Stayton High School senior Riley Hodges has been awarded a Ford Family Scholarship.
“This is an incredible opportunity for him – four years of tuition plus room and board, plus all the tools and support he’ll need to be successful at college,” said Vicky Storey, assistant principal. “It’s life changing for him. Riley’s journey to this point has not been easy, and I’m just so proud of him!”
Former Ford Family Scholar Nicole Duncan encouraged Hodges to apply. Storey called him “a poster student of AVID” (Advancement Via Individual Determination).
“I was new to SHS this year, but I got to know and enjoy Riley almost immediately,” said Susanne Stefani, SHS principal. “He is sharp, sensitive, humorous, and well-liked by staff and students – but few have those attributes combined with the humility and the rocky journey that Riley carries with him.
“He practices persistence not just in his continued focus on academics, but by continually demonstrating courage and kindness,” Stefani added. “He is the perfect example of resilience, and I cannot think of a more suitable ambassador for the Class of 2020 or a more deserving recipient of the Ford Scholarship. We are so very proud of him.”
Hodges grew up in Arizona and, at age 16, moved to Oregon to better his life with the help of his aunt and uncle, Sonney and JD Wolfe.
“They were my biggest support systems with helping me get back into school and to pursue my dreams,” said Hodges, who has had to face many changes and obstacles in his young life.
While living in Arizona, he was kicked out of his home and had to drop out of school for a time before moving to Oregon with nothing but the clothes on his back. He lost his uncle six days before Christmas in his senior year. The accomplishment he values the most is “be authentic to myself and others.”
Despite a rocky start, he has maintained a 3.9 grade point average throughout high school, is one of SHS’s first AVID generation graduates, and now is receiving the prestigious scholarship for his hard work.
While at SHS, he has been involved with multiple extracurricular activities, including track and field (discus and shotput), National Honor Society, and ACE-It! tutoring club. He is also a lifeguard at the Stayton Family Memorial Pool, taking “great pride” in what he does for his community.
“Another thing about me is I love Crocs,” he said. “My math teacher, Mrs. Stutzman, was the person who introduced me to Crocs, and now I’m obsessed with them. I even carry my Chapstick in a mini-Croc keychain.”
Hodges has many feelings about getting the scholarship, including being grateful to everyone who helped him succeed.
“I’m excited that this amazing opportunity allows me to further my education and curious to where I’ll end up because of the Ford Scholarship,” he said. “This opens many doors, and I am honored to be a part of the Ford Foundation Family.”
Hodges, who lives in Lyons, plans to attend Oregon State University to study public health, a field that he hopes will open many career opportunities.
“I know that I want to be in a career where I feel rewarded knowing that I can make a change,” he said. “I’ve been interested in occupational therapy for a long time, but who knows where I’ll
end up.”
In his spare time, Hodges tends to “hobby jump” – taking hikes, going to thrift stores to update his wardrobe, binge-watching Grey’s Anatomy and The Office, or picking up a new Pinterest project.
“I am so thankful for everyone who has helped me get to this point in my life,” Hodges said. “Words can’t express my gratitude.”
Other scholarship winners from this area are: Cassandra Linfield, Mill City, Santiam Jr./Sr. High School; Pasay Raymond, Turner, Cascade High School; and Giovanna Hernandez, Aumsville, Cascade High School.
The Ford Family Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation with headquarters in Roseburg, Oregon. The mission of the Ford Family Foundation is to help build “successful citizens and vital rural communities.” The foundation serves the people and communities of Oregon and Siskiyou County, California.
