More than $45,000 in scholarships and gift cards awarded to seniors
EVEN A CLOUD BURST couldn’t dampen the smiles of the nearly 700 graduating high school seniors parading down Main Street today for the eighth annual Klamath Promise Graduation Sensation.
For photos: GRADUATION SENSATION 2023
Soon-to-be graduates from 12 high schools across Klamath County -- including Bonanza, Chiloquin, Falcon Heights, Gilchrist, Henley, Lost River, and Mazama – paraded in caps and gowns down Main Street with bands and mascots, then joined together with family, friends and supporters in Veterans Park for a celebration and awards distribution. A moment of silence was observed for those no longer with us, the Henley Touch of Class sang the National Anthem and David Stork, senior vice president, chief administrative officer, and chief legal officer at Lithia Motors, Inc., provided keynote remarks for the students as they embark on life after high school.
“Be the single best version of yourself,” Stork said. “… Your time is limited. Don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
The Graduation Sensation includes awards for those going on to college, into the military, into the workforce, or who are undecided on their next step. This year, 101 scholarships and gift cards totaling nearly $45,000 were announced to the crowd of graduates, families, and supporters. More than 20 local business and organizations contributed to awards this year: Cascade Health Alliance, Citizens for Safe Schools in partnership with Youth Development Oregon, Dana Orr- The Lending Lady of the Klamath Basin, EagleRidge High School, Friends of the Klamath County Library, Glenn and Ursula Gailis, Healthy Klamath Partners, Hispanic Health Committee, Holliday Jewelry, Kersey Trust, Klamath Basin Behavioral Health, Klamath Community College, Klamath County Chamber of Commerce, Klamath County Board of Commissioners, Klamath County School District, Klamath Health Partnership, Pelican Education Foundation, Ross Ragland Theater and Cultural Center, Sky Lakes Medical Center, Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls, the Stork Family, Windermere Real Estate, and anonymous donors.
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