to-guy for home repair, barn resoration, fixing all types of motor vehicles, and maintaining the rental equipment for B&I Hardware. Geoff was avid in Land Sailing with High Desert Land Sailing Association, Mini Skeeter Iceboats, Oregon Classic Muscle Cares, several motor clulbs, American Motor Cross Association, restoring his 58 Ford Fairlane and spending time with friends and family.
Hagan Hamilton Insurance Scholarship	2022	Our business, Hagan Hamilton, cares very much about our Junction City community. Being able to recognize some young individuals in our community that are excelling in their education, is so awesome. We are very proud to offer these scholarships and we know that these young individuals will find great success, and make us all very proud.
Harley Hagen Memorial Scholarship	2026	Harley & his family were neighbors & very close friends with our family for the 25 years or so that we lived on Ferguson Rd…in reality we wee all family. Harley & I served on the Education Together Foundation board together for many years – because of our shared love for ET and its mission, this feels like a fitting tribute! Harley had a long teaching career at JCHS. He graduated from the Uiniversity of Michigan with an NROTC scholarship & began his teaching career at JCHS in 1969. He taught Math & Physics , became the head of the Math Department, & also took on the role of Student Government Advisor. He was instrumental in beginning the Three Sisters Climb as a way to bring different social sets together. He also was a volunteer coach for younger basketball teams during the school year, as well as a coach for summer league teams – all of which gostered the development of the JCHS basketball program. Though he retired from teaching in 1991, he never lost his love of the profession or his deep caring for students and their futures.
Harper & Rear Endowment: in Memory of Tom & Janet Harper	–	This scholarship shall be awarded to an applicant who has demonstrated success at the college or university level. The donor has asked that in even years the scholarship be presented in memory of Tom and Janet Harper, and in odd years the scholarship be presented in memory of Angela Harper Rear McCool.
Howard & Gladys Gibson Endowment	2008	Howard and Gladys began a business here in Junction City in 1941, which today consist of 44 convenience stores, a large dairy and farming operation and a milk and ice cream production facility. Howard began his career as a vocational agriculture teacher, then went to work for the government in the soil conservation department and they then bought their own farm here in Junction City. Education was most important to them both and it is with love that they give this scholarship. The Dari-Mart employees have added to these funds to be awarded to honor the Gibson family instead of getting each a Christmas present.
JCHS Class of 2004 Scholarship	2024	Members of the Junction City High School Class of 2004 live close to home and far away. Donations arrived from Eastern Oregon, Portland, Junction City, and as far away as Nevada. In the 20th year since graduation, we decided to fund a scholarship for one of our classmates’ children.
Jerry and Betty Marguth Scholarship	2023	The Marguths wish to assist students who desire to further their education in the pursuit of careers in the natural resources fields or careers in the vocational trades
Jim Higgins Endowment	2007	The donor has not provided additional details about the scholarship.
Jim Pitney Memorial Endowment	2010	Since we had already established an Education Together Foundation scholarship in honor of our mother, Betty Pitney, when she died in 2000, we wished to fulfill our father’s wishes to establish a second scholarship in his name after he died in 2010. He believed in education, supported students, and did initial work on a book about the pioneer schools of the area. James Bushnell ‘Jim’ Pitney grew up on the family farm where his mother, Ellen a teacher and former principal at JCHS, had unusual respect for education and learning. He went to Oak Grove School, graduated from Junction City High School and Oregon State College (now University) with a B. S. in Agricultural Education. Following his belief in the importance of community service and education, he was elected to the Lane Community College Board of Education and served for 25 years. Our father (born in 1920 in Clatskanie, OR) lived and farmed on the original Junction City donation land claim settled in 1853 by his pioneer great-grandparents, John and Elizabeth Pitney. After meeting our mother at Oregon State, the two built a home on the farm on Pitney Lane and began raising sheep, then turkeys and finally milking up to 120 cows twice a day for 39 years, selling the milk to Darigold-Co-op. They also raised four children, all graduates of OSU. Dad was a dairy and grass seed farmer and community volunteer, serving as Board Chair, Junction City Historical Society; lifelong United Methodist; JC Federal Land Bank, and LCC Board for 25 years, receiving the Howard Cherry Award for Outstanding Service. He was also named JC Outstanding Citizen in 1997-98 by the JC Chamber of Commerce. Our family is deeply appreciative of the opportunity to share our family’s commitment to education, community service and lifelong learning through the two endowed scholarships created in honor of our parents, Jim and Betty Pitney.
Joe & Pam Dickey Scholarship	–	The donor has not provided additional details about the scholarship.
John & Ardeth Haurigan Endowment	2003	This scholarship was established to honor the lives of two long-time Junction City residents who made their way to Oregon from Fremont, Nebraska in the late 1940’s. Hearing of plentiful job opportunities and beautiful country out West, John and Ardeth packed their belongings and two Young children in the car and hit the road with nothing but a couple of changes of clothes and a few days of picnic dinners. John soon landed a job in auto body restoration and mechanics shop in town and Ardeth, a talented seamstress and baker, sewed for her kids and baked for her family, neighbors, and friends. John was an avid gardner and football fan. In fact, he refereed high school football games as a side hustle, bringing home plenty of humorous stories from the sidelines of Coaches Peden and Ruecker. Ardeth spent summer months on the graveyard shift as a floor boss at the Cannery, causing all kinds of good-fun pranks with her (legendary) “cannery lady” friends. Through their lives, our family experienced a community that cared and that took pride in hard work, kindness, and generosity toward others. This scholarship honors their story the value they demonstrated in education and paying it forward. After their children were grown, with but a HS diploma and solid determination to do better, John went back to school to pursue a college degree. Working by day and studying by night, he earned a Bachelor’s in education and then Masters in behavioral health and counseling. These led to a career as an LCC instructor and head of the auto body paint shop, helping learners discover their own career paths and, in his spare time, counseling troubled kids who were not unlike him in his youth. John and Ardeth would be thrilled to know their lives had a place, however small, inspiring that of a Junction City student who shares their love for community.
Judy Piercy LCC Scholarship	2026	The donor of this $3,000 scholarship is Chuck Piercy, JCHS Class of 1981. It was donated in honor of his mother Judy Piercy, a longtime Junction City resident and past member of the Education Together Foundation’s board of directors. The scholarship is for a JCHS graduate “registered in a Certificate or Associate Degree program at Lane Community College.” In late 1966 Judy traveled to this area with her two toddlers, Chuck and younger sister Shannon (Class of 1982). They traveled here from Idaho on a Greyhound bus with four boxes of belongings and a $186 state welfare check. After arriving, Judy was hired as an on-the-job trainee secretary at LCC for no pay. Soon, she was hired permanently and worked there eight years. Judy said that work experience at Lane Community College changed her life forever; as well as the future for her two children.
Junction City Lions Club Scholarship	1998	The donor has not provided additional details about the scholarship.
Junction City School District Employees Annual Scholarship Donation	2013	This scholarship was established at the beginning of the 2013-14 school year. Each fall, all JCSD employees are provided with information about the Education Together Foundation, and offered the opportunity to donate to this scholarship via monthly payroll deductions. Many of our district’s employees are alumni themselves, and still others have had their own children educated in our schools. Many have personally benefited from the support and generosity of ETF and are eager to “give back”. The district’s scholarship donors include administrators, teachers and other licensed staff, and classified employees such as instructional assistants and food service personnel. We all know what a difference the support of ETF makes in the lives of our students and are delighted to be a part of this wonderful home-grown program.
Justin Moore Memorial Endowment	1998	Justin loved Junction City and he loved school. Not only the education that he received but the social aspects as well as sports. This scholarship is in honor of his love of JCHS. Justin attended Kindergarten – 9th grade in Junction City. Justin was very social, loved baseball, soccer and basketball and spending time with his grandparents and his many friends. He is remembered for his kindness, laughter and wonderful personality. I received an Education Together Scholarship in 1991 as an adult returning to school. The education I received then changed my life as well as Justin’s. I am thankful to be able to offer this opportunity to others in Justin’s memory.
Kade Moore Memorial Scholarship	2026	This is the second time the friends of the Moore family have provided a scholarship in memory of Kade. Kade Moore passed away in 2017 at the way too young age of 14. Shortly after he was born, he experienced infantile seizures and then battled cerebral palsy. Even though he was disabled, his parents included him in all the family activities. He especially enjoyed attending his brothers sports events. His older brother Kyle, graduated in 2017 and his younger brother, Kaleb graduates this year. They are fourth generation Moore graduates of JCHS.
Ken & Maxine Hays Memorial Endowment	2007	Our parents and family lived in Junction City and all of us kids attended Junction City schools. Our parents arrived in the fall of 1949 – Dad as a high school teacher and coach. Mom was involved in lots of school and civic activities. We wanted to honor them by providing a scholarship to a deserving high school graduate to further their education. All three of us graduated college and know how important that is. Ken Hays taught school at Junction City off and on for twenty-five years. He also coached basketball at several different times for JCHS. Maxine Hays over the years was involved in the schools and when she died she was serving as the Education Together Foundation chairperson.
Ken Jackson Construction Scholarship	2025	Ken Jackson Construction wants to support young people going into the trades. Skilled trades are honorable and satisfying work that also allow young people a great living to support a family while learning lifetime skills.
Lee Chase Crossman Endowment	2003	Lee Chase Crossman graduated from Junction City High School in 1946. She attended Eugene Bible College, Good Samaritan School of Nursing in Portland, Oregon and Biola College in Los Angeles, California to study missionary medicine. Lee worked as a missionary in Liberia, Africa, she was a school nurse in Powers, Oregon and was Director for Nursing Care at Nursing Home in Roseburg, Oregon. This endowment was established to honor Lee by supporting education in the medical field.
Lochmead Dairy Scholarship	2000	The Gibson family awards a scholarship to help a student with the heavy burden of school finances. In years past we were able to hire many students during the summer to help earn funds for school, but with the labor laws as they are we are not allowed to hire young people. Hopefully this will help buy some books. Agriculture has so many areas of study and we encourage young people to pursue a career in this field. The Gibson family believes in supporting the community and education.
Lochmead Farms Scholarship	2001	The Gibson family is proud to award a scholarship to help a deserving student with the heavy burden of school finances. We believe it is important to support our community and the education of our local students. Agriculture has many areas of study and we encourage young people to pursue a career in this varied and exciting field
Long Tom Grange-Larry Crowley Commemorative Endowment	2007	In 2005 Larry Crowley was the Mayor of Junction City when we began our Grange Calendar fundraiser. He was in the calendar and very much loved by all the rest of the “calendar men”. When he died we all decided to donate funds for a scholarship in his name. Above all Larry loved his community. His short life serves as a model for those of us who knew him. Stay involved with the community and people wherever you live.
Lucile & Elmer Andrews Memorial Endowment	2008	When our family heard about the Education Together Foundation in Junction City, we decided to fund a scholarship in honor of our parents, Lucile and Elmer Andrews, in lieu of exchanging Christmas gifts. Gradually we added funds beyond the amount for the yearly scholarship, and worked to fund the endowment you have been awarded this year. Congratulations! We hope this will help to enable the path of study you have chosen. Elmer and Lucile Andrews raised five kids in the home they built on Maple Street. They were enthusiastic community members with Elmer serving on the City Council for many years, Mom on the School Board, they both were part of the group that started the Scandinavian Festival. In fact, the children’s dancing was started by Mom finding dances, playing them on the piano for any kids to enjoy whether in our living room, at church, or at the organized children’s practices. Dad was the one who had Norwegian heritage and sang in the Community Chorus, Mom accompanied the choir and created beautiful costumes for the family to wear. We all were part of the dancing, pageants, and working in booths during the festival. We thank Education Together for providing the opportunity for us to fund an ongoing scholarship in memory of our parents.
Marie & Quentin “Bunny” Barker Memorial Endowment	–	The donor has not provided additional details about the scholarship.
Mark Anderson Memorial Scholarship	2026	Mark, his son and daughter attended all of the Junction City schools and graduated from JCHS. Mark graduated in 1971. In 1978 he bought shares in Andersons Erosion Control Inc. He spent his life working in the roadside construction field in the states of Oregon, Washington California and Idaho. He worked long hard days building a business but he always found time for some fund enjoying boats and camping with family and friends over the years. Mark never knew a stranger and was a friend of many.
Max & Rose Strauss Memorial Scholarship Endowment	2007	The purpose is to award an annual scholarship to a JCHS graduate, with preference given to an applicant who has demonstrated leadership and involvement in school and community activities.
Michael Barker Memorial Endowment	2021	Mike Barker grew up in Junction City and graduated from Junction City High School. He excelled in sports, especially basketball and golf. He spent ten years in the air force and later earned his pilot license. It was his wish to give back to the students of Junction City High School.
Michael T. DuBrowa Memorial Endowment	2002	My father, Michael DuBrowa, was a high school social studies teacher in the Junction City school district for two decades, and coached soccer (he was named Boys AA Soccer Coach of the Year in 1989), basketball and softball. He was recognized as Junction City Educator of the Year in 2001 and was named posthumously to the school’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. Dad passed from cancer at age 57 and felt very strongly about education as a “lever” for future development and lifelong opportunity – this is why we established the Michael DuBrowa Memorial Scholarship in 2002, so that our family could give an annual gift to a graduating Junction City senior interested in social justice so that they might use it to extend their education at the college level. Dad didn’t get to “finish his work,” as he might have said, but the scholarship helps to extend this legacy and interest in the students he spent his entire career educating and serving. He is survived by my stepmother Karen Higgins, who also taught for a time in the JC district at Oaklea Middle School; and my sister Kirsten Manning Du Browa (who resides in Salem, OR). We are pleased to have helped so many JCHS students go on to pursue their passion at the college level and dad would have looked forward to meeting them all and taking pride in their accomplishments, both educational and personal.
Nurses Supporting Nurses Scholarship	2022	The donor has not provided additional details about the scholarship.
OCCU Credit Union Scholarship	2026	At OCCU Credit Union we believe in giving back to those in need. We give high priority to initiatives that create opportunities for youth and align with our passion for education, financial literacy, and the overall well-being of our community. We seek to serve and actively contribute to the communities where our members and employees live and work. We provide and support educational programs and we place a special emphasis on youth development and direct classroom impact.
Patrick & Janice Adelman Scholarship	2004	Education is of the utmost importance in our society, especially for girls. Our three daughters were all Valedictorians of their class. In order to help young adults succeed in school, we want to help make the financial side of a formal education a little easier for a determined, motivated successful high school student. Education Together Foundation knows how to find the deserving student. Although our scholarship won’t pay for everything needed, it is our wish that the recipient work hard to graduate with a degree in a timely matter. It will be of the best benefit if you do. Don’t ever give up!
Ray and Emily Swart Endowment	2022	The donor has not provided additional details about the scholarship.
Rohl Joint Trust Scholarship	2021	Dick is from upstate New York, graduated from Oklahoma State University, and has worked in forestry and the forest products industry since the early 1970s. Mary Lou is from Roseburg and worked in the accounting field also since the early ‘70s. We are now retired from traditional 8 to 5 jobs and own timber and timberland in Lane and Linn counties. Many people have helped us during the years to achieve a degree of success and we want to pay it forward. Scholarship funding is one method. We believe the Education Together Foundation is a great way to connect with local students and assist them in their further education.
Ron Anderson Scholarship, A & K Development Co. and Pacific Metal Fabrication Scholarship	–	I established this scholarship because I own and operate a manufacturing factory. We have a large need for educated workers. Our website is akdco.net, please check it out.
Scandia Golf Tournament Fund in Memory of Lance Evenson	2017	Lance Evenson and Ted Poissant, best friends and who both graduated from JCHS in 1979, started the annual Scandia Golf Tournament in 1998 as a way to raise scholarships funds for Junction City Graduates. This was there way to give back to their high school and community they grew up in. In 2016 after 18 years of heading up the golf tournament, Lance Evenson passed away from a short and unexpected battle with cancer. As a way to honor and remember Lance, the Scandia Golf Tournament was transformed into the Lance Evenson Memorial Golf Tournament and has grown every year. In 2021, the tournament had 108 players and raised over $3200 to help fund two annual scholarships. As a tribute to Lance, the criteria set up to become eligible for these scholarships in his name is someone who is a recent JCHS graduate who played sports and is looking to further their education in the vocational, technical or trades schools. Lance was a three sports star at JCHS and furthered his education in a trade school and his family thought it was fitting to provide the same educational opportunity that Lance chose for himself.
Soroptimist International of Junction City Scholarship Donation	2002	Soroptimist International of Junction City decided to fund a scholarship to an adult woman in our community to enhance her earning ability And we also benefit from branding our organization in the community as providers for women. It is in honor of all members. But, no one in particular. It recognizes our mission statement, “Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Our entire membership wishes the recipient great success. Eventually, we hope you will become a member and help other women succeed.
Soroptimist International of Junction City Endowment	2009	Soroptimist International of Junction City decided to fund an endowment to provide a scholarship to an adult woman in our community to enhance her earning ability and to establish this scholarship for long term. And we also benefit from branding our organization in the community as providers for women. It is in honor of all members. But, no one in particular. It recognizes our mission statement, “Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Our entire membership wishes the recipient great success. Eventually, we hope you will become a member and help other women succeed.
Starns Family Endowment	2001	Four generations from the Starns family have graduated from Junction City High School. Our parents farmed in Junction City, raised their family here and believed in education and community. It is our hope to assist a good student with good citizenship to further their education. Then return to some community and become a productive citizen in that community.
Strome-Fisher Farm Scholarship	2001	Strome-Fisher Farm established this scholarship in 2001, to be awarded to a graduating senior that plans to pursue a career in Agriculture or a Natural Resource field that supports Agriculture. When the scholarship was first created applicants needed to have two years of active involvement in Future Farmers of America (FFA). Now that Junction City High School has an active FFA Chapter we would like to see that requirement return for future recipients.
Superintendent of Junction City School District	2021	Dr. Kathleen Rodden-Nord established the JCSD Superintendent’s scholarship in 2021 after serving as JCSD’s Superintendent for 18 years. In 2022, his first year as JCSD Superintendent, Troy Stoops generously continued funding the annual scholarship.
Susie Irwin Memorial Endowment	1991	In memory of a mother, sheep rancher and community leader, the Susie Irwin scholarship was established by her family in 1999 to honor this one of a kind woman. She was fiercely determined believing if you needed something accomplished on the ranch, in the schools or in the community you just rolled up your sleeves, got a few like-minded friends together and got it done. She yelled the loudest at athletic events and was the strongest voice of support for her children and all of Junction City’s kids. She was 42 when she died of colon cancer. A short life leaving a huge footprint of service and dedication to our community.
Taylor Family Scholarship	2014	Both of our children received ETF Scholarships, and this was helpful in their success. We feel that education is crucial to society, and we want to give other students the same opportunity as our children. Now, our children are contributing to this scholarship to match our contribution as a testament to their gratitude and belief in this program, and to assist in keeping it going! We decided from the onset to create a scholarship that can be renewed by the recipient for five continuous years, as long as they keep up the requirements.
The Active 20/30 Club Casey Wahi Endowment	2007	This scholarship was set up in honor of my late wife Casey Wahi. Casey was born and raised in the Eugene-Springfield area. She went to the University of Oregon and Oregon State University graduating with a Masters Degree. Casey was passionate about education and children. She was a Member of the Eugene Active 20-30 Club along with her husband Vineet serving children in Lane County. She served as a middle school counselor at Oaklea Middle School until she passed away from Multiple Sclerosis in December 2005 at the age of 34. Casey was an upbeat, joyful and fearless woman who was well loved by her students, colleagues and family. She is missed every day. Being an educator is one of the most noble pursuits a person can take on. More important than that is to be kind and generous and a person of unwavering character whatever path life presents. Casey’s family and friends congratulate you on taking the next steps in your professional life and look forward to following your success in the years to come!
Tiger Alumni Scholarship	2001	In December, 1999 the Education Together Foundation Board of Directors kicked off a campaign to establish the Tiger Alumni Scholarship Fund by reaching out to JCHS Alumni. We reached our initial goal of $30,000 and strive to reach our new goal of $250,000. We thank our generous donors who have given over $232,000. With their help we have been able to award 89 scholarships to children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of JCHS Alumni.
Virgin Family Endowment	2022	The donor has not provided additional details about the scholarship.
Wilcox Family Endowment	2025	Congratulations on receiving the WILCOX FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP! Our belief is the strength of a community lies within the school system. Our sons spent 1-12 in the district. Having two sons graduate from JCHS and continue their education was of upmost importance. We are thankful for the education they received and are hopeful the scholarship will help with your continuing education. Always remember “Tiger Pride” and we wish you success in your future! Dave, Merle, Josh & Justin Wilcox
Wilcox Family Scholarship	2021	Congratulations on receiving the WILCOX FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP! Our belief is the strength of a community lies within the school system. Our sons spent 1-12 in the district. Having two sons graduate from JCHS and continue their education was of upmost importance. We are thankful for the education they received and are hopeful the scholarship will help with your continuing education. Always remember “Tiger Pride” and we wish you success in your future! Dave, Merle, Josh & Justin Wilcox
448 Fitness Scholarship	2025	Local business owner who felt it was important to give back to the community. Now that our children are coming to the end of their college experiences we are looking forward to helping other local children reach their educational goals.