(Salem) – Eight Oregon high school graduates are recipients of the 2019 Workers’ Memorial Scholarship awards, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) announced. The awards program helps finance higher education for family members of Oregon workers who have been fatally injured or permanently disabled on the job. Each of the recipients has different educational pursuits, career aspirations, and plans to contribute to something larger than themselves. All of them have experienced the personal and financial hardships that result when a parent is lost to a workplace death or permanently disabled while on the job. “In the face of immense challenges, these young people have shown courage by never giving up on themselves or their drive toward new educational accomplishments,” said Oregon OSHA Administrator Michael Wood. “These awards are an opportunity for us to support them as they continue to move forward in life.” The Workers’ Memorial Scholarship is open to any high school graduate, graduating high school senior, GED recipient, or current college undergraduate or graduate student who is a dependent or spouse of an Oregon worker who has been fatally injured or permanently disabled while on the job. Learn more about the program: http://osha.oregon.gov/workers/Pages/workers-memorial-scholarship.aspx.
This year’s recipients from the South Coast are: Abbey Dieu, Coquille – A graduate of Coquille High School, Dieu will begin coursework in physical therapy at Linn-Benton Community College in the fall. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in general science, with the larger goal of securing a career in physical therapy. Dieu’s father, a logger, was struck by a fallen tree in an accident that nearly claimed his life. She is receiving a $2,500 award. During her dad’s ordeal, Dieu said, she learned just how important the smallest moments in life are with the people we love. “I also learned that I am stronger than I believe, and through the toughest times, there are positives to be found,” she said.  Ginger Ewing, Bandon – Ewing graduated from Bandon High School this year. She plans to study nursing at Linfield College, with a goal of securing a master’s degree in that field.  “The ability to help people and their families warms my heart with the knowledge that I’m benefitting others,” Ewing said. Ewing’s father, a cattle ranch worker, was fatally kicked in the head by a horse. She is receiving a $4,000 award.