The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

As the school year comes to an end, so does time for the graduating seniors of 2023 to attend Sisters High School. After going through COVID-19, distance learning, and hybrid classes, these students are well equipped for facing future adversities.

This year, there are about 89 graduating seniors, each with their own ambitions for the future. Around 51 of these students college tuition were supported by the scholarships distributed through the nonprofit organization, SistersGRO.

This year they've distributed over $275,800 in scholarship money to local Sisters students, and over a hundred scholarships.

The program is currently under supervision by Laura Kloss. She is the program director and singular employee, aided by the volunteer GRO Board.

"I chose this job because I was excited about the opportunity to engage with a local nonprofit that does such rewarding work for the young adults in our community," says Kloss.

Cadence Dahl and Olivia Kennedy are two of the students who received scholarships and used the aid to help fund their futures.

"College is really expensive, so I'm grateful for all the help I was given," said Dahl, who was awarded the SistersGRO Pegasus Scholarship. Cadence is planning on using this money to attend COCC.

"The money I got just helps to push me towards my dreams," said Kennedy.

Kennedy was the recipient of both the Faceout Studio Creative Impact Award, and the Sisters High School Visual Arts Scholarship. She plans on attending two years of trade school before attending university in Italy.

The students attended their graduation on Friday, June 8. Although they may have parted from Sisters High School, they will continue to carry the lessons they learned in the Outlaw community with them for the rest of their lives.