On July 29th, The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) presented Workers' Memorial Scholarship awards to five Oregon students for the 2003-2004 academic year.

Oregon OSHA presents annual scholarships to assist in the post-secondary education of spouses or children of permanently disabled or fatally injured workers. The Workers' Memorial Scholarship was established by the 1991 Legislature at the request of the Oregon AFL-CIO with support from Associated Oregon Industries.

The five students receiving awards are:

Shawn Langford from Cornelius. Shawn was 24 when her husband died in an on-the-job accident, leaving her a widow with two children ages 1 and 3. The responsibility of raising two young children prompted Shawn to withdraw from college, a decision that she has been able to reverse almost fifteen years later. Shawn is currently attending Portland Community College working towards a career as a dental hygienist.

Shawn Langford with State Representative Diane Rosenbaum, and Governor Ted Kulongoski

Kimberly McLaughlin of Yamhill. Kimberly's father was a carpenter who died when she was eight years old. According to Kimberly, she learned the value of hard work from her father while very young, and following his death made working hard her lifetime goal. Kimberly is a 2003 graduate of Yamhill-Carlton High School and will be attending Chemeketa Community College studying business. Her future career plans include becoming a photographer.

Kimberly McLaughlin with Governor Ted Kulongoski

Phillip T. Nelson of Ontario. Phillip's father suffered a serious disabling injury in an electrical accident in 1977, seven years before Phillip was born. Phillip is a 2003 graduate of Ontario High School and plans to attend Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho. Phillip's career plans are focused on becoming a computer graphic designer and graphic artist.

State Senator Ted Ferrioli accepting award for Phillip Nelson from Governor Ted Kulongoski.

Michael Parr of Jefferson. Michael's father experienced a serious injury that ended his career as a truck driver in 1990. A back injury in 2000 cost Michael his own dream of becoming a helicopter pilot for the U.S. Coast Guard. A setback became an opportunity for Michael to become more involved with music during high school. Michael is a 2003 graduate of Jefferson High School and plans to major in music at Western Oregon University with a second major in American Sign Language. Career plans for Michael include becoming a professional musician and music teacher.

Michael Parr and Governor Ted Kulongoski

Natasha Whitaker of Monmouth. Natasha's father became permanently paralyzed during a logging accident in 1974. Natasha was born in 1984, and through hard work went on to become the valedictorian for Central High School in Independence in 2002. Natasha also received the Workers' Memorial Scholarship award in 2002. Natasha attends Oregon State University in Corvallis where she studies economics and is in the Honors program. She is working towards a career in economics.

Natasha Whitaker and Governor Ted Kulongoski

The Workers' Memorial Scholarship is open to any high school graduate, graduating high school senior, GED recipient, current college undergraduate or graduate student who is a dependent or spouse of an Oregon worker who has been fatally injured, or permanently disabled, while on the job. A workers' compensation claim for benefits must also have been accepted to qualify. Scholarship funds are available for use at colleges within the United States.