Bend Education Association and members award $14,500 in scholarships to 19 Bend-La Pine graduates

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- the Bend Education Association and its members have awarded $14,500 in scholarships to 19 graduating students of Bend-La Pine Schools to support their future educational pursuits.

Annually, the BEA offers these scholarships to students who demonstrate educational aspirations post-graduation and active participation in extracurricular and community activities. The selected recipients exemplify motivation, resilience and forward-thinking qualities, positioning them for success in their future endeavors.

"We are excited to support soon-to-be graduates with financial aid for their post-secondary education and training. As a partner of Bend-La Pine Schools, we aim to help students develop a passion, purpose, and plan for their futures. Together, we will continue to enhance public education and strengthen our communities. We look forward to the future achievements of these students and are confident they will positively impact our communities." said BEA President Sarah Barclay.

Bend Education Association is the union representing over 1,100 educators, specialists, and all licensed staff for the Bend-La Pine School District. Bend Education Association works to unite the public education profession and advocate for education professionals to ensure quality public education for all students of Oregon. Bend Education Association is a local affiliate of the Oregon Education Association and National Education Association.

BEA awarded scholarships to each of the following students who are graduating this June:

Bella Amezcua from Realms High School will be attending Pacific Northwest College of Art. Bella says, “My goal is to blend modern technology and art in order to tell impactful stories, and If I have the opportunity, I would love to create my own independent projects or help others to create theirs. I believe that the beauty and entertainment of art serves as a catalyst for sharing authentic stories that spread awareness and foster connections.”

Breck Jones from Caldera High School will be attending Oregon State University to study biological science. Breck says, “I am really proud of myself for taking advanced classes and earning my honors diploma. When I started during COVID, school was online and it would have been really easy to slack off and not do any work. But I also wouldn't have learned much.”

Colin McCracken from Bend Senior High School will be attending University of Oregon to study business. Colin says, “A particular area of business which interests me is stock market research. This area of study would be useful outside of my career since it would allow me to capitalize on knowledge of the stock market for personal investing.”

Dax Sizemore from Caldera High School will be attending University of Oregon to study pre-medicine through acquisition of a human physiology degree. Dax says, “I plan on staying in medicine; either going into the business side of pharmaceutical drugs, or going into the more kinesiology side of medicine with athletic training and physical therapy. I plan to have a consistent and helpful career path to benefit society's needs.”

Jordan Kent from Bend Senior High School will be attending COCC pursuing a degree in Fire Science, including a  Paramedic and EMT certification. Jordan says, “I am going to be a firefighter to help others and serve our community.”

Kaelyn Medina from Mountain View High School will be attending George Fox University to study cinematic arts. Kaelyn says, “With this degree I plan to gain the skills necessary to direct and write my own films. Someday down the road, I would like to have a good reputation built up around my films as well as create impactful stories that leave a lasting impression.”

Kendall Pyzik from Bend Senior High School will be attending Colorado State University next year to study Ecosystems Science & Sustainability. Kendall says, “My long-term career goals begin with earning an undergraduate and a graduate degree in an area such as conservation biology and environmental sciences. Eventually, I aspire to pursue a doctorate degree, as I hope to conduct research, to implement field work, and to persuade both government and private agencies of the critical importance of protecting the climate and the environment. My main career objective is to work in a public service career where I can positively impact environmental and conservation efforts.”

Kiara Honda from La Pine High School will be attending Central Oregon Community College next year to study Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) and psychology. Kiara says, “I have worked really hard to get where I am today. I could have done the bare minimum with the learning disability that I have, but I chose to persevere. I'm not just graduating but I am graduating with my honors diploma.”

Liam Williams from Mountain View High School will be attending Oregon State University to study finance. Liam says, “My experiences as a peer mentor and founding the Stand By Me service club have allowed me to develop leadership skills while advocating for this cause close to my heart. To maximize my future impact, I plan to pursue a degree in finance. Strong financial management and entrepreneurial skills will enable me to expand Stand By Me into an official non-profit organization, providing ongoing assistance, awareness, and career opportunities for the disabled community.”

Magnus Winnenberg from Summit High School will be attending Central Oregon Community College to study environmental science. Magnus says, “After college my dream would be to do field research anywhere in the PNW, obviously related to environmental preservation or improvement. I deserve the BEA scholarship because I have dedicated my life to school in this community, and I plan to give back through my career path.”

Matthew Williams from Bend Senior High School will be attending University of Oregon to study biochemistry. After acquiring a masters in biochemistry he plans to head to Oregon Health and Science University to experience their endocrinology program. Matthew says, “I accredit the feeling of enjoyment while learning to my teachers. I’ve had a few teachers who are absolutely incredible. They have made me enjoy the classroom, enjoy school, and even make me enjoy learning about new topics. While these teachers are the reason for wanting to learn, they are also one of the reasons I want to help others. The incredible teachers are always so kind, compassionate, and understanding. These three aspects are something I want to embody.”

Maya Pagano from Bend Senior High School will be attending Colorado State University to study psychology to become a high school counselor or open a private practice. Maya says, “I should be selected as a recipient of the BEA Scholarship, as I embody discipline, compassion, patience and pride in the activities I associate with.”

Oliver Meredith from Summit High School will be attending Marquette University to study Engineering and Naval Sciences. Oliver says, “Something I’m proud of is maintaining my academic rigor. Throughout school, I tended to take harder classes, and instead of taking my senior year easy and coasting to the finish, I decided to continue to work harder and take 5 AP classes. Those classes are challenging, but I am learning the content and the lesson of hard work pays off. I am determined to continue to further my education and challenge myself.”

Peter Vrbata at Summit High School will be starting the EMT program with Black Butte Ranch Fire Department and enrolling in classes at COCC to study fire science. Peter says, “Volunteering for Bend Fire Department has allowed me to learn valuable skills while helping others. Volunteering and giving back to my community makes me appreciate all the privileges that I have been enjoying.”

Quinn Prud’Homme from Bend Senior High School will be attending University of Oregon to study journalism and performing arts. Quinn says, “I made a big switch from band to choir in hopes to help my future theater endeavors and am now learning to sing my senior year of high school.  This has been both a challenge and a joy in my life.  I was able to watch myself grow as a singer in real time and it has helped me learn perseverance and commitment as I’ve learned throughout the year.”

Reed Hulser from Bend Senior High School will be attending Western Washington University to study environmental sciences. Reed says, “I think my greatest strength is being willing to learn about and respond to another person's individual hardships and strengths. Essentially, I often find myself trying to dig into how others view different common experiences. This strength builds my understanding of others which allows me to have a more empathetic viewpoint of everyone.”

Tanner Dunn from Bend Senior High School will be attending Oregon State University to study business. Tanner says, “I am driven, excited, and committed to my post high school plans to attend Oregon State University and study business. This scholarship will help me financially make those future goals a reality.”

Theresa Wellington from Summit High School will be attending University of St. Thomas to study psychology and international studies. Theresa says, “As for career goals, I would love to do something with travel. I am looking at being an international lawyer or diplomat to fulfill my dreams of traveling.”

Tucker Evans from Summit High School will be attending Whitman College to study anthropology. Tucker says, “I am excited to get to make my own learning choices in college and take classes that are discussion, group projects, career/field oriented and hopefully world travel related!”