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2025-2026 Student Grant Recipient
​Moira MacDonald

OATAG is excited to offer scholarships of up to $1,000 to support students who are pursuing enrichment opportunities that encourage personal, academic, or creative growth.  This scholarship is designed to support students who are eager to grow and develop through enrichment experiences such as classes, camps, workshops, competitions, or independent projects.

Silverton High School freshman Moira MacDonald has been named a recipient of the Oregon Association for Gifted and Talented (OATAG) Student Grant for the 2025-2026 cycle. This award will help fund her journey to Oahu, Hawaii, for the "Pacific Exploration in STEM" program at the newly established Camp Paumalu STEM Center for Excellence.
 
A Week of Scientific Discovery
From June 24 to July 1, 2026, Moira will join an elite group of Girl Scouts for an immersive experience in earth, space, and ocean sciences. The itinerary is packed with hands-on learning, including:

• Marine Conservation: A service project at the iconic Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.
• Cutting-Edge Tech: A visit to Oceanit, a world-class technology and engineering firm.
• Indigenous Science: Exploring traditional agricultural methods at a local nature preserve and cultural immersion at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

 
For Moira, this trip is about more than just science—it’s about connection. Living in a rural area, she has spent years pursuing her passion for space by earning every available Girl Scout Space Science badge. "I love going to observatories and seeing things so close, especially because space feels so far away sometimes," Moira shared. She is also eager to explore the roots of Hawaiian art and culture, noting that as a 9th grader, this is the first year she has had access to a dedicated art teacher.
 
Moira is already a leader in her community, frequently volunteering for the Girl Scouts of Oregon and SW Washington's annual STEM Day. Despite the challenge of presenting DIY solar system models alongside professionals, she credits Girl Scouts with giving her the confidence to lead.
 
Following her week in Hawaii—preceded by months of preparatory sessions—Moira plans to bring her newfound knowledge of diverse STEM environments back to her classmates at Silverton High and her fellow Girl Scouts across Oregon.

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