Dreams ScholarshipS Recipients

Abby’s Closet has been proud to offer our Dreams Scholarship since 2011 to applicants who best embody the spirit and mission of the organization. To date, 39 scholarships have been awarded totaling over $60,000.

2026 Recipients

Larkin VanDyke

Milwaukie Academy of the Arts, Milwaukie, OR
Elaine A. Davis Memorial Scholarship

Larkin is a senior at Milwaukie Academy of the Arts who plans to study nursing at either the University of Portland or Pacific Lutheran University, with the goal of specializing in women’s health or midwifery. She is a two-season varsity swim captain + MVP. Larkin also plays the cello and has toured and will continue touring Europe this summer with the Oregon Ambassadors of Music.

She has volunteered more than 1,500 hours at Butte Creek Scout Ranch, where she has led horsemanship programs and rehabilitated rescued horses while working with youth and individuals facing diverse challenges. She has completed multiple 190-mile treks through the Mount Hood Wilderness and Oregon High Desert, which has strengthened her resilience and leadership. Larkin was born in Scotland and raised in Oregon, and is committed to making a meaningful impact through service and care.

Tanya wammack

Jewell High School, Seaside, OR
Bonus Healthcare Scholarship

“I’m Tanya and I am currently a senior at Jewell Highschool! After I graduate I plan to take a CNA program over the summer and then attend Clatsop Community College to get my associates degree in nursing. After that I plan to transfer to Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) to obtain my bachelors of science in nursing and become a traveling trauma nurse. I’ve been involved in the fire service for 6 years and it has been one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had. I’m a leadership and student council member at my school as well as team captain of the volleyball and track teams. I have worked hard all throughout my high school and middle school years for academics and am ranked 2nd overall in my class. I have also taken many college classes and will be graduating high school with 40 college credits. I love giving back to my community and can’t wait to see what my future in healthcare holds for me!”

Renata RIvas

Westview High School, Portland, OR
University Scholarship

“I’m Renata Rivas is a senior at Westview High School and a first-generation Latina student committed to supporting her community. As an immigrant, I worked to create opportunities for others by founding and participating in clubs focused on community service and environmental awareness. Through volunteering and leadership, she has focused on making a direct impact in my local community.

I plan to study political science at the University of Portland, with the goal of advocating Immigration Lawyer for underrepresented communities and creating more equitable systems. As a recipient of the Abby’s Closet scholarship, I hope to continue empowering others through both education and service.”

Penelope Phelps

Franklin High School, Portland, OR
Community College Scholarship

“My commitment to becoming a Respiratory Therapist at Lane Community College is deeply personal. While spending time with my father in the ICU before his passing, I witnessed firsthand the critical impact of respiratory care. Observing the dedicated team of nurses, sonographers, and therapists, I developed a profound respect for the technical skill and compassion required to support patients in their most vulnerable moments.

This experience transformed my grief into a professional mission. I am driven to provide the same life-saving support and empathy my family received. My goal is to combine the clinical training at LCC with my unique perspective on patient and family needs, ensuring that those in crisis never have to face their breathing challenges alone. I look forward to dedicating my career to helping others breathe easier and supporting them in their greatest time of need.”

Freja Aaberg

McDaniel High School, Portland, OR
Trade School Scholarship

Freja is a hardworking high school senior who enjoys hands-on learning and figuring out how things work. Growing up around family members in the mechanical trades sparked her interest in electrical work and problem solving. As a wrestler, she has developed discipline, resilience, and mental toughness that carry into everything she does. She is known for her determination, creativity, and for always being willing to help others. After graduation, Freja plans to pursue an electrical apprenticeship and build a stable career in the skilled trades, with the long-term goal of mentoring and uplifting others in her community.

Past Recipients

2025
Caden Christensen, Amity High School
Victoria Huynh, Franklin High School
Cloe Roberts, Tualatin High School
Salema Shiferaw, Parkrose High School

2024
Lilly Freeman, Monroe High School
Stephanie Hernandez Garcia, Tigard High School
Haley Moreschini, Waldport High School
Ava Watson, Shorecrest High School

2023
Hanna Bailey, Columbia High School
Avery Lord, Silverton High School
Kaitlin Mattson, Monroe High School
Ruby Rodriguez-Rojas, David Douglas High School

2022
Isabel Dao, Clackamas High School
Jessica Haley, Century High School
Veranika Pahodzina, Parkrose High School
Jaclyn Van Luik, Heritage High School

2021
Monserrat Beltran Juarez, Hood River Valley High School
Marisa Gaglio, Glencoe High School

2020
Lisa Amani, Roosevelt High School

2019
Aazaad Burn, Mercer Island High School

2018
Christina Swafford, Weston-McEwen High School

2017
Carolyn Ngo, Century High School

2016
Naly Setthaongsack, Roosevelt High School

2015
Courtney Ahn, Nestucca High School
Blanca Gaytan Farfan, Centennial High School

2014
Ashley Black, South Albany High School
Jacque Lu Nelson, Centennial High School

2013
Monica Therrien, Nestucca High School

2012
Christine Trinh, De La Salle North Catholic High School

2011
Maria Martell, Glencoe High School