Six CTEC Student Finalists Celebrated at 5th Annual Chuck Lee Memorial Scholarship for Hope Ceremony

The Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) celebrated the fifth annual Chuck Lee Memorial Scholarship for Hope Ceremony on May 19, 2026. The event honored six outstanding student finalists whose courage, professional dedication, and unique personal stories embody the community-focused vision of the scholarship’s namesake, Chuck Lee.

The scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of Chuck Lee, a dedicated school board director. Lee championed the unique public-private partnership upon which CTEC was founded, driven by a deep conviction to give kids hope by connecting local industry with career technical education.

"Our six scholarship finalists embody everything Mr. Lee worked so hard to accomplish in our community. These young professionals had the courage to share their personal stories of how CTEC has infused hope and a sense of belonging into their lives, and we are deeply privileged to support their dreams."
Rhonda Rhode, CTEC Principal

2026 Scholarship Recipients

Samantha Tayag — $5,000 Primary Scholarship Recipient

West Salem High School • CTEC Biotechnology and Medical Science

Named the primary recipient of the 2026 Chuck Lee Memorial Scholarship for Hope, Samantha overcame complex challenges related to cultural identity and belonging by finding a supportive family environment within CTEC. Now recognized for her leadership and professionalism, Samantha will use the scholarship to return to her roots in the Philippines to earn a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences, before returning to the United States to give back to her community.

Allaine Pruett — $2,500 Scholarship Recipient

Sprague High School • CTEC Aviation

Allaine successfully intersected her childhood dream of aviation with an interest in urban planning. Inspired by a CTEC industry field trip to the Salem Regional Airport, she discovered the field of Airport Engineering—a branch of civil engineering that allows her to plan complex municipal facilities while remaining embedded in the aviation world. Her scholarship will fund her path toward launching this specialized engineering career.

Helanesa Lejjena — $2,500 Scholarship Recipient

North Salem High School • CTEC Cosmetology

Helanesa  triumphed over severe middle school bullying and self-doubt by discovering a safe haven in CTEC's Cosmetology program. Her training ignited a passion for esthetics and facial care centered on confidence and inner healing. She plans to use her scholarship funds to complete advanced industry training and acquire professional equipment, ensuring every future client leaves her chair feeling beautiful and empowered.

Angel Maldonado — $1,000 Scholarship Recipient

Sprague High School • CTEC Cosmetology

Angel uniquely formatted her scholarship application as a moving poem, reflecting on a childhood marked by family disruption, foster care, and severe adversity. Finding absolute clarity and a professional home in CTEC's Cosmetology and Esthetics program, Angel is dedicated to utilizing her technical talents to restore outward beauty and inward self-esteem for individuals navigating their own hardships.

Elliot Antonino Salazar — $1,000 Scholarship Recipient

West Salem High School • CTEC Culinary Arts and Management

Elliot's passion for cooking was ignited at age eight by his late stepfather in Mexico, but his aspirations were heavily suppressed due to family tragedy and a subsequent lack of support. Upon entering CTEC, Elliot found a secure environment to restore his culinary dreams. He will utilize his scholarship funds to purchase professional equipment and cover tuition as he continues his culinary training at Linn-Benton Community College this fall.

Kylie Wells — $1,000 Scholarship Recipient

Sprague High School • CTEC Cosmetology

Kylie combined her technical passion for hair design with a profound advocacy for individuals with special abilities, inspired by growing up alongside a family member with special needs. Graduating high school as a fully licensed hair designer, Kylie intends to use her scholarship to build an inclusive salon specializing in low-sensory accommodations—including dimmable lighting, sound pads, and low-noise tools.