Chief Joseph Days Ranch Rodeo awards $5,500 in scholarships to four Wallowa County students
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, June 1st, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
JOSEPH – (Press Release from Chief Joseph Days Rodeo) Four Wallowa County students have been awarded a total of $5,500 through the 2026 Chief Joseph Days Ranch Rodeo Scholarship Program as they pursue higher education and skilled trade careers.
This year’s recipients include:
- Kason Mitchell of Enterprise High School, recipient of a $1,500 scholarship. Mitchell plans to attend Eastern Oregon University this fall.
- Grayson Hawkins of Joseph Charter School, recipient of a $1,500 scholarship. Hawkins plans to attend the University of Idaho.
- Talluah April of Wallowa High School, recipient of a $1,500 scholarship. April plans to attend Eastern Oregon University.
- Jenning Schiefelbein, recipient of the $1,000 Trade School Scholarship. Schiefelbein plans to attend WyoTech (Wyoming Technical Institute).
For 17 years, the Chief Joseph Days Ranch Rodeo Scholarship Program has invested in the future of local students. Established as a fundraiser to provide educational opportunities for Wallowa County youth, the program has grown from awarding three $1,000 scholarships to providing three $1,500 scholarships and a dedicated trade school scholarship.
“Seventeen years ago, the Ranch Rodeo was created to help provide scholarship opportunities for local students, and it has been rewarding to watch the program continue to grow,” said Dave Yost, Ranch Rodeo Committee Chair. “Every sponsor, donor, auction buyer, volunteer, contestant, and attendee plays a role in helping us invest in the future of Wallowa County youth. These scholarships are a direct result of the community’s support.”
Scholarships are funded through proceeds from the annual Chief Joseph Days Ranch Rodeo Weekend, including sponsorships, donations, and the Ranch Rodeo Dinner & Auction. The organization hopes to continue expanding scholarship opportunities and increasing award amounts in the years ahead.
Community members are invited to support future scholarship recipients by attending the Ranch Rodeo Dinner & Auction on Friday, June 26, in the Thunder Room at the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo Grounds. The event serves as the primary fundraiser for the scholarship program and includes dinner, live and silent auctions, and an opportunity to support local students.
The 2026 Chief Joseph Days Ranch Rodeo will take place Saturday, June 27, at the Harley Tucker Memorial Arena in Joseph. The weekend also includes a community trail ride on Friday afternoon at Wallowa Lake’s East Moraine.
For more information about Ranch Rodeo Weekend and the scholarship program, visit www.chiefjosephdays.com/ranchrodeo
About Chief Joseph Days Ranch Rodeo
The Chief Joseph Days Ranch Rodeo was established in 2009 to celebrate the skills and traditions of the ranching lifestyle while raising funds for local scholarships. Since its inception, the program has awarded thousands of dollars to Wallowa County students pursuing both college and trade school education.
