Honoring a Legacy, Investing in the Future: The 2026 Neil Kelly Memorial Scholarship Luncheon

Every year, we gather to celebrate extraordinary young people from North and Northeast Portland and the belief that investing in them strengthens us all.

For nearly three decades, the Neil Kelly Memorial Scholarship Luncheon has been more than an annual tradition. It’s a testament to what a community can accomplish when it chooses to invest in its next generation. This year was no exception, and with Governor Tina Kotek joining us as our guest speaker, the event carried an even greater sense of purpose and possibility.

Each year, in partnership with the Albina (now Portland) Rotary Club, we honor a few exceptional high school seniors from North and Northeast Portland as they step into their next chapter. These aren’t just high-achieving students. They’re young people who have demonstrated a genuine commitment to service, leadership, and academic excellence. Chosen through a competitive selection process, each student receives a renewable award of up to $16,000 to help make their goals a reality.

The 29th Annual Neil Kelly Memorial Scholarship was awarded to…

KIMORA MORRIS
Determination • Curiosity • Advocacy

Graduating from: Jefferson High School
Headed to: University of Oregon
Studying: Psychology (PreMed)

An aspiring physician committed to advancing mental health and patient care.

MATEO FREDRICKSON
Leadership • Resilience • Character

Graduating from: Roosevelt High School
Headed to: City College of San Francisco
Studying: Mathematics

Student-athlete, mentor, and future educator committed to inspiring the next generation.

ACHAIA GARLAND
Service • Humility • Compassion

Graduating from: De La Salle North Catholic High School
Headed to: Winston-Salem State University
Studying: Nursing

A dedicated servant leader preparing for a career caring for children and families.

D’ANGELO STRONG
Leadership • Connection • Service

Graduating from: Roosevelt High School
Headed to: University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Studying: Marketing & Political Science

A natural community builder with aspirations in public leadership and service.

SILAS BLUM
Maturity • Curiosity • Innovation

Graduating from: Grant High School
Headed to: University of Washington
Studying: Biomedical Engineering

Future biomedical engineer passionate about using science and innovation to improve lives.

AUGUST FABBRI
Curiosity • Growth • Community

Graduating from: Jefferson High School
Headed to: Oregon State University
Studying: Electrical Engineering

A lifelong learner whose interests span engineering, mathematics, literature, and sustainability.

The scholarship was established in memory of Neil B. Kelly, our company’s founder, a Rotarian, and community leader whose life embodied a simple but powerful conviction: invest in people, and the entire community is strengthened. That idea, so clearly lived out in Neil’s own legacy, continues to guide everything we do.

Education, equity, and community are at the heart of this scholarship, and with each class of scholars, we see those values come to life. We are proud to continue this tradition and grateful to everyone who makes it possible. Here’s to the scholars, to the community that supports them, and to the lasting legacy of Neil Kelly.