The Center Foundation presents its High Desert Hero Award each month to recognize an outstanding Central Oregon high school senior. Nominations are accepted by the Board of Directors and at their monthly Board meeting and one senior is selected as that month’s High Desert Hero. A scholarship program established to recognize the outstanding local youth, the High Desert Hero is honored with a radio profile for broadcast on Horizon Broadcasting Group’s five radio stations. Additionally the student is awarded a $100 mini-scholarship, a gift certificate to a local retailer and a medallion, which is presented at his or her school assembly. At the end of the school year the 9 High Desert Heroes will be eligible to compete for the prestigious William K. Worrell $5,000 scholarship presented by Express Personnel and Connie Worrell-Druliner. High Desert Heroes and all scholarship winners for the year are recognized at the annual “Salute to Heroes” awards dinner each spring.
The High Desert Hero program focuses attention on the student leaders in Central Oregon that exude superlative personal attributes. To be selected students must demonstrate:
- A 3.5 or higher GPA;
- A leadership role in high school extra-curricular activities;
- Citizenship through community involvement, respect for others and recognizable volunteer efforts. |