SALEM, Ore. 17 May 2022 — Maps Community Foundation announces the 2022 scholarships totaling $27,500. The scholarships were awarded to 23 local Marion and Polk County high school students to further their post-secondary education. The scholarships, awarded this month, went to students from Salem-Keizer School District, North Santiam School District, Silver Falls School District, Gervais School District, Central School District, St. Paul School District, and Regis St. Mary Catholic School.
With its roots in public education, a primary focus of Maps Credit Union is life-long learning. Foundation Executive Director Kim Hanson said, “We were so impressed with this year’s resilient and inspiring group of applicants, especially given the pandemic’s impact on their high school experience. This year’s winners shared compelling examples of their academic achievements, perseverance in the face of challenge, dedication to community service, and passion for their career paths. Maps Community Foundation is honored to support each of them on this next step of their educational journey.”
Three Stellar Recipients
Here are just three stories of seniors receiving scholarships from the Maps Community Foundation for the 2022-2023 school year. Among the students selected for scholarships are a future civil engineer, marine biologist, radiologist, hair designer, and nurse. In this diverse group of students, many are the first in their families to seek a college education. All are active in their communities and have a desire to give back.
Aracely Salazar-Cervantes
Aracely Salazar-Cervantes of North Salem High School wants to major in Business Management and start her own business. Specifically, to provide safe, stable jobs for field workers like her parents. She witnessed how they were mistreated at work and wanted to ensure others had a different experience. She said, “Being born and raised as a person of color, I experienced a great deal of prejudice towards my family and I throughout all my life. I want to make a difference; not just in my community, but all around the world.”
Mason Luna
Mason Luna of Stayton High School made the most of his high school experience, academically and through service to his community. He has participated in sports, volunteered for disaster relief efforts in the Santiam Canyon, and will have earned more than 40 college credits by the time he graduates in June. The Maps Community Foundation scholarship is helping him pursue a degree in Business Management. He said, “This scholarship will help me show my community that you can still go to a university even though you might not make that much money. Most people in my community can only afford community colleges or just don’t go to college at all…If you put your mind to it, anyone can go to a university.”
Ava Bush
Ava Bush of Silverton High School is looking to turn what started as a hobby into her vocation. She began experimenting with hair and makeup in middle school. She found that not only was it enjoyable, but she was good at it. Ava especially enjoys special effects makeup and has had the opportunity to attend cosmetology school part-time while attending high school. Part of the draw is making people feel good about themselves. Ava said, “I want to be able to give other people confidence to go out into the world and be proud of who they are.”
Maps Scholarships range in size from $500 to $3,500. We designate several scholarships for students of color and students who are the first generation in their families to attend college. We also reserve scholarships for career and technical education students. The foundation awards two of the largest scholarships, the Phil Frey Memorial Scholarship ($3,500) and the Gordon Sawser Memorial Scholarship ($3,500) in honor of former Maps board members.
For more information, visit www.mapscu.com, click on “community foundation” and look for “scholarships.”
# # #
About Maps Community Foundation
Maps Community Foundation is the philanthropic branch of Maps Credit Union, a member-owned financial cooperative with 72,000 members and 10 full-service branches serving the Mid-Willamette Valley region. The Foundation focuses on improving the quality of life in the communities served by Maps. Its mission is to enrich the lives of members and the community. Community investments focus on three impact areas: Education, Economic Empowerment, and Vibrant Communities. Our penny-per-swipe program and additional Maps contributions fund the Community Foundation. In 2021, the Foundation distributed more than $300,000 locally.