Klamath County Sports Officials Award Record $5,500 in Scholarships to Local Student-Athletes
Nine graduating student-athletes from across the Klamath Basin were selected for the 2026 awards, marking the largest single-year scholarship total since the program began in 2011.
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — The Klamath County Sports Officials Scholarship Committee has awarded $5,500 in scholarships to nine local high school student-athletes, setting a new single-season record for the program.
The scholarship program was established in 2011 and supports graduating student-athletes from schools served by the Klamath County Sports Officials partnership, including Lost River, Henley, Mazama, Klamath Union, Crosspoint, Chiloquin, Bonanza and Lakeview.
This year’s recipients are:
Briza Aguirre-Garcia, Bonanza — $1,000
Macey Thompson, Lost River — $1,000
Cali Bitzer, Mazama — $750
Brock Throne, Crosspoint — $750
Kennedi Modin, Henley — $400
Charles Overcash, Lost River — $400
Paige Owens, Lakeview — $400
Conner Shively, Henley — $400
Theron Tyler, Henley — $400
Joel Woodley, chair of the scholarship committee, said the record year is especially meaningful as youth sports continue to face a shortage of officials both locally and nationwide.
“It is very satisfying that, as we watch the number of youth sports officials continue to decline locally and across the country, officials in the Klamath Basin continue to go above and beyond to give back to our local student athletes,” Woodley said.
Scholarship winners are selected based on academic performance and at least one letter of recommendation from a varsity coach. Applicants must meet a minimum GPA requirement and must have earned a letter in at least one varsity sport.
Awards are presented during senior award banquets and graduation ceremonies.
Kennedi Modin of Henley High School receives a 2026 Klamath County Sports Officials scholarship from Joel Woodley.
The scholarships are funded through donations from members of six local officiating associations representing various sports. Those officials work local youth and high school athletic contests and contribute to the scholarship fund either through deductions from their officiating compensation or through direct donations.
Woodley said many local officials are recent high school graduates, and in some cases current high school students. He hopes the scholarship program also helps introduce more people to officiating.
“It’s a great way to meet new people, get some exercise, reconnect to the game, and of course to make a little money too,” Woodley said. “We’re always looking to bring new officials on board to support Klamath Basin youth sports, and being able to support student-athletes through this program is just one more of the rewards we all enjoy as officials.”
Since the program began in 2011, the Klamath County Sports Officials partnership has awarded 124 scholarships totaling $43,650.
Anyone interested in becoming an official can visit osaa.org/officials/registration and contact the appropriate commissioner.
Cover image: Lost River High School students Charles Overcash, left, and Macey Thompson, right, are recognized as 2026 Klamath County Sports Officials scholarship recipients with Joel Woodley.
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