SRG News
Dreams Soar at SpringRidge with Scholarships for Local Students
At SpringRidge at Charbonneau, the sense of community and family extends beyond the residents at the active retirement community. It includes the many high school students who are part of the SpringRidge staff as well.
"When you move to SpringRidge, you learn rather quickly about the positive and caring relationship that exists between the students and residents," said resident Carl Hanacek, who serves as the Chairman of the Resident Council.
Carl, his neighbors and the staff at SpringRidge recently showered the students who were part of the Class of 2019 with extra-special love, hosting a graduation ceremony at the community. The graduates' family and friends were also invited to attend the event.
Seven students, who work part-time in SpringRidge's onsite restaurant, The Charbonneau Room, were recognized for their accomplishments. Each received a heartfelt letter from residents along with $600 as a token of their appreciation. Additionally, the SpringRidge Resident Council awarded scholarships to several honorees.
Five students received $2,500 each to further their education, which for many, offers the freedom to achieve their dreams. Recipients were: Merissa Berge, Erika Berger, Jan Bermudez, Kira Goepferd and Jennifer Gomez Lopez. To date, more than $110,000 in scholarship money has been awarded.
The tradition of awarding college scholarships to seniors serving in the dining services department began in 1998 when Danny Fernando, SpringRidge's Food Service Department, wanted to recruit area high school students.
Danny later reached out to Spring Ridge's Resident Council, hoping to make the program a community-wide initiative. The Council agreed to take on – and fully fund – the "Graduates Scholarship".
Monies for the scholarship are a result of sales at SpringRidge's onsite gift shop, Le Petit, and through private donations by the community's residents. The community's crafters also generously donate proceeds from the sale of their items to the fund as well.
The SpringRidge at Charbonneau campus offers a comprehensive menu of lifestyle options including CARF-accredited independent living as well as assisted living and memory care services. For more information or to schedule a personal tour, please call 503-446-6250 or visit www.SpringRidgeatCharbonneau.com.