The Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) and Moda Health announced today the winners of the 2023-2024 Moda Health Player of the Game / Athlete of the Meet Scholarships. Senior Jesus Moreno Rangel of Crescent Valley High School, and senior Shekinah Castillo of Benson High School each receive a $1,000 scholarship to the school, college, or university of their choice.

Moda Health has sponsored the Player of the Game / Athlete of the Meet program since the 2010-2011 school year. Throughout the school year, over 400 student-athletes receive recognition for their achievements in the following events:

• Cross Country
• Volleyball championship matches
• Boys and Girls Soccer championship games
• Football semifinal and championship games
• Boys and Girls Basketball State Championships final site games
• Swimming
• Wrestling
• Track & Field
• Golf
• Tennis
• Baseball championship games
• Softball championship games

 

All 2023-2024 varsity students in OSAA-sanctioned activities are eligible to apply for a scholarship. To apply, a student must write a personal essay describing areas in which he or she has demonstrated leadership through involvement in academics, co-curricular activities, and community organizations. Two letters of recommendation are also required.

Jesus Moreno Rangel – Crescent Valley High School, Corvallis

Graduating with a 3.94 GPA and completing 9 Honors & Advanced Placement courses, Jesus exemplifies academic excellence and leadership of an OSAA student-athlete.

As the first Latino drum major at Crescent Valley High School, Jesus prioritized inclusivity and community within the band, initiating performances at local events like the Saturday Farmer’s Market to inspire younger students to join music programs. Beyond music, Jesus served as the 2023-2024 President of the National Honor Society, coordinating over 250 hours of community service and earning recognition as the 2024 Future First Citizen of Corvallis by the Chamber of Commerce.

Recently awarded a youth empowerment grant by the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation, Jesus organized a bridge building competition to introduce high school students to careers in construction and engineering. This goes hand in hand with his education plans as he goes to college with the intention of obtaining a degree in Construction Engineering Management.

Shekinah Castillo - Benson High School, Portland

Graduating with a 4.008 weighted GPA, Shekinah excelled academically while demonstrating exceptional leadership in sports and community service initiatives. As captain of the volleyball and tennis teams, she spearheaded fundraising efforts for her athletic programs and mentored junior players, exemplifying teamwork and dedication.

Beyond athletics, Shekinah served as president of Benson’s Impact Club, organizing community events and fundraisers including building mental health toolkits for students. Her commitment to social justice was further shown through her leadership in CommuniCare, where she helped raise  $30,000 over her junior and senior years for local nonprofits addressing domestic violence and gun violence prevention.

Shekinah will be the first in her family to attend college. While at school, she plans on pursuing a degree in criminal justice to advocate for marginalized communities.

For more information on the Moda Health Players of the Game / Athletes of the Meet program, please visit http://www.osaa.org/awards/player-of-the-game.