Patricia Heath: 2008 recipient of $3,000 Scott Banke Memorial Scholarship

Patricia’s nomination was very inspiring as she has already overcome so much in her life as she was adopted from and African orphanage at age 13. It was said she has a positive outlook and a very strong desire to succeed and that part of her kindness and compassion for others stems from her previous experiences. It was also written that this person has been a very good role model to other students in the community and has an incredibly strong commitment to make McMinnville High School the best learning experience for all students.

Although all of these things are impressive what truly got our committee was her heart and compassion for others. This student wants to be remembered by her peers as one who did their best, gave 100%, worked hard and who did not give up. In her interview she said that, if she were chosen for this award that she would make our selection committee proud and we whole-heartily believed it.

We also truly felt this young lady will definitely make a long term impact on children and families for years to come as her dream is to be a nurse and always give back to her community.

Abraham Mejia: 2008 recipient of $3,000 Scott Banke Memorial Scholarship

Abraham took us by surprise: He was nominated by two separate individuals and his incredibly bright future really stems from his past when just two years ago he decided to completely turn his life around for the better. This young man has also been involved in various projects around the community. He also felt that one of his greatest accomplishments has been the chance to encourage one of his friends to actually go to college, move forward and help others.

Again another very impressive resume, but this person amazed us with his ability to not only find ways to improve society, but he has also seem to have found a greater sense of purpose for doing so. His kind, polite and humble nature is extremely attractive as he was totally (blown away) and honored just to be nominated for this scholarship.

He has a level of character and drive that will continue to impact and inspire others for years to come as he plans to be involved some how in the social sector of society as a police officer, firefighter, probation officer, social worker or school counselor.

Michael Grinich: 2007 recipient of $2,500 Scott Banke Memorial Scholarship

Michael’s nomination sent in by one of his advisors told of a great young man. He has been accepted to MIT and although isn’t quite sure what the final outcome will be from this prestigious university our thought is that he will probably end up being the 64th recipient from MIT to win the Nobel Prize!

Again another very impressive resume, but Michael amazed us with his ability to not only find ways to improve society, but also to find a greater sense of purpose for doing so. He has a level of character and drive that will continue to impact and inspire others for years to come.

Ashley Braxling: 2007 recipient of $2,500 Scott Banke Memorial Scholarship

Ashley was actually nominated by two different individuals. Both who wrote incredible things about her, it was said she is a natural leader and a role model. One teacher wrote that this person is enthusiastic, trust-worthy and sincere and is one of the best students that I have worked with over the last 18years.

Although all of these things are impressive what truly got our committee was her heart. We truly felt this young lady will definitely make an impact on children for years to come as her dream is to be a preschool teacher and potentially own her own school someday