Class Acts: Graduation 2022

Graduation

Springfield | Creswell |

Cottage Grove | Pleasant Hill

■ Senior portraits

■ Coverage of ceremonies

■ Superlatives and scholarships

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Thursday, June 23, 2022

Contents 3 Thurston High School 7 Creswell High School 12 Springfield High School

18 Cottage Grove High School 22 Pleasant Hill High School 28 Online/Home schools 31 Academy of Arts & Academics

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ABOUT THE COVER

The Chronicle attended six graduation ceremonies in June, and our photographers covered the events from Springfield to Creswell to Cottage Grove. Bradley Cook captured our cover photo during Thurston High School's ceremonies, delivering a compelling photo that captures the triumph of graduation for a class that has endured a global pandemic duringits career.

STAFF Noel Nash Publisher Erin Tierney Executive editor Erin Tierney Ryleigh Norgrove Lillian Stafford Ron Hartman Dana Merryday Writers

Bradley Cook Bobby Stevens Bob Williams Photographers Amy Saling Turner Sales Jessica Lemmon Digital / Marketing

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Springfield High School VALEDICTORIANS Ashley Bakker Katie Anderson Melia Cook Addison Sattler Ryan Hinton SALUTATORIANS Braeden Reynolds Jordan Pageau Madelyn Nover OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT Kazia Franklin Kellen Bond Bailey Posey Chase Sattler Sydney Sattler Dylan Swearingen Carlos Vasquez Lopez Braiden Summers Isabel Ilia Melody Lopez-Tellez Andrew Harwood Pamela Gomez

Photos by Bobby Stevens

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Looking onward toward the crowd – be it in bleachers, fold-up chairs or auditorium seats – eyes squinted and smiles widened as the Classes of 2022 locked eyes with their loved ones, all beaming with pride from a milestone well-earned.

Ron Otterstedt, retired Springfield educator, took to the stage at Silke Field last week to celebrate Springfield High grads.

He said that for most of the graduating classes, the road to graduation was like being on a freeway: “Straight, fast, maybe a pothole or two, but essentially an easy ride. Other classes took a detour or two along the way … but you, you’ve been off-roading,” he said. “The last few years were hard. You had to relearn how to learn. I had to relearn how to teach. It was a constant struggle to adapt to changing rules and expectations.” But those challenges will reap even greater successes, he said.

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Springfield High School Brianna Abreu Jada Abron-Hylton Elijah Gregory Agee LillYana Aguilar-Rucker Josseline Alarcon Lara Esperanza Maria Alejandre Jorge Daniel Alfaro Garcia Jimena Alvarado-Candelas

Cristian Alexander Alvarez-Alvarado

Charlie Dee Aman-Wilde Priscilla Ancheta Katie Lynn Anderson Daphney Arambula Mercy Victoria Arellano-Kennedy Melanie Marie Arzaga Jesse Jo Austin-Chicarino Kyle Raymond Babcock Ashley Priya Bakker Baldomero Balcazar

Guadalupe Viridiana Baltazar Hernandez

Sunnshine Star Barnett Erica Marie Bartlow Joshua T. Barto Edgardo Bautista Gallardo Kylen Thomas Bell Payton Mackenzie Berona Jentry Joseph Bethel Amanda Jane Beyerlin Aidan Carroll Boals Margaret Grace Boggs Kellen Douglas Bond Angieleen T. Bordeos Sara Murphy Boucher Jayden Odell Bounds Victoria Tegen Boyst Gavin Michael Branch Katelyn Michelle Branson Caprice Bumstead Andrew Sato Burris Jennifer Carlos-Sandoval Cesar Carlos Arellano Tatyana Jene Carr-Mitchell Jennifer Ceja Batres Zack Barkley Chace Diego Nicolas Chacon Madelyn Hope Chappell Ailee Elle Charlton Edith Camila Chirinos

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Graduates

Kya Anne Cline Jackson Caleb Coats Sebastian Thomas Cochrane Emily Rose Cockrell Jordan Adam Cockrell Jaden Lee Cole Meaghen Dela Luz Amberly Cole Gavin Scott Colter Melia Christine Cook Chloe Elizabeth Cooper Jayden Daniel Crain Alexis Cruz Adian Tyler D'Agostino TJ Von Daniel Shealynn Christine Davis Joshua Keinth De Leon

Isabel C Goldstrand Pamela Gomez-Morales Isai Gomez-Villanueva Fernando David Gonzalez Jose Gonzalez Figueroa Alex Gonzalez Lopez Rachel Gordillo Valdiviezo Ava Jean Gore Olivia Elise Greene Luka Dean Griffin Kevin Owen Guard Ali Yael Gutierrez Isabela Angelina Habana Irelie Faith Hammerquist Andrew Isaiah Harwood Chloé Jane Heckard Jeremy William Hendricks Isabelle Mardie DeLeon-Howarth Colton Joshua Herman Rowan Delara Angelica Gloria Hernandez Kaiden Joseph Delatorre Maria Victoria Hernandez Christopher Steavenson Deras Meliza Angela Hernandez Nathan Fernando Deras Sarah Mariah Hernandez Lucas Montara Devine Lilli Amara-Janet Hiestand Liam Anthony Dixon Brayden Alexander Hilderbrand Piper Ffiona Edwards Sugg Anthony Michael Hill Hollie E Elliott Ryan William Lin Hinton Shakiya Ellison Chelsie Noelle Hodgins Ryan Scott Evangelho Anthony Steven Hoffman Mazith Savas Evans Maleena Chantha'jone Hogan John Albert Fallenstein Chase W Houlihan Felix Alex Farias Olivia Marie Huss Samia Fentress Isabelle Victoria Ilia Aimee Ferrell Ryan Iosbaker Clayton A Fisher Lisako Jekkar Conner J Fisher Katherine Darline Jensen Izaiah Jaze Fisher Desiree Jimenez Kazia Breann Franklin Zoe Grace Johnson Larissa L Frey Alex Lane Jones Tanner Ray Gaffney Emily Elizabeth Jones Morgan Daniel Gallardo Emma Nicole Jones McKenzie Anne Galloway Honei Danette Jones Sarai Galvan Ruth Cierra C. Jones Joshua David George Cameron Analynn Jorkan Andy German Hernandez Peter Joseph Keith Perla Lucero German-Hernandez Connor Edward Kelley Slade Nicholas Gilbert Shyann Marie Kephart Aarun Nikolas Gilman Makyla E Killingbeck Avrilla Serene Giron-Unger Talon Russell Klopp

Springfield High School Jaime Lea Koltai Ethan Michael LaBrasseur Karla Mari Lackey-Evangelista Evan Niel Laudati Dylan Lister Quentin Avery Lister Kailyn Colleen Loper Mia Elizabeth Lopez-Garcia Ruby Lopez Jillian Marie Lunyou Emily Marie Machleit Tino Carlos Macias Emily Alaina Magill Keeli Makala Martin Jairo Martin Lorenzo Diego E Hernan Martinez Gabriela Martinez-Contreras Adriana Martinez-Villalvazo Jaya Joel Nicholas Mattes Louise E Mazet Rori McCaffrey Kristal L McCracken Quentin James McDonald Kate Leonis McGlynn Myrick Hunter Michael McKinney Delaney Nicole McLaughlin Jahi Demarious McLaughlin Yessica Mejia Gonzalez Kevin Mendez Canchola Tyler Andrew-Stephen Merideth-Loveall Christopher C Michael Laurel Marie Michna Luke Owen Moon Victoria Morales Karla Daisy Moreno Calvo Olivia Grace Morgan-Urie Victoria Anne Mowder Nolan Avery Mower Dylan Michael Napier Benjamin Nathan Michael James Newell Amirah Makayla Nohrenberg Andrew Lee Nohrenberg Madelyn Renee Nover Cristian Leonardo Nunez-Ochoa Ira Emma Leigh Madison Obregon Julissa Ochoa-Alvarado Alexis Jasmine Oelke Eric Anson Olson

Graduates

Ashan Wynter O'Neil Carmen Estefania Ortiz Le Lani Janae Ortiz-Elliott Cassandra Osornio Madrigal Amanda Jane Ostrander Samuel James Oviatt Angel Adrian Padilla Lopez Jordan Marie Pageau Ayona Dawn Patrick Mackenzi River-Marie Phillips Maria Destiny Platt Cody Michael Plumlee Cody Xander Pohl Madison Marie Pope Bailey Jo Posey Paris Y'vone Raya Price Lillyann Beth Quackenbush Havan Nicole Ragan Santi Ramirez Iris Anaid Ramirez-Alvarez Koda Rancourt Natalie Raelynn Rawson Evelyn Rochelle Razo Sanchez Malita Reese Sara Regalado Moreno Gisselle Monique Reyes Braeden Isaiah Reynolds Lucas Rain Richardson Katarina Lee Richmond Gustavo Javier Rivera Chavez Keyana Rain Roberson Jasmine Robertson Ofelia MagaliRoblero Morales Cesar Rodriguez Romo Kiana Elena Rodriguez-Row Jeremy Nathan Romero Xavier Sean Kittrell Eric Ruede Holly Salic Barillas Amelia Victoria Sanchez Jose Manuel Sanchez-Delgado Diana Santiago Sierra Noelani Santiago Martin Yovani Santiago Lopez Addison Jillian Sattler Chase Scott Sattler Sydney Sattler Arwen Alexandria Schlueter Tohtehl Franklin Reid Scott Janery Marisol Servin Duran

Sabrina Mozell Louise Shaddon Erik James Sherman Adriana Dawn Smith Justin Cash Smith Koleby Allyn Smith Makena Smith PJ Smith Elijah Thomas Snyder Charity Luv Elexis Sparks Kimberly Jo Bernadine Spriet Jessica Anne Springsteel Lilly Ann Stechelin Silas James Sterup Alex Lynn Stevenson Olivia Emma Stewart Dravan Riely Stone Andrew M Stroud Braiden John Summers Dylan Scott Swearingen Mahealani Ruta Te'o Mason Lee Teuscher Aurora Munoz Thompson Valentin Lyle Tiburcio Jacob PatrickTremarche Jesstin Matthew Troute Deisy Urenda Juan Carlos Valdes Linares Sergio Antonio Valenzuela Anahi Valladolid-Sandoval Hazel Van Ummersen Kaiden Chase VanEtten Carlos Rafael Vasquez Lopez Zachary Vega Jordan Vega-Seaman Suly Maribel Velasquez Santiago Velazquez Aaron Sinclair Vest Noemi Madrigal Navjot Singh Virdhi Chelse RoseLee Ward Lillix Ann Ward Colin Robert Warner Jacquelyn Eloisa Weathers Zane Richard Webb Isaiah Israel Whaley-Arias Alexis Elizabeth Whittlesey Kaleb Gordon Woods

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Thurston High School

By RYLEIGH NORGROVE Ryleigh@Chronicle1909.com On a drizzly Saturday afternoon, the Thurston High School Colts donned red and black “epic umbrellas” to fend off the rain. No matter the weather, students were all smiles as the graduates took the stage.

Drew Bennett is one of Thurston’s valedictorians, to her, the whole ceremony felt “bittersweet.” “When I think of Thurston High, I think about friendship. I would go to the football games or spend time with my friends here. It’s a lot of really good memories here,” Bennett said.

The ceremony took place at the new Thurston Athletics Stadium, with family members and friends filling the stands.

And unlike the last two years of zoom school, “real pants were involved.”

“Now be honest, raise your hand if you ever turned your camera on!” freshman English teachers Robin Erickson and Erica Peirson said, while giving the keynote address – only a few hands went up.

The pair likened the Thurston High Class of ’22 to Odysseus on his grand adventure across the Aegean Sea. They were admittedly surprised they were chosen to speak at commencement, they said. “The tr uth of the matter is that we were tough on you. But so is high school. In plain fact, as we heard from your ASB and

class presidents and vice presidents today, the last four years have been an odyssey for you, and your last normal year was with us,” Peirson said.

Like Odysseus, the Thurston High School seniors underwent “lotus moments” while resisting the urge to binge-watch Netf lix during class, fought off “the one-eyed cyclops” zoom camera and eventually, “sailed home” to campus for senior year.

“You've endured a long and arduous journey to get to this moment,” said Erickson. “When we studied the Odyssey together, we worked to answer the question of whether the champion is a heroic person or not? In the end you are each the hero of your own story. There will never be another class like you. You are resilient, courageous, resourceful, smart.

And although it took Odysseus 10 years to get back home after his journey. You need to know that this house is your house.

We are so honored to call you our heroes.”

VALEDICTORIANS Madison Balcom Drew Bennett Auron Cramer Rylee Custer Kathrin Dorman Kobe Edwards Chaya Highfill Kellen Humphries James Lovdokken Allison Westover Liam Woodward SALUTATORIAN Luke Foshay Micah McGillivray Kaitlyn Moorhead

Photos by Bradley Cook

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Thurston High School Ellie Agajanian Caidience Aguilar Joshua Akerson Lucas Aldous Alekzander Ames Lyndsey Anderson Shaelie Anderson Jillian Andrews Ruby Arnold Natalie Averill Madelyn Backer Jacob Baez Colleen Bailey Madison Balcom Cole Barber Victoria Baringer Dakota Belk Collin Bell Drew Bennett Isabella Bevans Kaelynn Bishop Tristan Bixby Alyssa Blilie Bailee Boardrow Tuscany Bollman Alex Boring Josie Bridges Nathan Brubaker HayleyBrunscher Lu Ella Brunton Joshua Buller Edgar Burboa Rodriguez Logan Burket Gus Burrell Isabella Burrell Regan Campbell Isabella Cardone Madelyn Carlton Payten Carpenter Quealey Carpenter Teagan Carter Karlie Cartwright Morgan Casley Noah Casteel Keenan Castillo Paris Chafin Kodi Chapman Delaney Cheesman 2 0 2 2 G R A D UAT I O N S P E C I A L S E C T I O N

Graduates

Landyn Chenoweth Matthew Clay Branton Clement Devin Corgain Max Cornelius Charles Craig Auron Cramer Michelle Creech Nolan Crist Tanner Crosswhite Cody Cruz Evan Culp Sophia Cummings Rylee Custer Kalista Daharsh Tristan Daniluk Samarah Davis Avery Dawson Jeydan Deflyer

Keannan Deleon Guerrero-Bowditch

Brandon DeLuna Arden Dersham Grace Dillon Kenidee Dinkheller Taylee Dixon Tyler Doolittle Kathrin Dorman Ethan Dotson Brooke Downs Kacen Dyson Kobe Edwards Owen Efseaff James Fay Alexandra Ferguson Haylee Ferguson Lucas Fetters-Meyer Tesa Fisher Logan Fletcher Isaiah Flores Syrus Flores Sean Forceskie Luke Foshay Avery Fuller William Gamble Benjamin Genthner Brooke Gillaspie Damon Gongora-Davis Natalie Gonzalez

Anahi Gonzalez Duarte Malika Gradall Nathaniel Griffiths Emalee Grissom Luis Guzman-Cornejo Carson Hall Jonathan Hall Jackson Harris Hunter Harwood Ryan Hiaasen Chaya Highfill Mason Hill Ryan Hoskins Isabelle Howard Aidan Howe Alex Huaracha-Canchola Jocelyn Hubbs Cherokee Huck-Chance Emily Huff Kellen Humphries Sophia Humphries Dakota Imponen Summer Jacaway Alex Jackson Johnathan James Daisy Jennings Ty Johnson Alyssa Jordan Brianna Jovel-Lopez Katie Judson Riyen Kauffman Anthony Kearns Haley Kester Coy Kistner Lily Klews Braedon Klutschkowski Gavin Knights Rylan Koozer Dylan Kranzush Erik Lane Paris Lange Madison Laurell Gavin Levesque Shelbi Lillingston Bryson Lindsay Devon Liu, Isaac Lopez Jaiden Lopez James Lovdokken

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Chronicle photographer Bradley Cook captured Thurston HS senior Tony-Younger Standifer celebrating his degree.

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STICKING THE LANDING!

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Thurston High School Kayla Luquez Sierra Martin Kyrin Mason Eduardo Matheus David Mayberry-Doyle Trinity McBride Micah McGillivray William McGinnis Aisling McMullen Leo Mendelssohn Berlyn Merrick Alydia Metz Ashley Metz Ty Meyer Anthony Middleton Easton Miller Seth Miller Nehemia Mmari Paige Montano Sophia Montgomery Kaitlyn Moorhead Emma Motsinger Dani Nelson Jacob Newell Gabriel Ngariki Justin Noble Brooklyn Omlid Cruz Ortiz Abigail Oshins John Osorio Evelyn Osorio-Villada Lane Palahniuk Chasity Panko Shye Parsch Kate Paskett Lynlee Patrick Trevor Patterson Christopher Patton Casson Pearson Skyler Peckels-St. Onge Desmond Pelroy Miguel Perez Javier Perez Roman Fredrick Phillips Hayley Pitt Autumn Prieto Ethan Putnam Lluvia Ramos Cabrera 0

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Graduates

Broc Rasmussen Dakota Rausch Autumn Rayfield Abagail Reeves Justin Reno Kevin Reyna Khalil Reynolds Isaac Ritter Dafne Rivera Larissa Rivera Sylvana Robinson Alex Roldan Briana Roman Jovani Romero-Alvarado Emily Rothrock Jordynn Russell Jacob Rutherford Lucia Sade Jefferson Savage Bailey Schleicher Trevor Schmidt Rhylie Sevits Breydon Simmons Gabriel Sinniger Hannah Sinsabaugh Logan Slonecker Hannah Smith Jefferson Smith Megan Smith Kaylee Sparks Courtney Spencer Cane Spicer Jacob Spoon Anjulina St Clair Nyole Stack Bailey Stafford Hailey Standifer Tony-Younger Standifer Grayson Starck Griffin Stehr Amber Stephens Dylan Stephens Cheyanne Stewart Averie Stockwell Lucas Stutesman Kaci Sumnall Kat Tabor Sirivimol Taemvong

Madelyn Thomas Emma Thompson Sawyer Thompson Leanna Thornton Courtney Tiernan Wyatt Tiller Wiley Toy Duncan Trenary Jasmyne Turner Freya Vickoren Sara Wadley Olivia Wages Mieli Ward Robert Warnick Brooklynn Werder Allison Westover Maile White Palmer Wiedenmann Kianah Wilkes Jordan Wilkinson Elijah Williams Isabella Willis Nancy Wingo Ryan Wipfel Dominick Wolf Desmon Wood Liam Woodward Rhoman Ybarra

Photos by Bradley Cook

2022 GRA OA ND SUPAETCI O I ANL SSPEECCTI IAOLN S E C T I O N 2D 0U 2 2A TGI R

Creswell High School Photo by Bob Williams

By RON HARTMAN Ron@Chronicle1909.com CRESWELL – Years from now, the 2022 Creswell High School Graduation Ceremony will be remembered for its “Perfect 10” group of honorees.

There wasn’t just a two- or three-way tie for valedictorian honors, there was a 10-way deadlock!

“They all took advanced-placement classes, and they just all happen to be girls,” academic adviser Mona Sti ffler said of the 10 girls who finished with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She said the excellent grades were no surprise.

“We knew when they came in as freshmen that they were all really good in middle school,” Sti ffler said. “I think they set their mind to do this, and they did it.”

The 10 valedictorians – Abbe Grubbs, Addeline Garzanelli, Gabby Halgren, Lilly Heltman-Hogg, sisters Emma Kersgaard and Julianne Kersgaard, Karinna Leonard, Emma Maness, Emme Whitson and Emily McGuire, along with salutatorian Cassidy King.

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Creswell High School

Graduates

Corbin Allison

Kendra Anthony Grace Bagenski Connor Baggerly

Adilene Gregorio Castro Julianna Colunga Cortez-Vargas

Cristina Duenas-Alvarado Zachery Esgate

Anthony Cox

Abigail Booher Tyler Brainard

Gonzalo Cardenas

Cheyanne Cross Ki'ala Cruz

Raina Davis

Emmye Fetters Adeline Garzanlli Reece Germen

Kyle Guthrie

Yelitza GonzalezGonzalez

Harmony Goodman Logan Gordon

Abbe Grubbs

Tayla Hahne

Gabriella Halgren Jurny Halverson

McKenzie Harrold Audrey Hecker

Aidan Higgins

Angel Jaime-Ruiz

Sophia Janezic Emma Kersgaard

Tyler Goertzen

Ivan Gonzalez

Hannah Gwaltney McKenzie Hager

Julianna Kersgaard

Lilliann Heltman-Hogg

Chance Hemenway

Cassidy King

Carter Kruger

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Creswell CreswellHigh HighSchool School

Graduates Graduates

Noah LeMay

Johnathan Lenhard

Karinna Leonard

Camrin Marple Leona Marquess

Emily McGuire

Kira Miller

Nicole Murphy

Jakob Odell

Savanna Oliver Cody Pellerin

Nola Perez

Anan Perry

Wyatt Petrasek

Jayden Pratt

Samantha Racelis

Naizak Rainwater

Blake Reece

Kaitlyn Robinett Kendyl Seiber

Colton Spence

Evan Stephens

Ayden Stubbs

Amalia Torres

Johana Vasquez-Reyes

Genesis Velasquez-Vasquez

Caden Walker

Kira Weigel

Beau Welch-Whitehorse Emme Whitson

Caleb Wiktorowski

Jordan Williams

Lily Lamm

Joseph Lanz

Arian Lawson

Gavin Mallory

Emma Manes

Spencer Ocumpaugh

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Chance Leach

Andrew Smathers

Benjamin Walker

Creswell High School Photos by Bob Williams

CRESWELL continued from 12 “It’s awesome to share this honor,” Addie said.

“It’s great to graduate with all of my friends and to see them all succeed as well,” Leonard said.

Leonard has been especially tight with Grubbs, Halgren, Maness and Whitson. They all played basketball throughout school (even though Grubbs had to sit out her senior

season with a back injury).

So how about THAT for an achievement? All five seniors on the basketball team share valedictorian honors.

Creswell girls basketball coach Tyler Hollingsworth, naturally, took none of the credit for the girls’ achievement.

“Whenever somebody gets a ‘B,’ we stop practice and have study hall,”

the coach deadpanned. “Nah, these girls have always been motivated to succeed, on and off the court.”

As the 10 valedictorians posed together for pictures after the ceremony, they answered in unison how they were able to survive 2022: “We all struggled together and helped each other, and we cried together a lot.”

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CAPPING

Photos by Bradley Cook, Bob Williams, Bob

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bby Stevens, and Cee Cee Plummer

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Academy of Arts & Academics Graduates Graduates

Alexander Watts Amaru Palma

Amber Williams Anthony Archer

Ayeden Morningstar Boone Cefaratti Audrey McCarthy Whitworth Gutierrez

Brandon Alexander Nelson

Calvin E. Hagedorn

Casper Robinson Chase Mainenti

Douglas Clayton Sabrowski

Eden Brooke Corona

Elsa A. Bell

Ezra J. Myers

Hailey Ember Knapp

Imani Kamaria Bradley

Isabel Padilla

Josey Angelica Markehe Josh Z. Shepler

Kalel Roen Atomic Chester Kat Grubb

Kaysha M. Cockrell

Kevin Harris

Leo Richards

Nicole Grace Lilly McLaughlin Heurgue

Orion Benson Sanders

Paul Stearns

Persimmons L. Phoenix Graf Petersen

Reign Luxembourger

Roan Hanft

Seamus Oran Marx

Skyleigh Mae McKibben

Sophia Thorne Maranda

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Surya Joyous Miller

Toviel Ezra Sapon-Borson

Edward Nohokaha Willers

Sawyer Smith

Academy of Arts & Academics Photos by Bob Williams

By LILLIAN STAFFORD Lillian@Chronicle1909.com

Winston Scapin

Zane Verdugo

Joshua J. Zyah

The Academy of Arts and Academics (A3) brought an artistic flair to graduation season – the gowns may have been plain black but students showed off their style and personality with decorated caps and fun footwear, one student was seen wearing bedazzled heeled boots, and another wearing iridescent platform shoes.

Last Thursday, 43 seniors from A3 walked across the graduation stage, accompanied by the A3 jazz band’s rendition of pomp and circumstance.

A3 is a unique school with its massive arts program and modest student body of just 180 students. During the ceremony senior speaker Elsa Bell gave a noteworthy and impassioned speech, calling to action her fellow graduates, “There will not be a tomorrow if we don’t change today,” Bell said. The speech stressed how the weight

of the world has been put on this generation's shoulders, with so much political strain and climate uncertainty. After the ceremony, Bell said, “I was so honored to get to speak for my peers and make sure

See ACADEMY – 30

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Academy of Arts & Academics Senior superlatives

rona. She is a Performing Arts Major at accepted to Oregon State University, ELSA BELL the Academy of Arts and Academics. University of Oregon, Arizona State HONORS: Elsa Bell is the daughter She has been accepted to Lane Com- University, Otis College of Art and of Nathan Bell. She is a Liberal Arts munity College. She plans to earn her Design, and Montana State UniverMajor at the Academy of Arts and Academics. She has been accepted to prerequisites at Lane Community Col- sity. She plans to study Anthropology (with a focus on Art History) at Oregon the University of Oregon and Oregon lege and study Design at the UniverState University. While in high school, State University and has been placed sity of Oregon.

Hailey has obtained 14 college credits on the waiting list for Reed College.

BOONE GUTIERREZ through our College Now program and She plans to study at Lane CommuHONORS: Boone is the son of Pamela has run Debate Club, Theater Producnity College as an emergency mediand Orestes. He is a STEM Major at tions including Eurydice and Dracula, cal technician. While in high school, has been Head of Yearbook and a Elsa has obtained nine college credits the Academy of Arts and Academics. He has been accepted to Oregon member of Maintenance Crew and she through our College Now program, was Student of the Month November, and classes at Lane Community Col- State University. He plans to study lege. Elsa has been Stage Manager for Engineering. Scholarship from Oregon 2021. She has been accepted to Otis State University and the Rotary Club Institutional Scholarship from Otis A3's theater productions, WOHELO for $3,500 per year renewable for four College of Art and Design for $12,000 recipient for Camp Fire U.S.A., a Cliand one years; a value $12,500. per year renewable for 4 years; a value mate advocate and the A3 Yearbook of $48,000. Achievement Award from director/creator. She was Student of Montana State University for $8,000 the Month in September 2021. Finely NICOLE HEURGUE per year renewable for 4 years; a Academic Excellence scholarship from HONORS: Nicole Heurgue is the value of $32,000. OSU Opportunity the Oregon State University for 1,000 daughter of Shawna and Bruce Heurgue. She is a STEM and health Grant from Oregon State University for per year. She has received the Sum$7,410. Federal Pell Grant for $745. mit Scholarship from The University of major at the Academy of Arts and Oregon for $4,000 per year renewable Academics. She has been accepted to: University of Oregon – Admission REIGN LUXEMBOURGER for 4 years; a value of $16,000. to Robert D. Clark Honors College, Reign Luxembourger is the daughter Oregon State University, Willamette of Jorjie Arden. She is a STEM and KALEL CHESTER University, Pacific University, Universi- Visual Arts Major at the Academy of HONORS: Kalel Chester is the son of ty of Portland-Admission to the School Arts and Academics. She has been Aaron Chester and Mitra Gruwell. He accepted to the University of Oregon is a Media Arts Major at the Academy of Nursing. She plans to study premed at the University of Oregon. While and plans to study Biology and Genetof Arts and Academics. He has been ics, and will one day be a veterinaraccepted to the University of Oregon. in high school, Nicole Heurgue has ian. While in high school, Reign has While in high school, Kalel has obtained obtained 16 college credits, created 29 college credits through our College the debate club and a part of the prom obtained college credits through our committee. During her senior year, she College Now program, and classes Now program, and classes at Lane interned for Lucky Paws Rescue where at Lane Community College and the Community College. Kalel has taken classes that include: Math 97, Math 95, she helped with cleaning, organizing, University of Oregon, is part of the and assisting in dog surgeries. She Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Math 111, Math 112, College Certified Internships, and Project Creation. was Student of the Month in Decem- Washington, Troop 20363, participated ber 2021. Scholarships from: Univer- in SPICE science as well as the SAIL During his junior year he interned sity of Oregon – Summit Scholarship program at the University of Oregon. for DISCARD Fashion where he did $16,000 – four years; Oregon State During her junior year she interned photography and video production. for the SPICE science program at the During his senior year he interned with University – Presidenial Scholarship $16,000 – four years; Willamette University of Oregon where she helped Elevation Bouldering Gym, where he develop instructions for building set boulders. He has received scholar- University – Directors Scholarship $22,500 – four years; Pacific Univer- robotic cars for rats to drive. She has ships from the University of Oregon for $4,000 per year renewable for four sity – Honors Scholarships $96,000 – been awarded a $2,000 scholarship four years; and University of Portland from the UO SAIL program. years; a value of $16,000, PathWay Oregon from the University of Oregon – Presidents Scholarship $96,000 – four years.

SOPHIA MARANDA covering all tuition and fees for four HONORS: Sophia Maranda is the years, Eugene Rotary Club for $500 HAILEY KNAPP daughter of Heather and Matt Maranand Eugene Elks Society for $500.

Hailey Knapp is the daughter of Tracy da. She is a Performing Arts Major at Stafford and Jeff Knapp. She is a the Academy of Arts and Academics EDEN CORONA and plans to attend Lane Community HONORS: Eden Corona is the daugh- photography major at the Academy of Arts and Academics. She has been College in the Fall. ter of Heather Corona and Tony Co-

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Academy of Arts & Academics Senior superlatives While in high school, Sophia has played volleyball, participated and helped write State of Emergency and was stage manager, helped with costumes for Eurydice, interned at OCT, and was a volunteer with the recycling crew at Autzen Stadium.

JOSEY MARKEHE HONORS: Josey Markehe is the daughter of Heather Kehe and Isaac Marquez.

She is a STEM Major at the Academy of Arts and Academics. She has been accepted to Oregon State University and plans to study Architectural Engineering. While in high school, Josey has obtained 10 of college credit and has been active in the South Eugene Rowing Club

and wss in Thailand on exchange with the Rotary Youth Exchange her sophomore year. During her senior year she interned for Lane County Public Works, where they used CAD programs to design ADA ramps. She has a scholarship from Oregon State University for $2,000 per year renewable for four years; a value of $8,000.

SURYA MILLER HONORS: Surya Miller is the daughter of Robert Miller and Anna Miller.

Surya is a performing arts major at the Academy of Arts and Academics.

During her junior year, she interned for the Center for Dialogue and Resolution where she helped create a class plan for a new pro-

Photo by Bob Williams

gram they were putting on that upcoming summer.

AMARU PALMA HONORS: Amaru is the son of Melissa and Rodolfo Palma. He is a STEM Major at the Academy of Arts and Academics. He has been accepted to the University of Oregon and Oregon State University. He plans to study computer science at OSU. While in high school, Amaru has obtained 25 college credits through our College Now program and classes at Lane Community College.

He has been a TA for Interactive Electronics with Kyle and during his junior year he interned for Workbook Factory where he helped design web pages and user interface elements.

During his senior year he interned for the Springfield Schools Print Services where he helped do daily tasks as well as designing and coding a new website.

He has been awarded the OSU Opportunity Grant – $3,468; Oregon Opportunity Grant – $2,352; Finley Academic Excellence Scholarship for $4,000 renewable for four years, a value of $16,000; and has accepted a Work Study position a value of $3,000 PERSIMMONS PETERSEN HONORS: Persimmons Petersen is the child of Jayle Petersen. They're a Theater major at the Academy of Arts and Academics. They have been accepted into the University of Oregon and plan to study psychology.

Persimmons has been a member of the A3 D and D club. And has been awarded the PathwayOregon, the University of Oregon’s

promise to cover tuition and fees for four years, a $60,000 value as well as a $1,400 VA scholarship.

JOSHUA SHEPLER HONORS: Josh Shepler is the son of Valerie Shepler and Joel Shepler. He is a Visual Arts Major at the Academy of Arts and Academics. He has been accepted to Southern Oregon University and the University of Oregon. He plans to study Visual Arts at Southern Oregon University. While in high school, Josh has obtained 7 college credits through our College Now program. And has acted in State of Emergency, designed Eurydice poster, acted as Orpheus in Eurydice and designed the poster for the A3 Spring dance and music concert.

Josh has been awarded the Churchill Scholarship from Southern Oregon University for $2,000 per year, renewable for four years; a value of 8,000. Apex scholarship from the University of Oregon for $2,000 per year, renewable for four years, valuing $8,000 total.

AYEDEN WHITWORTH HONORS: Ayeden is the son of Jesse and Raven Whitworth. He is a Music Major at the Academy of Arts and Academics and he has been accepted to the University of Oregon.

Ayeden has been awarded the University of Oregon Apex Scholarship for $2,000 per year renewable for four years; a value of $8,000; and PathWayOregon, the University’s promise to cover tuition and fees over four years, a $60,000 value.

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Cottage Grove High School Photo by Bobby Stevens

By Dana Merryday dana_merryday@yahoo.com In his comments that veered from the traditional style of address which incorporates lofty platitudes and poems, Herington commented on some of the challenges that both he and his students faced in the unprecedented pandemic school years leading

up to this moment.

Having taken the principal’s position just before everything went south, Herington compared this culminati ng event of graduation as being akin to his “fi rst” year as a principal. In many ways it was.

This was the first year since taking the job that his students started and finished the year in the building, with no long breaks or distance learning

required in between.

The sentiment of overcoming unprecedented challenges was reflected also in remarks from the student speakers.

Nature itself seemed to want to punctuate the fact by sporadically raining on the students during their open-air ceremony as if to say you're

See GROVE – 27

A gripping new drama about truth and identity

S E E K I NG

By Glenn B. Rust Cottage Grove High School alum 22 2 0 2 2 G R A D UAT I O N S P E C I A L S E C T I O N 2 0 2 2 G R A D UAT I O N S P E C I A L S E C T I O N

R E D

Cottage Grove High School

Graduates

Ashton Abrams

Abigail Aguilar-Flores

Quiin Amex

Ann Marie Barlow

Kailyn Barnes

Jonathan Bryant Braeden Buckland

Teanna Child

Kolby Cobb-Preza

Aaliyah Crivello Halle DeGarlais

Austin Foxen

Taylor Franger

Brook Anderson

Gracie Arnold

McKenzie Baker Madelyn Banks

Carter Bascue Brendan Briggs

Nathan Brinkley

Hunter Broussard Shyla Browning

Joseph Jayden Cameron Carpenter

Mikayla Carr

Riley Carrigan

Hailey Cook

Hannah Cook

Febronia Corona-Rodriguez Gabriel Cortes

Braeden Crites

Brenna Devlin

Forrest Dewitt

Owen Dudley

Jada Epperson

Korbin Ferguson

Logan Fugate

Brendon Fuller

Patricia Galligan

Ayden Freeman Lexi Fugate

Hailey Carter

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Cottage Grove High School

Graduates

Gabrielle Ashton Abrams Garcia-Bryant

Elias Garza

Madeline Geisler Gonzalez-Higareda

Gavin Haas

Jordin Hamilton Carlee Harmon

Tiayla Harp

Jacob Herington

Emma Hitt

Donovan Howell

Jivan Hoyt

Hector Jimenez-Matias

Cole Johns

Bradley Keller

Peyton Kidd

Ty Kishen

Haylie Ladd

Owen Land-Stockwell

Caiden Lane

Aiden Leach

Makani Levi

Samuel Lind

Jacqueline Lopez Romero

Sidney Lowery

Logan Lowrey

Gage Lydick

Callie March

Logan Marek

Ramirez Martin

Lorena Martinez

Hannah Mathis Walker McCauley Kelsie McDonald

Taylor McKay

Sydnee McNamara

Tyler McVey

Kajsa Merz

Austin Moore

Cayce Motta

Juan Antonio

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Milo Morgan

Alayna Morris

Cottage Grove High School

Graduates

Kira Musslewhite

Albert Newton

Trevor Reeder

Eternity Reimche Adair Reyna

Leah Schiewe

Hemi Scott

Porter Snyder

Alex Pacheco

Simran Pinnu

Joshua Price

Lily Riordan

Alexander Rodman

Brayden Russell

Lila Savoie

Izabell Senters

Ian Shepherd

Grace Sisson

Evelyn Smith

James Smith

Moira Struthers

Kennedy Sturman-Royse

John Swanson

Crimson Tadlock Joseph Tennison

Jonathon Thornton

Dazjah Tinsley

Shelby Trisler

Charish Tucker

Noe Valley

Timothy Vance Anastasia Vasquez

Natalie Voelkel

Zander Voigt

Ashley Walter

Andrew Wiley

Sylas Williams

Savannah Willits

Joshua Nordyke Valeta Oliver

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Cottage Grove schools Cottage Grove Lions VALEDICTORIANS • Callie March – attending LCC, major is undecided • Hannah Mathis – attending G e o r g e Fox U n i ve r s i t y, Kinesiology major, plans on becoming a Physical Therapist • Kajsa Merz – attending Oregon State University, majoring in Business • Walker McCauley – attending University of Oregon, majoring in Business

Photos by Bobby Stevens

SALUTATORIANS • Halle DeGarlais – Attending Oregon State Univer sit y, majoring in Kinesiology, plans on becoming an Athletic Trainer • Sylas Williams – Entering into an apprenticeship to become an Electrician, plans on starting his own business

Al Kennedy HS

By Dana Merryday dana_merryday@yahoo.com Al Kennedy High School, located at the former elementary school in Delight Valley, benefited greatly from the activity shelter left over from the days of having a place for Oregon kids to go out to play in the seasonal rains.

The shelter still bearing the Basketball hoops, was the site of the first unrestricted gathering of families to watch their student’s graduation. By contrast, at last year’s select members of the family sat with their graduate, masked and socially distanced in small groups. This year

as families assembled the heavens provided a steady downpour during the festivities. The low clouds and rains gave a wash of gray over the surrounding hills.

At this celebration everybody from grandma to little Suzie was there and eager to cheer on their star. Al Kennedy, a legendary educator, was known for his innovative ways to reach the hard to reach students. Rope tricks, hands-on activities, and time spent outdoors along with field trips are still part of the Kennedy way and these were referenced in presenting this year’s crop of graduates.

The small tight community that is Kennedy is characterized by close relationships between staff and students. What better way to

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show this style of education than by students receiving their diplomas with a personalized observation from a teacher.

Each staff member had selected four to five students that they then shared qualities about that student before handing them the sheepskin.

To escort them out, instead of “Pomp & Circumstance” there was the special Kennedy Song where each student had a personalized verse.

Principal Haile Ketcher after describing all of the challenges and obstacles that her students have overcome in this profound year, summed it all up by saying. “We are so proud of you!”

That was a sentiment felt by all.

Cottage Grove High School

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” – Vivian Greene

GROVE from 22 not getting off easy at the end either.

The students, being good Oregon kids, hardly seemed to notice or mind the, at times, fairly heavy showers.

After all that they had been through up to this point, a couple of little baptisms seemed more like a blessing than anything else.

Before turning over the stage to student leadership to present these warriors their diplomas, Herington summed up these student’s High School experiences and their graduation day weather with the Vivian Greene quote: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

And with these words the class of 2022 rose to their feet and danced hard to a brief blast of music, defying the heavens to do their damndest to these “bad-ass” Grovers.

Graduates Photo by Bobby Stevens

Katelin Winstead

Tiernann York

Piper Youngmayr 2 0 2 2 G R A D UAT I O N S P E C I A L S E C T I O N 2 2 0 2 2 G R A D UAT I O N S P E C I A L S E C T I O N

Pleasant Hill High School

Graduates

Mara Borg

Bailey Vargas

Serenity Castleberry

Charles Conrad Rhett Edmunds

Alonzo Pierce

Kendall Savolainen

Abby Jordan

Jaiden Boatwright

Holly Bonomo

Riley Brown

John Granas

Morgan Jurgenson

Caden Luiz

Thomas Nichols

Dylan Shafor

Andy Sharber

Victoria Shull

Abigail VandenDries

Abby Curtis

Abigail Mikulich

Alice Keepers

Anna Reed

Austin Barber

Blake Allen

Blake Hudson

Caden Luiz

Braedyn Cantrell

Cesca Thuresson

Chase Huff

Cole Taylor

Jordan Cosby

David DeBord

Daxton Bloxham

Laura Rapnawar

Emilie Lihm-Thi Erin Arney Nguyen

Gabe Eggart

Erin Arney

Gabe Eggart

Arabella Bernal Haley Blas

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Pleasant Hill High School

Graduates

Gabriel Trafton

Garrett Holman Liesel Geyer

Mirka JimenezMartinez

Stella Hucka

Isaac Stowell

Isabella Navarro Jack O'Connor

Jacob Pierzina Jillian Seitz

Josh Bryson

Kanye Jones

Kloee Harris

Mason BotelhoCookman

Mason Hylemon Matthew Iten

Gabe Green

Landon Miles

Lauren Ashwill

Lilah Warren

Maggie Willardson

McKenzie Litson Micah Stam

Morgan Frederick Natalie Mann

Nate Placko

Owen Hammond Ashten Friedmann

Skyler Peters

Trevor Hart

Trevor Quick

Tycho Butler

Zane Anderson

Taylor Simmons

Speakers at graduation were Alice Keepers, Francesco Thuresson, Lara Rupnawar, Isaac Stowell and Liesel Geyer

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ACADEMY from 19 they knew that I am proud of them and proud to be one of them.”

Administrative secretary Wilson Sherk gave the keynote address, pulling out a constr uction paper toolbox as a visual aid. He empowered students with unique flair – it’s A3 afterall – and asked graduates to see the pandemic as defining, skill-building and special.

In their toolbox to constr uct a better future: lucky charms, bumble bees and most importantly, resilience.

“Sorry, class of 2022, you've already had your gap year,” Sherk said. “So as you constr uct your life, recognize that because of your high school experience, you have these specific tools, you'll have superior abilities. Reimagine yourself as a planet superhero because you know, the Earth still needs a lot of taking care of.”

Graduates shook hands with or fist-bumped four members of the Springfield school board before

“It's hard to put into words how good it feels to feel normal again. To have the whole community here, everybody is coming together and celebrating, it's just wonderful.”

– Nissie Ellison, teacher receiving their diplomas from principal, Ame Beard. “We have the most amazing community, everybody cares so much and we know every person who walks through the door,” Beard said while describing what makes A3 so special. School board member, Jonathan Light said, “I am proud of A3 because it offers different opportunities for different kids … it gets great results, turns out great people.”

After several years of graduations being virtual, outdoors, and in a limited capacity, this gradu-

ation was a return to normalcy.

Humanities teacher Melanie Vetor said, “families being able to celebrate their students publicly is a big deal…it’s a right of passage for students.” Other teachers shared the same sentiment. Nissie Ellison, a longtime teacher at A3, said “It's hard to put into words how good it feels to feel normal again. To have the whole community here, everybody is coming together and celebrating, it's just wonderful.”

Students were enthusiastic and vocal because there was a lot of uncertainty at the beginning of the year about whether an in-person graduation would be possible.

Due to all of the uncertainty, one graduate, Skyleigh Mae McKibben said she was “not really prepared” and the realization “hit her like a ton of bricks” because of the unpredictability of the last three years.

“There was a huge wave of emotion,” said McKibben. “It’s still a lot to process.”

Crow, other rural schools enjoy milestone event Congratulations to each routines, and who have one of the 2022 graduates— missed out on some of the not only those from Crow most important events of High School, but from their school years—things all of the local schools. like proms and school dances, field trips, plays, Graduation has always been athletic events and close a major accomplishment— something to celebrate. The interaction between themPAT EDWARDS effort and focus that each of selves and their teachers us have to put in for those and classmates. Some have 12+ long years is a cause for celebra- taken the disruption and at-home tion and honor, but for this graduating learning in stride, but others have had class and the past two, extra kudos a hard time adjusting to the break in have been earned for the disrup- the routine of learning. I just want to tion of so much in their lives by the take time to use this means to honor pandemic. Covid has affected each them with my respect and acknowlof us, but especially our school-age edgment of all that they’ve experichildren and teens who have had to enced. Good job! and Congratulations completely change their educational to each one of you!

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For the students who will be returning next year, there is some very good news... The CrowApplegate-Lorane School Board has decided to waive all sports fees for K-12 students enrolled in the C-A-L School District for the 2022/23 school year. Th is involves all middle/ high school sports and TSP/Youth Wrestling. The front office has sports sign up for our fall sports at the moment. Right now, they don't have many MS football sign-ups and more sign-ups for cross-countr y would be welcomed. Be sure to encourage your kids to sign up for sports, it's free, and a very valuable experience!

Online: allthingslorane.com

Willamette Connections Oregon

Willamette Connections Academy is proud to announce that Makennah Handsaker from Pleasant Hill and Ayanna Zelaya from Creswell are members of the online public school’s graduating Class of 2022. Willamette Connections Academy held its in-person commencement ceremony for nearly 70 graduates June 11 in Scio. The unique, tuition-free, virtual school serves students in grades K-12 across Oregon.

Handsaker graduated with honors a semester early but she’s still part of the Class of 2022. She received a four-year Pathways scholarship to the University of Oregon where she will major in psychology. Zelaya plans to study abroad in Costa Rica for her freshman year to get hands-on learning in her major of environmental science and then return to finish her degree at the University of Oregon.

Charter Academy

■ Deondre B., Springfield ■ Selena Branch, Springfield ■ Maxwell C., Creswell ■ Natalie E., Creswell, Cume Honor Roll ■ Kassie G., Cottage Grove ■ Sylvie G., Creswell, Cume Honor Roll ■ Erin H., Springfield

■ Saraia M., Cottage Grove ■ Gabriel M., Springfield ■ Elena Morris, Creswell, attending American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

A graduation ceremony was held June 11.

SIERRA PACIFIC FOUNDATION 2022 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS The Sierra Pacific Foundation is awarding over $519,000 in scholarships to 163 students as they attend colleges, universities and trade schools during the 2022-2023 school year.

“Our family is honored to continue to support students as they further their education,” said Carolyn Emmerson Dietz, Foundation President. “The commitment to helping tomorrow’s leaders remains strong.

We are investing in the future and in the generations to come as we help these outstanding young people pursue their dreams.”

The Sierra Pacific Foundation grants scholarships to qualified, dependent children of Sierra Pacific Industries’ employees. Recipients are eligible for the scholarship for four years, with some granted a fifth year based on their school and finalizing their undergraduate degree or trade school program.

The Sierra Pacific Foundation is the philanthropic organization founded by the Emmerson Family in 1979. Since the inception, SPF has awarded over $9 million in scholarships. In addition to scholarships, the Foundation contributes to youth activities and other organizations in the communities where Sierra Pacific Industries operates. In 2021, the Foundation contributed $2 million to organizations in the local communities.

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