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Photo by: OSEA Photographer Thomas Winters
From left to right in the photo:
- Todd Nicholson – Rivercrest Academy
- Madex Moran – Elks Youth Ambassador
- Mike Cronk – Oregon State Elks Association Sgt At Arms and Drug Awareness Program Chair
- Kris Rochelle – Harmony Academy
- Blake Whitson – Oregon State Elks Association President
- Nic Ceaser – Discovery Academy
The Oregon State Elks Association has donated $27,000 to Oregon’s three recovery high schools, awarding $9,000 to each school through the group’s State President’s fundraising initiative.
The funding will support Discovery Academy in Salem, Harmony Academy in Lake Oswego and Rivercrest Academy in Portland, according to a press release from the Oregon State Elks Association.
Recovery high schools are a school-of-choice model in Oregon designed for students who are in recovery from substance use and want to stay sober while continuing their education. The schools combine academic instruction with recovery supports, aiming to keep students engaged in school while maintaining a safe, sober and supportive learning environment.
“This donation represents more than just dollars—it represents hope, compassion, and the power of community,” Blake Whitson, president of the Oregon State Elks Association, said in the release. Whitson said the fundraising effort reflected his theme for the year, “Elks Are Stronger Together,” and emphasized what members can accomplish when they unite around shared priorities.
The association said the $27,000 total was raised through a mix of statewide events and individual contributions from Elks members, as well as donations from friends and family across Oregon.
Whitson framed the donation as part of the organization’s broader approach to community support, saying the Elks aim to “show up” for people and programs that need help. “We are honored to stand alongside these schools and the students they serve,” he said.
The Oregon State Elks Association represents 47 local lodges and more than 24,000 members statewide. The organization is part of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and supports efforts tied to veterans, youth programs, people with disabilities and other community initiatives across Oregon, the release said.
The association encouraged community members interested in learning more about the Oregon Elks or getting involved to visit its website.