Salem, OR — Each of them has different educational goals, career plans, and dreams. All of them have endured the personal and financial hardships that result when a parent or spouse is lost to a workplace death or permanently disabled while on the job.
Seven Oregon high school graduates are recipients of the 2020 Workers’ Memorial Scholarship awards, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) announced. The awards program helps finance higher education for family members of Oregon workers who have been fatally injured or permanently disabled on the job.
“In the face of serious challenges, these students have shown a lot of heart and a lot of grit in staying focused on their educational pursuits,” said Oregon OSHA Administrator Michael Wood. “These awards represent an opportunity for us to help them as they continue moving forward on their respective paths.”
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Workers’ Memorial Scholarship is open to any high school graduate, graduating high school senior, GED recipient, or current college undergraduate or graduate student who is a dependent or spouse of an Oregon worker who has been fatally injured or permanently disabled while on the job.
This year’s recipients are:
Salma Anguiano, Hermiston
Anguiano is a 2018 graduate of Hermiston High School. She is studying American government and politics, and Chinese language and literature at Whitman College.
Anguiano said she envisions a career of helping build “mutual understanding among different diverse communities.”
A vehicle accident left her stepfather, who worked at a dairy farm, a quadriplegic. Anguiano is receiving a $3,000 award.
Katy Molloy Brady, Junction City
Molloy Brady is a graduate of Junction City High School who holds degrees in accounting and criminal justice from Portland State University and Linn-Benton Community College, respectively. Currently, she is pursuing a law degree at the University of Oregon.
She said she hopes to practice tax law or forensic accounting after completing her law degree. “I’ve learned how to be resilient,” she said. “No matter what happens, I’m able to roll with the punches.”
Molloy Brady’s husband, a truck driver, died in an equipment accident in 2016. She is receiving a $3,000 award.
McKenzie Dodge, Mill City
A graduate of Santiam High School, Dodge will become a freshman at Linfield University in the fall. Her degree plans include registered nursing and pediatric nursing.
When Dodge looks to the future, she said, she sees herself caring for others. “I want to be someone who helps people and could potentially save someone’s life,” she said.
Dodge’s father, a millwright, died in a lumber mill accident in 2014. She is receiving a $3,000 award.
Ginger Ewing, Bandon
Ewing, a graduate of Bandon High School, will be a sophomore at Linfield University this fall. She is pursuing coursework with the goal of becoming a registered nurse.
“I feel that, by becoming a nurse, I can be a positive influence in each and every community I may live in throughout my life,” Ewing said.
Ewing’s father, a cattle ranch worker, was fatally kicked in the head by a horse. She is receiving a $3,000 award.
Alexis Grizzell, Beaverton
Grizzell, a graduate of Alpha Omega Academy in Rock Rapids, Iowa, is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in graphic design at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Fla.
When she looks ahead to a potential career, Grizzell sees herself as a freelance photographer who incorporates her graphic design skills into her work.
“My biggest inspiration has been knowing I have the willpower to do anything I set my mind to,” she said.
Grizzell’s father, a satellite technician, died from a fall injury in 2009. She is receiving a $3,000 award.
Isaac Milner, Silverton
Milner is a graduate of Silverton High School. He will begin his college studies in the fall as a freshman at Linfield University.
Milner plans to pursue a bachelor of arts degree in sales, distribution, and marketing, with a second major in Spanish language and literature. He aspires to a career in business.
Milner’s stepfather died in a car accident while traveling for work. He is receiving a $3,000 award.
Sydney Sampson, Springfield
A graduate of Henry D. Sheldon High School who completed coursework at Lane Community College, Sampson will be a senior at University of Oregon in the fall. At the university, she is working toward a bachelor’s degree in international studies with a minor in Spanish.
After she obtains her bachelor’s degree, Sampson said, she plans to gain work experience for several years before returning to school to seek a master’s degree.
Sampson sees social work in her future. “I want to use my career to put some good out into the world,” she said, “and I think that the best way for me to do this is through nonprofit work.”
Sampson’s stepfather, a police officer, was shot to death in the line of duty. She is receiving a $500 award.
Award recommendations are made by Oregon OSHA’s Safe Employment Education and Training Advisory Committee, an advisory group with members from business, organized labor, and government. Oregon OSHA presents the awards annually to help in the postsecondary education of spouses or children of permanently and totally disabled or fatally injured workers.
The 1991 Legislature established the Workers’ Memorial Scholarship at the request of the Oregon AFL-CIO, with support from Associated Oregon Industries.