The Kelso High School Class of 2024 was awarded Scholarships totaling over $180,450. Donate NOW
KPSF SCHOLARSHIPS2025
Honoring Excellence: Meet the 2025 KPSF Scholarship Winners A Diverse Group of Outstanding Students Who Have Achieved Remarkable Success! These graduates were awarded $186,850!
Established by her Parents Len and Laura Hiatt, administrators and alumni of KSD. There was such an outpouring of donations and support while Julia was fighting her health battle. Julia was well known at KHS for being that student “who made Kelso High School a better place”. It was important for the Hiatt family to honor a student who lives with the same positive caring attitude as Julia.
@$4,500
Lois Moore Scholarship
2025 Recipients
Emily Roe, Jason Sloan, Holley Walker
Established in 1994 by Maxwell (Max) and Lois Moore. Max was a local business owner and Lois served on the Kelso school board for a number of years. This Scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a career in education.
@$4,000
Sharon Bergman Scholarship
2025 Recipients:
Sydnie Walters, Tucker Amrine
Established by Sharon Roberts Bergman, a ‘61 graduate of KHS. This scholarship is intended for a Male and a Female in good academic standing, involved in school activities and community service.
$4,000
Kate Long Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Aubree Freeman
Established by the estate of Kate Long, beloved teacher who taught social studies and contemporary world problems for over 30 years at KHS. The scholarship is intended for students interested in international relations, politics, history or liberal art. This is a renewable scholarship for 3 years.
And $1500 for 3 additional years
@$2,500
Kaiser Permanente Scholarship Hilander Hall of Fame - Class of ’45
2025 Recipients:
Emily Roe, Tucker Amrine
Established by Kaiser Permanente in honor of Dan Wagster’s retirement. Dan was a graduate of the Class of ’45 and was Sr. Vice President of Kaiser Permanente Health/Hospitals. This scholarship is for a graduate with high academic achievement who excels in athletics and/or the arts; extracurricular activities in the school/community and demonstrates good leadership and citizenship.
$2,500
Barnes Elementary School Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Carter Bailey
This yearly Scholarship is awarded to a KHS graduate with good academic standing who attended Barnes Elementary School and has financial need.
$2,000
Ruth & Marion Clark Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Jax Nelson
Established by the Marion and Ruth Clark family to recognize a graduate interested in entering a medically related field or music studies.
@$2,000
Huntington Scholarship
2025 Recipients:
Nickolas Asaki, Owen Toms
Established by the staff of HMS in honor of Elaine Cockrell’s retirement. The Cockrell family has maintained this scholarship in her honor for a student who attended Huntington Middle School for three years, with a preference given to a Huntington Promise recipient.
$2,000
Kevin Hanks Memorial Cross Country Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Jesus Rios Rios
Established by family and friends in memory of Kevin, a 1997 KHS graduate who had high standards and was a Cross Country competitor. He was known for his strength of character and care for others. This scholarship is to recognize, reward, and encourage others with similar qualities.
$1,750
Zandi/Hreha Family Scholarship
2025 Recipients:
Yessenia Ramirez
Established by the Zandi/Hreha family. Larry Zandi grew up and went to school in Kelso, Robert Hreha grew up in Tacoma the two were married in 2013. They both feel education is important and want to honor and encourage Kelso graduates with this scholarship to help further their education.
$1,500
Mury Family Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Halle Johnson
Established by Jim & Michelle Mury. Michelle is a 1985 graduate of Kelso High School and has taught and coached in the Kelso district since 1990. Their daughters Mickayla and Kirstin graduated from Kelso. The scholarship is to recognize, reward and encourage a graduating senior who enhanced the culture, community and environment of Kelso High School.
$1,500
Bill & Nancy Lehning Scholarship
2025 Recipients:
Owen Gallagher
Established by the Bill & Nancy Lehning in 2022. Bill was a 1955 graduate of KHS later becoming a teacher, coach, and administrator in the Kelso School district for 35 years. The scholarship was created to recognize, reward, and encourage KHS students who are extremely involved in athletics, music, and/or leadership who may have financial need.
@$1,500
Schleif Family Scholarship
2025 Recipients:
Callie Coburn, Nickolas Asaki
Six scholarships established by Gil Schleif, former KSD Assistant Superintendent--three in the name of Patricia Eddy (daughter of Gil/Ruth Schleif) and three in the name of his wife Ruth.
$1,400
Living Educator/Kathy Williamson Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Jason Sloan
Established by the KPSF in honor of a living Kelso School District educator. the scholarship is intended for a graduate who plans to pursue a degree in teaching.
$1,250
Emmett & Opal Schroeder Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Emily Roe
Established by the family and friends in memory of “Mutt” Schroeder, teacher, coach, administrator and friend of the Kelso community. The scholarship is intended for a graduate who is an athlete with high academic achievement, excellent citizenship, exhibits hard work and a seriousness of purpose.
$1,200
Class of ’48, Roy Dennis Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Emily Roe
Memory of Roy Dennis, beloved principal of the Class of ’48. The scholarship is intended for a graduate with a desire to pursue an education—either academic or vocational.
$1,000
Robert Dykstra (Class of ’54) Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Cloe Colburn
Established by Robert in an effort to support students of Kelso High and their interest in furthering their education.
$1,200
Class of ‘58, Mike Lyons Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Ashlynn Verhei
Established by the Class of ’58 in memory of classmate Mike Lyons who died of injuries sustained in football during his senior year at Kelso High. The scholarships is intended for a graduate who has high personal standards and a Christian attitude toward others.
@$1,000
Ron and Dot Joslin Career & Technical Education Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Mallory Scruggs, Tucker Amrine
Established by Ron and Dot Joslin, retired Kelso School District instructors. Ron specialized in music and fine arts and Dot specialized in math and science. The scholarship is intended for vocational training at a community college, trade school or vocational program.
$1,000
Class of ’52 Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Nickolas Asaki
Established by the Class of ’52 to recognize the working student. Preference given to a student who has worked outside the home.
$1,000
Larry & Darlene Wilgus Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Nickolas Asaki
Larry graduated in '59 from KHS. He is a retired educator and administrator after 30 years of service in the Kelso School District. He and his wife Darlene still live in the area and support Kelso Schools.
$1,000
Marsha Lucas Family Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Lily Devries
Established by Bob Lucas, his daughters (Jennifer and Laura), extended family, and friends in memory of Marsha Lucas who was a beloved educator for over 20 years. Marsha’s commitment to her students was extraordinary. The purpose of the endowment is to provide funds for post high school education to a student who has demonstrated grit in overcoming a disability while pursuing their educational goals.
$1,000
Class of ‘45, Colleene Cottenoir Armstrong Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Ashlynn Verhei
Colleen’s passion for music and performing arts continue under her guidance in the presentation of this scholarship. Preference given to graduates interested in studying music or the performing arts.
$1,000
Rich McCool Living Trust Nursing Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Cooper Cromwell
Rich McCool, graduate of the Class of ‘57, established this scholarship to honor his years in the construction business. The scholarship is intended for a graduate who is interest in the area of nursing.
$1,000
Rich McCool Living Trust Engineering Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Nickolas Asaki
Rich McCool, graduate of the Class of ‘57, established this scholarship to honor his years in the construction business. The scholarship is intended for a graduate who is interest in the area of architecture or engineering.
$1,000
Class of ‘45, Tommy Jabusch Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Cloe Colburn
Established by the Class of ’45, this memorial scholarship honors Tommy’s years of dedication as a teacher with physical impairments. The scholarship is intended for a graduate seeking degree in education who distinguishes him/herself despite a physical impairment or handicap.
$1,000
Class of ‘45, Alan St Onge Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Tru Bettineski
This memorial was established by the class in honor of Alan’s football triumphs and is intended for a graduate with athletic ability and an interest in the arts.
$1,000
Veryl and Larry Anderson Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Lily Devries
Established by alumni and community advocates Veryl and Larry Anderson. The scholarship is intended for a graduate in pursuit of a degree in Music or Music Education
$1,000
Gross Family Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Angelica Ball
Established by family and friends in memory of Lawrence Gross who taught Vocational Agriculture in the Kelso School District for 30 years. After retirement he continued to work as a substitute teacher in the district. The award is to support a student entering vocational training, a trade school or vocational program.
@$1,000
Chuck & Anita Klawitter Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Merecedes Musser, Michael Hampl
This scholarship was established in memory of Chuck and Anita who were Kelso alumni and community advocates.
$1,000
Mike & Kathy Williamson Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Cloe Colburn
Established by the KPSF in honor of a living Kelso School District educator. the scholarship is intended for a graduate who plans to pursue a degree in teaching.
@$1,000
Terri Clary Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Emily Roe, Kenzie Junnikkala
Established by Jim Clary in honor of his wife Terri, a former alumnus, in lieu of a Christmas gift. The scholarship is intended for a female graduate who is in good academic standing, involved in school activities and community service.
$1,000
Sweet in the Middle Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Callie Coburn
Established by Pattie & Katie Surritt and Lynda Carlson to award a student who has performed at a high level as a Hilander but does not qualify for financial aid and is not receiving a large amount of scholarship monies.
$1,000
Frieda Walworth/Wallace Scholarship
2025 Recipients:
Javier Lopez
Established by the Wallace staff and continued by the Walworth family in memory of Frieda Walworth, a Wallace school volunteer. The scholarships is intended for a graduate who attended Wallace Elementary.
@$750
Rose Valley PTO Scholarship
2025 Recipients:
Mallory Scruggs, Owen Gallagher
Established by the Rose Valley PTO honoring Rose Valley students. The scholarships are intended for graduates who attended Rose Valley Elementary.
$650
Vern King Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Jesus Soto-Alverez
Established by family and friends to honor Vern’s contribution as teacher/administrator to the education of students in Kelso, especially Barnes Elementary.
$500
Jack Elms Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Nickolas Asaki
Teacher, coach, principal and district financial officer for many years. Served as treasurer and financial wizard for the Foundation in its beginning years—instrumental in moving the board to the high level of functionality it is today. The scholarship is intended for a graduate who is a former Huntington Middle School student.
$500
Mike and Linda Saville Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Alyssa Young-Sutovich
Established in 1983 by Mike Saville in memory of his wife Linda. The name was changed by family in 2013 in memory of their parents to the Mike and Linda Saville Scholarship. The scholarship is intended for a graduate who is interested in entering a health-related field.
$500
Breakthrough Scholarship
2025 Recipients:
Jesus Rios Rios
Established by a 2011 Kelso High graduate and recipient of a Kelso Foundation scholarship, who felt strongly about “paying it forward.” The scholarship is intended for a student entering a field of study in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) who is well rounded (athlete, school club leader or work part time).
$4,500
Maurice and Betty Cummings Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Jesus Soto-Alverez
Established by family and friends—Maurice was a Class of ‘34 graduate, and Betty was a long-time employee of the KSD as an instructional assistant. The scholarship is intended for a graduate who participated on a varsity basketball team.
@$4,500
Max Moore Scholarship
2025 Recipients:
Aiden Sparman, Cooper Cromwell
Established in 1994 by Maxwell (Max) and Lois Moore. Max was a local business owner and Lois served on the Kelso school board for a number of years. This Scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a degree in either a vocational or professional career.
@$4,000
Jim Perkins Scholarship
2025 Recipients:
Carter Bailey, Claire Brigman, Javier Lopez, Aidan Spurgeon, Alyssa Young-Sutovich
Established by Jim & Martie Perkins to reward deserving students planning n attending Lower Columbia College. Jim is a retired math teacher who spent his career teaching at both Kelso High School and LCC.
$2,500
Cindy Armstrong Memorial Music Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Elijah Stillwell-Butcher
Established by Colleene Armstrong in memory of her daughter Cindy Armstrong who was an elementary music specialist in Kelso Schools for 29 years. The scholarship is to honor and support a graduating senior with good character, leadership qualities, who plans on pursuing a degree in music.
$2,500
Wallace Elementary School Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Jesus Rios Rios
This yearly Scholarship is awarded to a KHS graduate with good academic standing who attended Wallace Elementary School and has financial need.
@$2,500
Joe Stewart Memorial Scholarship
2025 Recipients:
Jesus Rios Rios, Owen Gallagher
Established by the family of Joe Stewart former teacher, counselor, track and cross country coach. the award is to honor and support two Kelso High School seniors who demonstrate good character and citizenship towards classmates, teammates, and staff. Exhibit Strong leadership qualities, emphasis the importance of team and focus on their personal best performance in academics and athletics.
$2,500
Chad Zandi Scholarship
2025 Recipients:
Tucker Amrine
Established by Chad Zandi to reward a deserving student interested in, Prelaw, Criminal Justice or Political Science, Public Policy, Civics, Humanities, Education or other similar areas.
@$2,000
Chuck Stover (Class of ’37) Scholarship
2025 Recipients:
Owen Toms, Mallory Scruggs, Tru Bettineski, Callie Coburn
Established by the estate of Chuck Stover, an advocate of KPSF and Kelso High Scholarships.
@$2,000
Kelso Lions Club Scholarship
2025 Recipients:
Lily Devries, Harrison Eugenis
Established by the Kelso Lions Club to benefit Kelso graduates. The scholarship is funded by concession sales at Schroeder Field and yearly fundraisers.
@$1,500
Jabusch Family Memorial Scholarship
2025 Recipients:
Mallory Scruggs, Owen Gallagher
Established in memory of Susan Jabusch Grotjohn, Roy Jabusch, Alice Jabusch, Mike Jabusch, Lory Jabusch Hendricks and all future Jabusch descendent memorials. This scholarship is intended for a graduate(s) who lives in the Rose Valley community or regularly attends RV Friends Church, Sunday school or Youth Group and plans to attend a four-year college, community college, trade or business school.
@$1,400
Baker Family Scholarship
2025 Recipients:
Tucker Amrine, Cooper Cromwell
Established by the Jim Baker family to recognize graduating seniors with a 3.0 GPA or better, who plan on attending LCC on a two-year program or to begin there and continue at a four-year institution.
$1,200
Kiwanis/Dr. Herron Memorial Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Jax Nelson
Established by Kelso Kiwanis in memory of Dr. Thomas Herron, who practiced osteopathic medicine in Kelso.
$1,250
Walt and Marty Piper Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Nickolas Asaki
Established by the Piper family honoring their contributions to the culture and education of Kelso students. Walt taught math and coached at Kelso High for many years. Marty was a great supporter of the education and activities of Kelso students.
$1,000
Ron and Dot Joslin Fine/Performing Arts Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Holley Walker
Established by Ron and Dot Joslin, retired Kelso School District instructors. Ron specialized in music and fine arts and Dot specialized in math and science. The scholarship is intended for a graduate interested in Fine and/or Performing Arts.
$1,000
Class of ‘45, Don and Vivian Ames Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Aubrey Freeman
The Ames family continues this scholarship seeking Don’s passion in vocational/technical education. The scholarship is intended for a graduate attending community college, vocational or tech school and plans to enter one of the trades, i.e., mechanics, truck driving, refrigeration, instrumentation, welding or firefighting
$1,000
Class of ‘45, Vronia Bailey Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Aubree Freeman
Established as a memorial by the class of ’45 in honor of her high school involvement. The scholarship is intended for a vocational or technical student (culinary arts, nursing, clerical, computers, and early childhood education).
$1,000
Class of ‘45, Willard Chinn Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Owen Gallagher
Established by the Class of ’45 and named for Willard honoring his involvement during their high school years. The scholarship is intended for a graduate with a career interest in the area of physical science or medicine.
$1,000
Class of ‘45, Al Laakso Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Paityn Mackin
Memorial established for Al’s athletic and leadership abilities. The scholarship is intended for a graduate who participate in sports and was a leader in school.
$1,000
Sharon & Leroy Faling Education Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Holley Walker
Established by the William Clement Trust in recognition of Sharon and Leroy Faling for their dedication and commitment to students and their education. The scholarship honors a graduating senior pursuing a degree in education.
$1,000
Vandecar Family Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Jesus Rios Rios
The Vandecar children have established this scholarship to honor their parents who were both Kelso alumni.
$1,000
Justin DeRosier Criminal Justice Scholarship
2025 Recipients:
Ashlynn Verhei
Katie and her daughter Lillie, with the help of most of Cowlitz County, have established this Scholarship to honor Justin DeRosier, who lost his life protecting our community in 2019.
@$1,000
Huntington Promise
2025 Recipients:
Jesus Soto-Alverez, Daira Gavino
Established by the staff of Huntington Junior High (now Huntington Middle School) to recognize 8th grade students in jeopardy of not receiving a high school diploma. It was the "staff's promise" to award them a scholarship upon receiving their diploma.
$1,000
Lori Annette Hamm Memorial Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Jax Nelson
Established by the family in memory of their daughter, Lori, a 1988 graduate who died in the summer of 2006. Lori was injured in an auto accident, spring ’88, and through hard work and effort overcame those injuries to graduate from Kelso High in December 1988 and went on to graduate from LCC. The scholarship is intended for a graduate who has overcome hardship to graduate.
$1,000
Arne Lund Memorial Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Aubree Freeman
Established by the family in memory of Arne Lund who spent his entire 30-year career at Huntington Middle School as a teacher, guidance counselor, and coach. The scholarship is intended for a Graduate who attended Huntington MS and plans to attend the University of Washington or Washington State University.
$1,000
Bartlett Famikly Swim Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Owen Gallagher
The Barlett Family Swim scholarship has been established to recognize a deserving student who has been a committed member of the Hilander Swim Team. The Scholarship honors a swimmer who demonstrates perseverance, personal growth, and dedication to the team – someone who continues to show up, work hard, and support their teammates, regardless of speed or points earned.
@$1,000
Progress Center Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Carter Bailey, Nickolas Asaki
Established by the Progress Center to honor and support two Kelso High School seniors with $1,000 scholarships for their ability to overcome learning challenges in their journey to graduate from Kelso High School.
$1,000
Bartlett Family Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Noelia Garcia-Luna
The Bartlett Family Scholarship has been established to reward a deserving student who has experienced learning obstacles on their path to graduating from Kelso High school and is committed to continuing their education.
$1,000
Beacon Hill Water & Sewer Commissioner's Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Paityn Mackin
Established by a 2011 Kelso High graduate and recipient of a Kelso Foundation scholarship, who felt strongly about “paying it forward.” The scholarship is intended for a student entering a field of study in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) who is well rounded (athlete, school club leader or work part time).
@$1,000
Schleif Family Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Lily Devries, Jax Nelson, Kenzie Junnikkala
Six scholarships established by Gil Schleif, former KSD Assistant Superintendent--three in the name of Patricia Eddy (daughter of Gil/Ruth Schleif) and three in the name of his wife Ruth.
@$850
Cliff Furness Award
2025 Recipients:
Trinitie Fletcher, Rylan Smoak Lingnau
Founded by the estate of Cliff Furness who was a long time Kelso pharmacist and a loyal Kelso High supporter. This award honors students who have overcome personal setbacks that have threatened their graduation status as recognized by staff and counselors.
$950
Marlene Worley Laufman Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Holley Walker
Established by Paul Laufman, in her memory, Marlene was a 1956 alumni and a top student and Scotty Majorette. This award is for a student interested in teaching or STEM.
$600
Maurice & Betty Cummings Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Tucker Amrine
Established by family and friends—Maurice was a Class of ‘34 graduate, and Betty was a long-time employee of the KSD as an instructional assistant. The scholarship is intended for a graduate who participated on a varsity basketball team.
$600
Lucille E. Calhoun Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Cloe Colburn
Established by the estate of Lucy Calhoun, a beloved Kelso High teacher for over 35 years. The scholarships is intended for a graduate who is interested in entering a field of study in child development, nutrition, culinary arts or education.
$500
Virgil Hopkins Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Ashlynn Verhei
This endowed scholarship was established by the estate of Virgil Hopkins, a former Kelso High School English, foreign language and choral music instructor. The scholarships is intended for a graduate who is interested in entering the field of English, foreign language or vocal music.
$500
Gordon and Pauline Murphy Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Jesus Rios Rios
Established by the family of Gordon and Pauline Murphy, Kelso community activists and school patrons.
$750
Rosemary Kingsley Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Paityn Mackin
Established as a memorial by the Kingsley family. Rose worked many years as a para educator at Beacon Hill Elementary. The scholarship is intended for a graduate who attended Beacon Hill Elementary School at least two years and is interested in attending community college, university or vocational/ technical training program.
$550
Chuck & Judy Bailey Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Tucker Amrine
Established by Judy Bailey, representing her family of Hilanders. Judy was in the KHS Class of '47 and Chuck was in the Class of '42. Judy has been a KPSF board member since May of 2004. This Scholarship supports a graduating senior seeking a career that would meet the needs of others. Special consideration is given to a working student.
$500
Makaio Mobbs Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Jason Sloan
Established by Makaio Mobbs, a 2011 KHS graduate and athlete. He grew up in a single parent home and overcame many adversities on his way to becoming a counselor at Kelso High School. Makaio would like to honor and support a KHS senior athlete who has overcome their own adversities.
$500
Austin Cortes Memorial Scholarship
2025 Recipient:
Tru Bettineski
Established by the Cortes family and our community in memory of Austin a 2016 graduate who was killed in a motorcycle accident. He was an amazing young man who loved his family, his friends, his dog, and chocolate milk.
