Five Parkrose scholars awarded

Meet the five Parkrose High School students who each won scholarships at the June Parkrose Business Association luncheon …

These folks are smiling in anticipation of the 2016 Parkrose Business Foundation Annual Scholars presentation just getting underway.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Each of the five Parkrose High School students to be given a $2,000 scholarship, at their school on June 6, was introduced to members and guests of the Parkrose Business Association (PBA) at their June 16 luncheon.

Members of the Scholarship Committee come forward.

After the Pledge of Allegiance and self-introductions, PBA Past President Wayne Stoll introduced other members of the Parkrose Business Foundation (their nonprofit affiliate) Scholarship Committee: Sharen Fowler, Alison Stoll, Wayne Stoll, and Marsha Grabinger. Committee Chair Judy Kennedy could not be present.

Putting the PBA scholarship program in context, Stoll told how it started in 1998, grew by holding an annual Parkrose Cruise-in fundraiser for several years, and recently has been funded through an annual appeal.

> See how they raised $10,000 in scholarships this year: CLICK HERE.

Wayne Stoll says no other Portland area business association provides scholarships, as does the PBA.

“No other neighborhood business district has a scholarship program like this; providing over the years 75 scholarships totaling $99,500,” Stoll said.

The $10,000 this year is an impressive amount of money from a small business association, Stoll pointed out. “With this, we can provide five $2,000 scholarships this year.”

Parkrose Scholar Matthew Mazon

Parkrose Scholar Matthew Mazon accepts his scholarship plaque and check from Wayne Stoll of Century Associates.

Matthew Mazon said he’ll be attending Oregon State University to study Kinesiology and Physical Therapy.

“Things happen for a reason,” Mazon said. After an injury curtailing his focus on sports, he said he found he enjoyed being on stage in theater performances and will continue theater in college. He added that the desires to acquire a great job to support his family, and be able to give back to the Parkrose community after his higher education.

Parkrose Scholar Keely Ann Byerley

Marsha Lee Grabinber of Copy Express makes the scholarship presentation to Keely Ann Byerley.

Keely Ann Byerley revealed that she’ll be studying Pharmacy, Pre-Med, and Nursing at Western Oregon University.

Byerley commented that she’d learned to take responsibility early, with everyone in her family being disabled in some way. “Education is my way out,” Byerley said. “Education is my way forward, and education is how I will be able to control my future and support the people I love.”

Parkrose Scholar Jada Krening

Karen Taylor introduces the recipient of the second Jonathan Michael Taylor Memorial Scholarship, Jada Krening.

The third Parkrose Scholar, Jada Krening, was approved by the Taylor family as this year’s recipient of the Jonathan Michael Taylor Memorial Scholarship.

She’ll be attending Oregon State University to study Political Science, Krening said.

Krening served as Senior Class President and is a member of Future Business Leaders of America. Making the scholarship presentation was Karen Taylor: “One teacher stated that Jada’s leadership skills, personality, and maturity place her in the top 1% of students in his classes. She possesses skills, determination, and persistence that has allowed her to reach many goals that gained her awards and recognition.”

Parkrose Scholar MacKenzie Hurlburt

Alison Stoll of Central Northeast Neighbors presents MacKenzie Hurlburt with her check and plaque.

This fall, MacKenzie Hurlburt said she’ll be studying Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Website Design, at Central Oregon Community College.

“This scholar says she’s determined and will persevere to succeed on her own terms. A challenging childhood and significant personal adversity has taught her resolve,” Hurlburt said. “She has set goals for herself by taking some of the most difficult classes offered at Parkrose High School, and doing well.”

Parkrose Scholar Kenny Manylath

Sharen Fowler of Holiday Inn Airport introduces scholarship recipient Kenny Manylath.

Kenny Manylath said he suffered vision problems at an early age, and determined to become an optometrist to help others – and so he will be studying at Portland State University to become an optometrist.

“I will not quit, no matter how hard things get,” Manylath said. One teacher commented that Manylath consistently demonstrated integrity and a focus on his goals.

Congratulate the 2016 Parkrose Business Foundation Scholars: Matthew Mazon, Keely Ann Byerley, Jada Krening, MacKenzie Hurlburt, and Kenny Manylath.

Learn more about the Parkrose Business Association by visiting their official webpage: CLICK HERE.

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