Graduation week: Crook County students receive scholarships, district honors retirees and athletes

The board set aside time to recognize student achievements, community volunteers and retiring staff. The meeting included the district's customary recognitions, athletic summaries and presentation of the first Pillars of Distinction display.

District staff presented a summary of graduation outcomes and local scholarship awards for the class of 2025. Across the district campuses, CCHS reported 178 graduates, Pioneer 94, GMH 5, and CCO 2. School-by-school destination breakdowns reported percentages entering the workforce, community college, four-year institutions, trade schools and military service.

Nut graf: The board also received an accounting of locally awarded scholarships: 60 students received scholarships from a combination of community donors and foundations; the total amount awarded (including large multi-year awards such as the Ford Family Foundation grants) was reported at $845,811.98. Removing the multi-year Ford Family Foundation totals reduced the single-year subtotal to about $525,811.98, district staff said.

Highlights and context: staff said three students won Ford Family Foundation scholarships (renewable awards) and three received OSU presidential scholarships; local donors and the Crook County Foundation managed many smaller awards. The district also reported that CCHS graduates included 56 students who planned to enroll in four-year institutions, 41 in community college or dual enrollment, and others entering workforce or trade programs. Staff and board members praised counselors and community donors and asked for continued publicity for donor recognition.

Ending: The board closed the recognitions with applause for retirees (including 33 years and multi-decade employees) and athletic coaches; members thanked volunteers and the Crook County Foundation for scholarship support.