PORTLAND Ore. – Two seniors from Parkrose High School, Vanessa Castellanos and Britney Rosales, have earned the prestigious Evans Scholarship through their participation in the PP&R EAGLE Caddie program, despite not playing golf themselves.

Learning Life Lessons Through Caddying

Both Castellanos and Rosales spent three summers working outdoors as part of the PP&R EAGLE Caddie program. Castellanos, who immigrated from Cuba eight years ago, expressed gratitude for the program, stating, “Being in this program has really taught me how to listen and a lot of life lessons just from the people that I caddied with because they were from the older generation.”

Community Impact and Personal Growth

Rosales, a native Oregonian, highlighted the positive experiences she gained from the program, emphasizing the joy of being outdoors and the sense of fulfillment from helping others. She remarked, “Being out in the sun, caddying, walking, having fresh air right in our face. Honestly, it was the best instead of being home, being inside just being in your room or something!”

Opportunity for Higher Education

The Evans Scholarship, awarded to ten local students including Castellanos and Rosales, provides full tuition and housing for four years at the University of Oregon. Castellanos expressed relief at the financial burden lifted by the scholarship, particularly for herself and her family as immigrants with limited income. She stated, “It’s going to be a really big, heavy lift off of my shoulders and my family’s shoulders just because immigrants, low income.”

Community Impact

The scholarship not only benefits individual recipients but also contributes to the local community by supporting promising students in pursuing higher education. The dedication and hard work of these students reflect the values of resilience and determination.

How to Apply

For those interested in learning more about the program or applying for the Evans Scholarship, visit the program’s website for further information.

Source: 2024 KPTV-KPDX. All rights reserved.

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