Hermiston Altrusa awards scholarships
Published 2:02 pm Monday, November 9, 2020
HERMISTON — Altrusa International of Hermiston announced four recipients of the Linda Gilleese Memorial Scholarship.
Cristal Artz, a third-grade teacher at Desert View Elementary School in Hermiston, received $1,000. Artz subbed in Hermiston for two years before being hired. She attends Western Governors University, working toward her master’s degree in teaching.
Savannah Torres wants to return to Hermiston, after graduating from Oregon Health & Science University, to work as a medical/surgical nurse. She has worked full time at a local flower shop, Sun Terrace and Good Shepherd Hospital, as well as being a CNA at Regency. Torres received $1,000.
Kelly De La Cruz also attends Western Governors University, where she is working toward a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She is a graduate of Hermiston High School, where she became interested in accounting and is hoping to be hired by a local firm. She said her goal is to be a role model for both her young daughter and her brother, whom she is raising by herself after her mom died of cancer. De La Cruz received $500.
Mariana Macias also attended HHS, as well as Blue Mountain Community College. She is currently a senior at Portland State University with a major in accounting and a minor in Spanish. She is attending school and working full time to cover all of her living and school expenses. Someday, after graduating and interning in an accounting firm, Macias hopes to open her own accounting firm. She received $500.
Next spring brings more opportunity for Altrusa scholarships, as the Dorothy Juve Scholarship will be available for applications. Applicants should be currently enrolled in a post-high school program and be two-thirds finished with the program. Applicants are asked to provide a cover letter with information about their goals, work history, and need. They may reapply.