FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2016

Contact:
Meridel Prideaux / Coates Kokes
503.241.1124, meridel@coateskokes.com

Madeline Luce / Coates Kokes
503.241.1124, madeline@coateskokes.com

Harrington Family Foundation Announces Third Annual Scholarship Winners

2016 recipients of the Oregon Community Quarterback Scholarship chosen

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Harrington Family Foundation (HFF) recently announced the recipients of its third annual Oregon Community Quarterback Scholarship. Four Oregon high school students were selected from 204 applicants to receive a four-year renewable scholarship for $2,500 to attend an in-state university, college or trade school.

“We have a strong group of applications for the scholarship program every year, and it is always challenging to narrow it down to only four students,” said Joey Harrington, founder of the Harrington Family Foundation, former NFL quarterback and current KGW-TV special reporter. “I am excited about the four inspiring, motivated young adults we chose, and I look forward to seeing the impact they make on the communities of their chosen schools.”

This need-based scholarship focuses on an individual’s involvement in his or her community, rather than academic or athletic performance.

The Oregon Community Quarterback Scholarship recipients are:

  • Melissa Legaria Cisneros, Academy of International Studies at Woodburn High School –Woodburn, is an International Baccalaureate student with a strong passion for community service and social justice. As an officer for the Distributive Education Clubs of America, National Honor Society Treasurer and Teen Council member, Melissa is committed to fighting poverty and improving equal access to high-quality healthcare in her local community. Melissa will study pre-med at Willamette University.
  • Grant Goodwin, North Bend High School – North Bend, is an honor student with a passion for public speaking and the arts, who has excelled as his school’s Student Body President, Link Crew Leader, Speech and Debate Captain and Symphonic Band Section Leader. With an intrepid yet caring leadership style, he has engaged his fellow students through mentorship and coaching. Grant plans to attend Corban University to study music education.
  • Nicole McNerney, Triad School – Klamath Falls, is an honor student with a commitment to public health and philanthropy, fundraising nearly $40K to benefit cancer awareness in her local community. In addition to her rigorous academic schedule, Nicole has demonstrated leadership as founder of several local cancer walkathons. Named Miss Klamath County Outstanding Teen 2015, she is also the youngest Massachusetts General Cancer Center 100 honoree. Nicole plans to attend the University of Oregon to study communications.
  • Shade Streeter, Summit High School – Bend, is an AP student and varsity athlete with a passion for public service, who has demonstrated leadership as his school’s Student Body President, Governor of the Oregon Boys State Executive Council, Varsity Track and Field Team Captain and Varsity Cross Country Team Leader. As a natural leader with an ardor for government policy making, Shade will study political science at the University of Oregon.

2016 scholarships-1

From L to R: Back row — Mitchell Thomas (2015 winner), Joey Harrington, Emily Harrington, Nicole McNerney (2016 winner), Julianne Robinson (2014 winner), Ric Jeffries (mentor). Front Row — Kurt Huffman (mentor), Joanne Warner (mentor), Karen Espinoza (2015 winner), Melissa Legaria Cisneros (2016 winner). Not pictured: Grant Goodwin (2016 winner).

2016 scholarships-2

From L to R: Joey Harrington, Emily Harrington, Melissa Legaria Cisneros, Nicole McNerney, Shade Streeter. Not pictured: Grant Goodwin (2016 winner).

In addition to the scholarship, each recipient will have mentors throughout and following their schooling to help guide their path to a successful career and future. Mentors include:

  • Tinker Hatfield – Vice President of Design and Special Projects, Nike
  • Kurt Huffman – Owner, ChefStable Restaurant Group
  • Ric Jeffries – Co-Owner and Golf Professional, RiverRidge Golf Complex
  • David Millman – Managing Director, Domaine Drouhin Oregon
  • Jeff Paustian – Managing Director, JGP Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
  • Randy Stegmeier – Principal, Firm 151
  • Joanne Warner – Dean, University of Portland School of Nursing
  • Grant Hammersley – CEO, Opus Events Agency

The Oregon Community Quarterback Scholarship program was created by Joey Harrington and the Foundation as a way to recognize Oregon high school students who exemplify outstanding leadership skills and the ability to succeed. The Scholarship Advisory Committee selects scholarship recipients based on 45 percent community leadership, 45 percent financial need and 10 percent on “something special.” Effective September 1, 2016, all applications for the 2017 scholarship will be online only.

Since its inception in 2003, the Harrington Family Foundation has donated more than $1.1 million to Oregon nonprofits that support education and healthcare for in-state youth. For more information about the Foundation and the Oregon Community Quarterback Scholarship program, visit www.harringtonfamilyfoundation.org.

About the Harrington Family Foundation

Established in 2003 by former NFL quarterback, Joey Harrington, the Harrington Family Foundation (HFF) has raised more than $1.1 million for students across Oregon. The foundation raises funds for the scholarship program by hosting the Safeway-Albertsons Battle at Bandon, the Parr Lumber Great Summer Chef Off and Huddle Up for Kids. Born and raised in Oregon, Joey believes investing in Oregon students dedicated to pursuing higher education ultimately invests in the state of Oregon. He recognizes leaders do not only exist on the athletic field or in front of a television camera. The Oregon Community Quarterback Scholarship program is designed to encourage students who have shown a take-charge ability in their communities, but may need help reaching their potential. The Foundation is located at 1355 NW 13th Ave. in the Pearl District. For more information, visit www.harringtonfamilyfoundation.org.