Four Central Oregon students awarded Kiefer Leutschaft Memorial Scholarships
Kelsey Merison
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Rimrock Trails Treatment Services and the Kiefer Magical Legacy Fund announced the recipients of the 2026 Kiefer Leutschaft Memorial Scholarships on June 1st. Four graduating seniors from Redmond High School and Crook County High School each received a one-time $2,500 scholarship to pursue higher education in behavioral health and related fields.
The scholarship program was established through the Kiefer Magical Legacy Fund, created by the Leutschaft family in partnership with Rimrock Trails Treatment Services. The fund was created following the loss of their son, Kiefer, to mental illness in 2021 and seeks to reduce stigma surrounding mental health while supporting future generations of behavioral health professionals.
The 2026 scholarship recipients include Avery Burnett, a Crook County High School senior who plans to attend Western Oregon University and major in psychology with a focus on early childhood development. Parker Gibson, from Redmond High School, will attend Monterey Peninsula Junior College to pursue studies in early childhood occupational therapy. Ryan Quinn, a Crook County High School senior, plans to attend the University of Oregon to double major in psychology and business. Kaylie Sullivan, from Redmond High School, will study psychology with an interest in forensic psychology at Point Loma Nazarene University.
The scholarships recognize students who demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and a passion for supporting the mental health and well-being of others. According to organizers, this year’s applicants represented an exceptional group of young leaders dedicated to making a positive difference in their communities and in the lives of others through their future educational goals.
Rimrock Trails Treatment Services is a Central Oregon provider of mental health and substance use treatment services, serving youth, adults, and families throughout the region. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
During the past year, Rimrock Trails provided more than 19,000 services to the people of Central Oregon. These services included individual, group and family counseling, mental health screenings and assessments, telehealth, adolescent residential treatment for ages 12 to 17, and substance use counseling.