Local students named to All-Oregon Academic Team

SALEM — Chad Doherty, of Heppner, and Matthew Millhaem, of Umatilla, were named among the 55 members selected for the Oregon Community College Association’s 2024 All-Oregon Academic Team. Both attend Blue Mountain Community College.

“Congratulations to these outstanding scholars for their exceptional achievements in academics, leadership, and community service,” Jane Ried, OCCA board president said. “We eagerly anticipate honoring them at the upcoming luncheon to recognize their accomplishments.”

In addition, Doherty was among the students selected to speak at the recognition luncheon on April 19 at Chemeketa Community College in Salem. The keynote speaker was Rep. Tawna Sanchez, D-Portland.

The Oregon Community College Association represents the 17 publicly chartered community colleges and their locally elected board members in Oregon. For more information, search www.occa17.com.

Mahato receives Ph.D. at South Dakota school

BROOKINGS, S.D. — South Dakota State University announced March 7 that Gena Ram Mahato, of Pendleton, graduated following the 2023 summer and fall semesters.

Mahato received a doctorate of philosophy and a graduate certificate from SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering.

Based in Brookings, South Dakota, the school was founded in 1881. For more information, search www.sdstate.edu.

Pilot Rock celebrates student achievements

PILOT ROCK — A dozen students at Pilot Rock High School were inducted into the National Honor Society on March 5 during a ceremony at the school.

Advisor Helen Doherty and Principal David Norton introduced pinned members Lewis Hansen, Lillie Holman and Seth Umpleby. Also, probationary members are Aubrey Corwin, Gabriel Endersby, Coley Gibbs, Issabella Hiatt, Ayden Hoeft, Krister Litfin, Caleb Price, Hailey Thieme and Kaija Warren.

The celebration also recognized the first semester honor roll:

Seventh grade: 4.0: Adelaide Byrnes, Autumn Severe, Lucas Thieme. 3.9-3.5: Layne Hoffman, Ashton Markle, Rietta VanHouten, Eli Wilson. 3.49-3.0: Layce Bucher, Adam Hoeft, Teagan Prine, Kacen Zeckman.

Eighth grade: 4.0: Abigail Bensel, Audrey Umpleby, Dallie Wilcox. 3.9-3.5: Rylee Bedard, Abbigail Johnson, Landon Norton, Stevee Osborn, Elisha Sanchez, Andrea Schonert, Gage Williams. 3.49-3.0: Tucker Holton, Lydia Henderson, Hailey Severe, Trevor Rhodes.

Ninth grade: 4.0: Jada Deist, Paige Hansen, Gracee Hemphill, Jadian Hiatt, Kessa Litfin. 3.49-3.0: Lauren Bohms, Wyatt Fitzpatrick, Alyssa Turner, Logan Gourlie, Gibson Reynolds.

10th grade: 4.0: Aubrey Corwin, Coley Gibbs, Issabella Hiatt, Hailey Thieme 3.9-3.5: Alexander Anderson, Andrea Black, Karmin Downing, Gabriel Endersby, Ayden Hoeft, Shaiya Larson, Neela Spain, Carter Vanhouten-Chase, Kaija Warren. 3.49-3.0: Jullian Endersby, Almudena Fernandez Nieto, Kashley Golden, Andres Machado Pizarro.

11th grade: 4.0: Maise Bensel, May Benson, Emily Brown, Lewis Hansen, Lillie Holman, Krister Litfin, Nakayla Myrland, Caleb Price, Seth Umpleby, Matthew Wynder. 3.9-3.5: Sophia Helgeson, Eli Hinkle, John McBride, Alison Warner, Lynn Williams. 3.49-3.0: Presley Cartmell, Hunter Fitzpatrick, Carter Ford, Brianna Larson, Shelby Talbot, Emmett Young.

12th grade: 4.0: Bryson Baleztena, Paige Moffet, Ali Smith, Miles Standley. 3.9-3.5: Paedyn Bennett, Chase Corwin, Broc Erickson, Magdalena Taylor. 3.49-3.0: Yolanda Alvarez, Blaze Basye, James Lunzmann, Brock Stelk, Jaxynn Thurmond.

Oregon Wheat Foundation announces 2024 scholarship winners

PENDLETON — A dozen students across Eastern Oregon each received $2,000 through the 2024 Oregon Wheat Foundation scholarship program.

Local recipients include Alison Spratling, of Pendleton High School; Addison Perkins, of Weston-McEwen High School; Grace Claughton, of Arlington High School; Courtney Coelsch, of Sherman County High School; and Morgan Cutsforth and Cameron Proudfoot, both of Heppner High School.

“This year’s cohort of applicants impressed us not only with their academic achievements but also with their passion for the agricultural sector,” Chairman Tom Winn, of the Oregon Wheat Foundation, said. “It is truly an honor for the foundation to invest in these bright minds as they embark on their educational journey.”

Each year, the Oregon Wheat Foundation selects up to 12 graduating high school seniors who are the children of a grower member of the Oregon Wheat Growers League, or whose parents are employed by a grower member. The scholarship program is also open to students who have worked for local growers.

The Oregon Wheat Foundation was formed in 1980 to promote Oregon’s wheat industry. It raises money for specific projects, including its scholarship program. For more information, visit www.owgl.org.

— East Oregonian