Pendleton Foundation Trust – Dudek Scholarship
Established 2008 (Formerly Pendleton Foundation Trust Scholarship)
In 2008, Pendleton Foundation Trust established a new scholarship to address the growing number of exceptional students qualifying for scholarships. Recognizing that too few scholarships were available, the Board decided that earnings from the Trust’s investments would fund two Pendleton Foundation Trust Scholarships. This scholarship provided assistance to two graduating Pendleton High School students who demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community service.
In 2019, thanks to a generous gift from the estate of Clelan “Lee” and Luella “Lu” Dudek, the scholarship was renamed the Dudek Scholarship to honor their legacy.
Clelan “Lee” Dudek was a true renaissance man. A World War II veteran, 1966 Las Vegas World Champion Gem Faceter, 1958 NRA .38 Caliber Short Range Champion, private airplane pilot, and more, Lee’s many talents and interests knew no bounds. Alongside his wife, Luella, he built their dream home, restored his antique airplane to mint condition, grew his own vineyard, and crafted his own wines and brandies. Together, they traveled to Baja Mexico in search of gems and materials to decorate their home. For over 50 years, Lee and Lu owned and operated Lee’s Refrigeration Company, serving businesses across Pendleton with expertise in commercial refrigeration and cooling systems.
Lee’s pride in a job well done was a defining trait. His belief in learning a skill or trade guided his decision to leave a lasting legacy through education. Lee often said, “There is much satisfaction in learning how something works and how to fix it.” Though Lee and Lu had no children, their impact on future generations will live on through the Dudek Scholarships.
Two scholarship awards are given in the amount of $2,400, renewable for a second year, for a total award of $4,800 each.
Hailey Schmidt will study nursing at Miracosta College in California. She played basketball and soccer at PHS, serving as Captain for both teams. Hailey founded the Ecology Club at PHS in 2023, bringing awareness about environmental issues.
Alison Spratling graduated with a GPA of 3.95 and will attend Oregon State University to major in Crop and Soil Science, with a minor in Spanish. She was an active member of FFA, and four-sport athlete.
Jonathan Ferman-Ramirez has been awarded the Dudek Scholarship for $4,800, which will assist him financially for two years. Jonathan is accepted to Oregon State University to study Engineering. He credits his mentor and high school math teacher, Mr. Oja with encouragement and fostering his excitement for math. Jonathan enjoys writing code, playing soccer, volunteering and he hopes to one day work for Microsoft or Apple.
Clayson Cooley has been awarded the Dudek Scholarship for $4,800, which is paid over two years. Clayson will be attending Oregon State University in the fall. His focus on academic endeavors has led to achievements that are impressive along with his work ethic that led him to volunteer in many capacities serving youth sports, community fundraisers and student politics, ending his time at PHS as Senior Class President. Clayson hopes to one day return to his hometown once he graduates with a degree in Computer Science.
Keri Kunz received a Pendleton Foundation Trust – Dudek Scholarship, totaling $4,800 over two academic years, to attend Central Washington State University to study STEM courses and prepare to teach in a secondary school. Keri assumed responsibility for the PHS yearbook in addition to coursework in math and sciences and work with Pendleton Parks & Recreation.
Alara Campbell also received a Pendleton Foundation Trust – Dudek Scholarship, totaling $4,800 over two academic years. She plans to attend Washington State University’s Honors College, to study zoology. She is interested in marine science, working with animals, research, and conservation.
Katelyn Kelm was awarded a $2,500 scholarship as she pursues a degree in Environmental Studies and minor in Spanish, at University of Oregon. She plans to attend law school to become an environmental lawyer, working for the environment and those who sustain it – including migrant workers, farmers and ranchers, ideally in rural Oregon.
Johann Valera-Vega was awarded a $2,500 scholarship from the Pendleton Foundation Trust, to attend Barrett Honors College, Arizona State University, to study neuroscience in preparation for medical school.
Hannah Rasmussen is the daughter of Rick and Rebecca Rasmussen. She graduated with AAOT from Blue Mountain Community College and will attend the University of Oregon to study pre-med and psychiatry.
Remington Christensen is the son of Denny and Wendy Christensen. He will attend Chapman University to study Dance and Business Administration.
Katie Bradt is the daughter of John Bradt and Dr. Michelle Monkman. She achieved a GPA of 3.98 and a weighted GPA of 4.33. Katie served as the ASB president. She participated in varsity basketball, cross country and tennis her senior year. Katie is a member of the National Honor Society and a Citizenship Cup recipient. She too took several honors and AP classes throughout her high school academic career. Katie will attend Carroll College with a goal to obtain a doctorate in psychology and return to a rural town like Pendleton where resources for mental health treatment are minimal.
Matthew Demianew is the son of Tom and Karen Demianew. Matthew intends on attending Oregon State University where he plans on majoring in natural resources and minoring in Fire Ecology. He is graduating with a GPA of 3.92 and a weighted GPA of 4.29 while taking several honors and AP classes. Matthew is a member of the National Honor Society and Citizenship Cup recipient who has been involved in numerous school and community activities including FFA, 4H, PHS baseball and served in student government as ASB Vice-President.
Paige Skinner is the daughter of Dawn Skinner. She achieved a GPA of 3.97 and a weighted GPA of 4.23. Paige served as Associated Student Body secretary. She participated on the state champion Pendleton High School Rhythmic Mode Dance Team, Leadership Club, and is active as a Link Crew Leader. Paige is also a member of the National Honor Society. Paige plans on attending University of Oregon and majoring in biology, with a career goal of being a radiologist.
Lily Williams is the daughter of John and Heidi Williams. She attained a GPA of 4.0 and a weighted GPA of 4.41. Lily was a member of the National Honor Society, French Club, Future Business Leaders of America and is a talented violinist for the high school orchestra. Lily has been accepted to Oregon State University and plans on majoring in biomedical engineering with a minor in Japanese language and culture.
Haley Bradley is the daughter of Brian and Sheila Bradley. She has accumulated a GPA of 3.83 and weighted GPA of 4.15 while participating in many school and volunteer activities. Haley is currently senior class president. She has participated in softball, volleyball, track and field. Haley has also been active in Youth Group, Astra Club, and Leadership clubs. She has volunteered and assisted for numerous school activities. Haley is a Citizenship Cup honoree. She won the Rotary Essay competition at the state level. She was awarded the World History outstanding student award in 2016 and was on the Homecoming Court in 2015. Hailey plans to attend a four school in Oregon before going on to attain a Master’s in Education so that she can teach high school English. Haley hopes to also obtain a degree in Special Education so she can have the option of working with those that have special needs. She hopes to return to Eastern Oregon after completion of college.
Hailey Kendrick is the daughter of Jeff and Cheri Kendrick. Hailey is graduating with a GPA of 3.86 with a weighted average of 4.18. Hailey received the Citizenship Cup her freshman year. She was class president both her sophomore and junior years. Hailey has been an active member of the National Honor Society. She was varsity soccer captain and varsity track captain her senior year. Hailey also participated in varsity swim, varsity cheer, robotics and FFA. Hailey plans to attend Oregon State University and major in business.
John Ryan Lacey is the son of Andrew and Janel Lacey. He will study to become an aerospace engineer at the US Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, close to Cape Canaveral. John was active in soccer, swimming, track, band, FBLA, STEM, ASTRA, NHS, boys state, robotics and received many honors and awards while in high school.
Bethany Van Cleave is the daughter of Tim and Myrna Van Cleave. She plans to earn an elementary education degree at either Eastern Oregon University or the University of Oregon. She will then pursue a Master’s Degree in Education. Bethany was active in and received many awards in music, FBLA, STEM, swim team, soccer team, tennis and track and field. Bethany has also volunteered and held office for many organizations during her school years.
Keren Hampton is the other scholarship winner this year. Her future goals include becoming a medical scientist to help improve medical treatments and vaccines for diseases. She will major in biology in college.
Maddie Kelm was awarded one of the Foundation’s Scholarships. Maddie’s college plan is to major in biology (pre-med) with a minor in Spanish. Her desire is to become a pediatric doctor because of her passion for helping others.
Destinee Dennis is the daughter of Greg and Kimberly Dennis. She had a weighted GPA of 4.36. National Honor Society, PHS swim team, Foreign Language, volunteer service and International Cultures Club are some of Destinee’s activities. She plans to attend Linfield College.
Alden Wyland is the son of Dr. Rhonda Wyland. He achieved a weighted GPA of 4.39. Alden was active in sports, music, church and Scouts. Alden plans to attend Seattle Pacific University and pursue degrees in Bio-Chemistry and Music
Steven Anderson is the son of Kimbal and Kim Anderson. Steven has been active in School Government, Church, and is an Eagle Scout. Steven has a 4.37 weighted average GPA during his High School career and he plans to pursue a Chemistry degree at Whitworth University.
Alsea Fishel is the daughter of David and Laura Fishel. She plans to pursue an education as an event and outreach coordinator for a globally centered nonprofit organization. Alsea graduated with a 4.33 weighted GPA and she was active in the Free Methodist Church, Cross Country and band.
Tasha Sitz is the daughter of Dr. Norman and Michelle Sitz. She will attend the College of Idaho in Caldwell to study science and music. Tasha has been active in cross country, track, orchestra, National Honor Society and ASTRA service club. She has attended the state solo/ensemble competitions for the past three years, and has been active in community orchestras and teaching cello to young students.
Ryan Montgomery plans to attend Brigham Young University in the fall to major in business management and physiology, with the goal of a dual M.D./MBA program in graduate school. He was heavily involved in cross country, track, ASTRA, Key Club, impossible2possible and served as the senior class president. He represented Oregon for numerous national programs and served as an at-large representative on the Oregon Student Executive Council last year. His parents are Amy English and James Montgomery.
Patrick McBee plans to major in biochemistry at Boston College, in order to prepare for a career as a physician. He graduated with an Honors Diploma and a 4.3 GPA. Patrick is the son of Dr. John and Debbie Mcbee. He earned his Eagle Scout Rank and two Presidential Volunteer Service Awards, and served as a Boys State delegate and HOBY Oregon delegate. Patrick was the founder and President of the PHS chapter of Mu Alpha Theta, a national honor society, and was a member of the National Honor Society, FBLA, and Link Crew. He also served as Key Club President and ASTRA Service Club President, and earned varsity letters in track and band, among his many other activities. Patrick stated, “Eventually I would like to return to Pendleton as a surgeon and uphold the values that living in this town has taught me.”
Hannah Hale has been accepted at Pacific Lutheran University to study Secondary Education and Spanish. She is the daughter of Kevin and Lori Hale. Her many activities at PHS included National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, ASTRA, FBLA, Swing Choir, and Senior Class President. Hannah served one year as the Eastern Oregon Representative for the Oregon Association of Student Councils, and also created an after-school mentoring program called “Big Buddies.” She also volunteered at the Children’s Museum of Eastern Oregon and participated in Key Club, golf and tennis. Hannah stated, “I have been very fortunate to live in Pendleton my entire life and I am truly grateful for the wonderful people, experiences, and opportunities that have helped shape who I am. It has always been important to me to give back to my community.”