Imbler High graduate wins statewide OSAA scholarship
By Joe Hathaway on Monday, June 17th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
IMBLER — Kale Bingaman of Imbler is one of six students across Oregon to be awarded with a OnPoint Community Credit Union and the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) scholarship worth $5,000.
The awards are part of the 2024 OnPoint Community Credit Union Scholar Program.
According to the OSAA, the program recognizes graduating Scholar Athletes and Activity Scholars from OSAA member schools with two $10,000 scholarships and four $5,000 scholarships. The two winners of the $10,000 scholarships are Nidhi Nair of Lake Oswego High School and Savannah White of Pleasant Hill High School.
The four winners of the $5,000 scholarships are Bingaman, Jillian Bremont of Redmond High School, Salahedin Safi of Reynolds High School and Linnea Naone of Glencoe High School.
OnPoint received more than 450 applications from 164 OSAA member schools this year.
“We are honored to celebrate these six students who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in academics, sports and community service,” said Rob Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer of OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Each of these winners has shown remarkable dedication, leadership and a commitment to making a positive impact. Their hard work and perseverance are truly inspiring, and we are proud to support them as they continue to pursue their dreams.”
OnPoint’s Scholar Program honors graduating Oregon high school seniors who have earned a 3.50 or higher unweighted cumulative grade point average and have earned a varsity letter in an OSAA-sanctioned sport or competed in an OSAA-sanctioned activity.
“Following a record number of applicants, we’re excited to honor these outstanding scholars for their tremendous achievements,” said Peter Weber, OSAA Executive Director. “We sincerely appreciate OnPoint’s continued commitment and financial support as we partner to recognize top high school seniors throughout Oregon.”
According to the release from OSAA, Kale Bingaman of Imbler High School, Imbler Schools, is a multi-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball, and track and field during his time at La Grande. When not competing, Bingaman participates in many community improvement organizations, such as Future Farmers of America (FFA), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), National Honor Society (NHS), 4-H Club and the Community 101 Foundation for the State of Oregon. These organizations enabled Bingaman to help his local community by working at concession stands, hosting assemblies, washing cars, cleaning school grounds, organizing food drives and serving meals during community banquets. His dedication to Imbler led him to raise over $13,000 for a new digital communications board, which serves as one of La Grande’s primary methods of reaching community members. Bingaman maintained a 4.0 GPA while juggling many dual credit courses. Bingaman hopes to continue his education at Montana State University and major in agricultural business.
All graduating seniors who participated in OSAA activities were eligible to apply for a scholarship. The Scholar Program is part of OnPoint’s partnership with OSAA as the title sponsor of the Oregon high school state championships.
OnPoint selected winners based on letters of recommendation and personal essays about their community leadership, classroom success and how participating in OSAA activities has helped them achieve their goals.
