A workplace death or a life-altering injury can have a profound effect on a family, including their ability to finance higher education. Each year, the
Workers' Memorial Scholarship program provides awards to help surviving family members reach their educational goals.
2021 scholarship winners
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 wants to “use my experience and background to influence equitable public policy that benefits individuals who come from marginalized backgrounds.”
A vehicle accident left her stepfather, who worked at a dairy farm, a quadriplegic. Anguiano is receiving a $4,000 award.
Katy Molloy, Junction City
Molloy 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 become a prosecutor after completing her law degree. “I would like to ensure that justice is applied equally to everyone, no matter what their personal circumstances may be.”
Molloy’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 be a sophomore this fall studying nursing at Linfield University. Her degree plans include registered nursing and pediatric nursing.
Dodge is inspired to go into the pediatric nursing field “mostly because of my love for working with younger kids. I hope to be able to help children any way that I can and keep them happy and healthy.”
Dodge’s father, a millwright, died in a lumber mill accident in 2014. She is receiving a $4,000 award.
Ginger Ewing, Bandon
Ewing, a graduate of Bandon High School, will be a junior at Linfield University this fall. She is pursuing coursework with the goal of becoming a registered nurse.
“For a great part of my life, I have wanted to help people, even in the smallest way. I have come to find that throughout the experiences I have lived through and what life has presented me with, I want to help people in the medical field,” 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.
“When it comes to my career, I see myself becoming a boss, a woman who is empowering not only herself with that everyday self-journey, but also others around her so they are realizing their own powers they have,” she said.
Grizzell’s father, a satellite technician, died from a fall injury in 2009. She is receiving a $4,000 award.
Isaac Milner, Silverton
Milner is a graduate of Silverton High School. He will be a freshman this fall at Linfield University.
Milner will pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in business, sales, distribution, and marketing, with a second major in Spanish language and literature.
Milner’s stepfather died in a car accident while traveling for work. He is receiving a $4,000 award.
Kira Feldman, Salem
Feldman is a graduate of Summit Learning Charter and will be a freshman this fall at the University of Oregon.
“Psychology is what I am truly passionate about. I’ve spent my whole life knowing I want to spend my life helping other people and I believe this field is incredibly important and affects everyone,” Feldman said.
Feldman’s plan is to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Oregon and continue on with her graduate work to achieve her Ph.D. or Psy.D. Feldman’s father died in a work accident when she was 7 years old. Feldman is receiving a $4,000 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.