Oroville Scholarship Foundation

Oroville Scholarship Foundation (OSF)

Endowment Funds Brief Histories:OSF has several memorial endowment trusts in secure investments. The interest earned provides scholarships for current OHS senior graduates intending to pursue higher education. Here are their histories and connection to the Oroville School District. Thank you for your generous support!

Yulah and Philip Schleif Memorial

Gilbert Scott Schleif, son of Yulah and Philip, graduated from Oroville High School in 1926. Pioneers of the Oroville area, Mr. and Mrs. Schleif conveyed to their children the importance of good citizenship and education. Money for higher education was hard to come by. With hard work and determination, Gilbert was able to graduate as a teacher and later became Assistant Superintendent of the Kelso Schools. To lesson the struggle for other deserving Oroville students, before his death in 1993, Gilbert left $133,406.32 in the Yulah and Philip Schleif Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Daniel Christensen Memorial

Dan Christenson graduated from Oroville High School. An outstanding football player, he was also involved with Boy Scouts and Explorer Scouts. He completed 2 years of college. Dan went into the Army in August of 1967 and was killed in combat in Vietnam May 18, 1968. He participated in more than 25 missions over hostile territory. Dan was presented posthumously with the Air Medal, Bronze Star and the Purple Cross. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3493 Oroville-Tonasket is named after him. Danny is remembered as a thoughtful, caring and patriotic young man. His mother Evelyn, was one of the original members of the scholarship foundation.

Robert Drummond Memorial

Robert Drummond came to Oroville in 1935 as Oroville High School principal, athletic coach and teacher; serving until 1948. After an 11 year absence, Mr. Drummond returned to Oroville in 1959 as Superintendent serving until his retirement in 1969. He believed that a good education was the most important product of the Oroville School system.

Ed King Memorial

Joseph Edward King was born in 1938 and lived his life in Oroville. He attended Oroville High School, graduating in 1956. Ed was active in the Boy Scouts of America for 25 years and the Oroville Fire Department. In 1977, he served 3 years on Oroville City Council and then served 12 years as Mayor. Ed was custodian at Oroville High School. He believed that all who wanted to continue their education, whether college or vocation school, should have the chance.

Glenn and Katherin Tracy Memorial

“We believe our decision to donate some dollars will help a student to reach his or her goals. It can open doors for some eager young people, stabilize their lives and assist them to become more efficient leaders in our country.” After WWII, Glenn worked in the logging industry, heavy construction, road building and dam construction. Katherin attended Cheney College to attain a teaching degree and then taught 11 years in Oroville.

Ray and Eula (Forney) Kuntz Memorial

Ray and Eula Kuntz moved to Oroville from California in 1940 purchasing their east Osoyoos Lake orchard where they raised their family. Their children attended all 12 years at Oroville Schools. They were very involved with their children’s education and school activities.

Sara Hulpers Memorial Memorial

Sara Hulphers graduated from Oroville High School in 1998. She was a very good student and continued her education at Western Washington University. She was an outgoing young person who “never met a stranger.” She enjoyed every moment of her life.

Esther Vallejo Sorensen Scholarship Fund

Esther and Garry Sorensen came to teach in Oroville, Washington in 1963. Garry taught Biological sciences for 17 years and Esther taught English, Spanish, Drama, and English as a Second Language on and off for many years. Esther is a first generation Mexican American and her parents were born in Jalisco, Mexico. Esther struggled to access education in both high school and college but was lucky enough to have the support of her family who helped her find housing and scholarships to go to college. Esther always believed the way through to a better life is by education.