Investing in Tomorrow:

Canby Rotary Supports Student Success

Rotary Club of Canby continues its long-standing commitment to education by investing in the dreams and aspirations of local students. This year, the club awarded 28 scholarships totaling $78,500 to graduating high school seniors and continuing college students. Individual scholarships ranged from $2,500 to $5,000, providing meaningful financial assistance as students pursue higher education and prepare for careers.These scholarships recognize more than academic excellence. They honor students who demonstrate leadership, service to others, integrity, perseverance, and a desire to make a positive impact in their communities. Each award reflects Rotary’s belief that today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders.Several scholarships commemorate remarkable individuals whose lives exemplified service, leadership, and a commitment to education.

The Frank Cutsforth Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Frank Cutsforth, a Past President of the Rotary Club of Canby and one of the community’s most respected civic leaders. The scholarship is awarded to a student who has been actively involved in extracurricular activities and has demonstrated a positive impact on the Canby community through leadership and service. It reflects Frank’s lifelong belief that individuals who invest their time, talents, and energy in strengthening their community leave a lasting legacy for others to follow.

The Richard Brown Memorial Scholarship recognizes the extraordinary contributions of Richard “Dick” Brown, another Past President of the Rotary Club
of Canby. Dick served as Superintendent of the Canby School District for fifteen years, guiding generations of students, educators, and families with wisdom, vision, and compassion. As both an educator and an active community leader,
he understood that education opens doors and strengthens communities. His
enthusiasm, kindness, and unwavering belief in young people continue to inspire
those who benefit from the scholarship established in his honor.

The Don Peterson Memorial Scholarship honors one of the founding members of the Rotary Club of Canby and a Past President whose leadership helped
establish the club’s tradition of service. This scholarship recognizes a student who has distinguished themselves through outstanding academic achievement while demonstrating exceptional leadership throughout their school years. The award reflects Don Peterson’s belief that leadership and scholarship go hand in hand and that those who use their talents in service to others have the greatest potential to strengthen their communities.

The Ray and Jeanne Reif Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a Canby High School graduating senior or past graduate who intends to pursue a career
in law, agriculture, or teaching. Ray and Jeanne Reif were dedicated supporters of education and community service, and this scholarship continues their legacy by encouraging students to pursue professions that enrich and strengthen communities for generations to come.

Matthew Dewar Memorial Scholarship honors a local high school student whose life was cut short by a tragic accident. The recipients are athletes who
plan to participate in sports in college and are actively involved in a local church.
In addition to these memorial scholarships, the Rotary Club of Canby
awards several scholarships made possible through the generosity of community partners and Canby Rotary Foundation.

The Canby Advantage Magazine Scholarship recognizes graduating high
school seniors and current college students pursuing careers in journalism or graphic design. By encouraging students entering communications and creative professions, this scholarship supports the development of future storytellers, designers, and communicators whose work helps inform and connect our communities.

Canby Rotary Foundation Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors and continuing college students who reside within the Canby School District. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and the pursuit of educational goals while
reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to investing in local students.

The DirectLink Scholarships are available to students whose families are DirectLink customers. Through this partnership, DirectLink joins the Rotary
Club of Canby in supporting higher education and helping local students prepare for successful futures. The Rotary Club of Canby’s scholarship program reflects Rotary’s enduring commitment to developing ethical, compassionate, and capable
leaders. Whether recipients are entering college for the first time or continuing
their education, each scholarship represents the confidence the community
has in their ability to succeed and to give back through service.

These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of Rotary
members, local businesses, community partners, donors, and the Canby Rotary Foundation, all of whom believe that education transforms lives. Their support helps remove financial barriers while encouraging students to pursue their dreams and return their talents to the communities they will one day serve. As this year’s 28 scholarship recipients begin the next chapter of their educational journey, they carry with them more than financial assistance. They also inherit the
enduring legacy of community leaders such as Frank Cutsforth, Richard Brown,
Don Peterson, Ray and Jeanne Reif, and the many organizations and partners
who believe in the promise of education. Through these scholarships, their
commitment to service, leadership, and opportunity continues to shape the future
of Canby — one student at a time.

2026 Rotary Club of Canby
Scholarship Recipients

Frank Cutsforth
Memorial Scholarship:
Celeste Gomez
Lopez
Richard Brown

Memorial Scholarship:
Andrew Dewar
Karina Sawatsky
Ray and Jeanne Reif
Memorial Scholarship
Hailey
Magenheimer
Matthew Dewar
Scholarship
Danner Michel
Josiah Ring

Don Peterson
Memorial Scholarship:
Elle Carter

Canby Advantage
Magazine Scholarship:
Misha Milano

DirectLink Scholarships:
Dean Williams
Grace Colvin
Dane Edwards
Abella Leder
Maxwell Smith
Jolie Rodolph
Otto Terry
Madison Vissers

Canby Rotary
Foundation Scholarships:
Hadley Bierma
Julia Nielsen
Sadie Knowles
Ella McKean
Nika Chernishov
Maddox Mellander
Anna Poe
Lola Hanson
Landon Chin
Norah Cordill
Rachel Zacher
Tavi Robinson