Risa Thompson of Diamond, who graduated from Crane Union High School in June, has won a $1,150 college scholarship named after a former reporter and sports columnist for The Oregonian newspaper.

Thompson plans to attend Oregon Institute of Technology in the fall to study engineering.

The Brian T. Meehan Memorial Scholarship is awarded in alternate years to a graduate of Crane Union High School or Roosevelt High School in Portland. The scholarship was established by family and friends following Meehan’s death in July 2008 during heart surgery at the age of 57. He was a longtime reporter and sports columnist for the newspaper and had written stories about students and athletic programs at both high schools.

The scholarship winner is selected based on academic and extra-curricular activities.

Thompson, 18, had a 3.93 grade point average, was active in Diamond 4-H, was student body treasurer her junior and senior years, president of Crane’s national honor society, and received varsity letters in basketball and track, and was a manager for the football team. She was a member of the Crane Union High School girl’s basketball team that won the Oregon School Activities Association Class 1A state title in March.

Thompson also operates her own herd of 10 cows within the larger Thompson Ranch near Diamond.

“Risa Thompson’s excellence in the classroom, in athletics, and outside of school exemplifies all the traits that Brian Meehan valued during his newspaper career, as a youth sports coach, and in his love of the outdoors,” Charlie Corrarino, a childhood friend and retired conservation manager for the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, said.

The scholarship is administered by the Office of Student Access and Completion within the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission.