HERMISTON — High school students from Hermiston, Pendleton, Nixyaawii, Umatilla and Weston-McEwen hosted a CommuniCare grants award ceremony May 9 at the Maxwell Pavilion in Hermiston.

According to a press release, CommuniCare is one of the largest youth-led grantmaking programs in the country. The nonprofit youth education program was started 27 years ago by The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation.

“We wanted to figure out a way to help high school students learn about their community, learn about need, learn about opportunities in the nonprofit and philanthropic world,” Jordan Schnitzer said about CommuniCare. “To try to teach that, you can talk about it all you want, but in the end it’s experiences that resonate and touch our hearts and souls.”

During the 2023-24 school year, more than 100 student leaders, representing the five local schools, raised nearly $74,800. The grants were awarded to area nonprofit organizations and school programs, with a focus on those that support animal welfare, survivors of domestic abuse, mental health services and food access.

For more about the program, search www.communicareor.org.

UMATILLA — Paddleboard and kayak rentals are available through Umatilla Parks and Recreation.

According to the 2024 Activity Guide, the cost is $10/hour, $15/2 hours, $25/4 hours or $35/all day. The rental fee includes the use of a life jacket, coiled ankle strap, oars and a safety whistle.

For more information, search www.umatilla-city.org/parksrec or call 541-922-3226, extension 120.

— Hermiston Herald