robby nordby

Gladstone High School junior Robby Nordby knew he had a chance of winning a $1,000 scholarship when he walked into GHS’s College and Career Center to attend our ECMC College Night on April 30.

In addition to a random drawing for a scholarship, our special event helped families understand the college-planning process, including how to decide on potential avenues for higher education and how to pay for it. Nordby was one of over 50 students to attend the event but he tried not to think about the fact that he had less than a 2% chance.

“I thought I’d go for the chance of winning, but I got lucky I guess,” he said.

Nordby left the event excited to apply for colleges, even if some are competitive and have small chances for students to be accepted. He plans to apply for a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Portland, Oregon State University, the Oregon Institute of Technology and George Fox University.

Nordby thanked his GHS teachers for inspiring him to his specific college and career path. He said that his most influential teachers have been our robotics teacher Dusty Long, engineering teacher Kevin Zerzan and video production Jacob Ellingson.

Nordby has applied for an internship at Boeing and doesn’t know exactly how he’ll be using his college degree. But he does know that he wants to have a hands-on career where he’s responsible for helping construct things.

If you still need help submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid, please attend our FAFSA Night from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7 at GHS. We will be answering questions about financial aid, award letters and next steps you need to take. There will be a scholarship drawing of $250 at this event.