A $1,000 scholarship opportunity is available to seniors from Redmond and Crook County High Schools who are interested in pursuing higher education in psychology, behavioral health, addiction studies, psychiatry, social work, and related fields. Students are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. The top student applicants from both Redmond and Crook County High School will be selected. The application submission deadline is February 28th. Students interested in learning how to apply for this scholarship can contact Jenna Meinig at Redmond High School (jenna.meinig@redmondschools.org ) and Darin Kessi at Crook County High School (darin.kessi@crookcountyschools.org ).
This scholarship is made possible through the Kiefer Magical Legacy Fund and managed by Rimrock Trails, a Central Oregon provider of mental health and substance use counseling services. The Kiefer Magical Legacy Fund was established by the Leutschaft family of Redmond following the death of their son, Kiefer. Kiefer Leutschaft was a beloved son, brother, and friend. He grew up in Redmond and attended Redmond High School. He later graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Economics. He had close friends and a loving family, but he struggled with debilitating anxiety that eventually led to clinical depression. Kiefer lost his battle with mental illness on October 3, 2021, leaving his family and friends devastated. From that devastation, the Leutschaft family found the strength and determination to establish the Kiefer Magical Legacy Fund.
“Due to the stigma of mental health Kiefer masked his feelings as a coping strategy. Our family wants to eliminate the stigma and get people to talk about the importance of mental health. This is why we have partnered with Rimrock Trails, a non-profit organization that provides mental health services for children, teens, young adults, and their families.” – Julie Leutschaft – Kiefer’s Mother
Rimrock Trails is deeply rooted in the communities of Central Oregon and extends its impact through collaborations, partnerships, and educational initiatives. By raising awareness about behavioral health issues and reducing stigma, the organization aims to foster a more compassionate and supportive society for all. Through its outreach efforts, including the Kiefer Leutschaft Memorial Scholarship opportunity, Rimrock Trails aims to inspire positive change beyond its treatment facilities.
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
This article appears in The Source Weekly February 6, 2025.
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