Donations Will Benefit Hidden Valley High School Graduate.
Grants Pass, Oregon, May 7, 2013 – The formation of The Kelly Christensen Memorial Scholarship for students at Hidden Valley High School is named in honor of former teacher, Kelly Christensen. This new scholarship will be a yearly award to a HVHS graduate.
Created to honor the memory of Kelly Christensen’s dedication to education, continual service to his students, and his strength of character; this scholarship hopes to reward and celebrate students who exhibit extraordinary character, service, and leadership during their academic career.
For nearly a decade Kelly Christensen served the students of the Three Rivers School District as a teacher and Vice Principal at Hidden Valley High School, and then Principal at Fruitdale Elementary School in 2008. On August 31, 2011 Kelly lost his battle with cancer leaving behind a loving family, as well as a wide network of friends and students who were inspired by his selflessness and exemplary character. His legacy of dedication and compassion have inspired several former students to establish a scholarship to honor that legacy by rewarding and celebrating a current graduating student who exemplifies the qualities that made Kelly so special.
Ray McGuinness from Corvallis and Billy Newman (a local photography business owner) are former HVHS graduates and former students of Christensen’s. Together they have created the Kelly Christensen Memorial Scholarship which will be administered through the Josephine County Educational Fund Inc. (JCEF), honoring the man widely known as “Mr. C”. Billy Newman and Ray McGuinness, both 2007 HVHS graduates, worked closely with Christensen throughout his time at Hidden Valley, as members of student government and on various drama productions.
Newman says, “Christensen’s exuberant personality, tireless work ethic, and personal care made him a beloved teacher as well as a respected mentor and friend.”
This scholarship is available to a graduating senior at Hidden Valley High School who is planning on attending an accredited two or four-year College or University. The criteria and scholarship amount are subject to change on a year-to-year basis. This year’s criteria considers: Academics – a 3.0 minimum GPA; Co-curricular Activity/Involvement; Community Service or Involvement; and Demonstrated Leadership.
Newman and McGuinness are now reaching out to fellow HVHS/Fruitdale Alumni, parents, colleagues, and friends who are interested in contributing to the fund. This new scholarship will be given out to its first recipient at Hidden Valley’s Awards Night on Wednesday, May 22, at 7 P.M.
Interested parents, teachers, staff and graduates are invited to make a tax-deductible contribution to this scholarship. You may make a donation directly to the Kelly Christensen Memorial Scholarship at their website.