More than four dozen seniors at Marshfield High School received a major helping hand for the next step of their academic journey Wednesday.
During a scholarship ceremony at Marshfield, the MHS Community and Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded close to $400,000 in scholarships to 55 seniors. That included $94,160 to students planning to attend Southwestern Oregon Community College and $76,300 to four students planning to study for trades or vocations.
Seven of the scholarships were multi-year awards, giving students money for up to four years in college.
Most of the scholarships were awarded in memory of individuals or couples who supported public education in their lives and in death.
The scholarship fund receives donations from community members and invests the funds to ensure there is money that can be awarded each year.
In 2023, every senior who applied received at least one scholarship, with most receiving multiple awards.
The $400,000 total does not include awards from other community organizations or colleges and universities, but the money will help ensure the 55 students have a strong opportunity to excel at the next academic level.
During the ceremony, Les Engle was also honored for chairing the scholarship committee for 40 years. During that time, Engle has led a group of volunteers who have increased the annual scholarships from around $3,000 the first year to close to $400,000 in 2023.
To learn more or donate for future scholarships, visit www.marshfieldalumni.org