14 June 2025 Charbonneau Villager
SpringRidge
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records and a letter of recommendation. Students are evaluated not just on grades, but on character, leadership and future plans. In 2024, eight scholarships of $ 4,000 each were awarded to recipients ranging from high school seniors to young adults returning to college.
This year’ s recipients include Samaria Valdez Morfin, a SpringRidge employee whose journey comes full circle. At age 16, Samaria started working in The Charbonneau Room, the on-site restaurant, following her cousin’ s lead. Though her grandmother passed away early in her life, she said she found a familial warmth among the residents, who lovingly referred to her as their granddaughter.
“ SpringRidge helped fill a piece that was missing,” she said.“ Residents have truly become like family.”
Samaria first applied for the scholarship in 2020 but deferred college
COURTESY PHOTO: KERRY PHILLIPS
Cynthia Carter, right, poses with scholarship recipient Samaria Valdez Morfin.
due to the pandemic. Now, as a fulltime hostess and married mother of one, she has reapplied and been selected as a 2025 recipient. She plans to begin pre-nursing studies at Clackamas Community College this fall.
“ Receiving the scholarship now means even more,” she said.“ It proves that even if your timeline looks different, your dreams are still valid. This community has supported me from
the start, and this scholarship makes the next step possible.”
The Graduates Scholarship Program is funded through resident donations and sales from the on-site store, Le Petit. Since its inception, the program has expanded eligibility to all dining department employees, including dishwashers and bussers, and those attending vocational and trade schools and junior colleges.
The program’ s impact isn’ t just financial. The relationships forged between residents and student employees create a ripple effect of mutual appreciation. Many students return to work at the community during college breaks, continuing their roles while reconnecting with residents who have watched them grow.
“ It’ s remarkable to see their development,” said Cynthia.“ They gain responsibility, understand the importance of deadlines and learn how to form meaningful connections. We’ re not just handing out checks, we’ re encouraging the next generation and letting them know we believe in them.”
In addition to the scholarships, SpringRidge residents also recognize team members who are graduating, hosting a Graduates & Scholarship Recipients Reception, where family and friends are invited to attend. Each graduating senior receives a heartfelt message as well as a monetary gift.
“ It’ s a joy getting to know these young adults,” said Cynthia.“ They bring so much energy to our community, and it’ s clear they truly respect and value their relationships with us.”
The SpringRidge at Charbonneau campus offers a comprehensive menu of services and amenities, including complimentary membership at the Charbonneau Country Club. The SpringRidge community offers independent living in spacious private residences as well as CARF-accredited assisted living and a memory care neighborhood. For more information or if you would like to volunteer at our community, please call 503-694-2700 or visit SpringRidgeatCharbonneau. com.
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