HERMISTON — The Burger King Foundation announced May 28 that it awarded more than $4.5 million in scholarships to deserving high school students and Burger King employees, including three Hermiston-area students.

According to a press release, the nonprofit foundation rewards exceptional students so they can explore their full potential by furthering their education. Recipients are selected based on their academic record, community service, financial need and leadership/work experience.

Among the scholarship recipients were three associated with the Hermiston Burger King franchise — Liana Jimenez, Andrea Sanchez-Garavito and John Mills.

“We see scholarships as our way of investing in the future of our employees, our community and helping students reach their full potential,” Gary Moore, a Burger King business owner, said.

The application period for 2024-25 opens Oct. 15 and closes on Dec. 15. For more information, search www.burgerkingfoundation.org.

Echo Heritage Association announces scholarship winners

ECHO — The Echo Heritage Association presented three scholarships to graduating seniors during Echo High School’s awards event on May 29 at the school.

According to a press release, the association awarded a $3,000 scholarship to McKenzie Rose and a pair of $2,000 awards to Nevaeh Thew and Creed Russell. Each of the students maintained a 4.0 grade point average.

Rose is heading to southern California to attend the University of Redlands this fall with a focus on environmental studies and journalism. Thew plans to continue her athletic endeavors in college while studying nursing. Russell hopes to attend Trinity Western University to study biology.

Mike Duffy, EHA scholarship committee chairman, said all of the applicants “showed exemplary skill and ethical capacity in their own way.” He said it made the selection process especially competitive.

The Echo Heritage Association was established in 2018. Funds for the scholarships were generated through the annual Echo OktoberFest and a mailing campaign. For more information, email echo.heritage@gmail.com.

— Hermiston Herald