The Hops are excited to announce the 2026 Ralph Helzerman Community Champion Award for the class of 2026. This $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from the Hillsboro School District High School who exemplifies a commitment to service and is a champion for their community.
This scholarship is in memory of Ralph Helzerman, a longtime supporter of the Hops and Hops Fund, as well as a champion for our Hillsboro community and father of four Glencoe High School graduates.
Ralph was a firm believer of giving back to the Hillsboro community that had supported him in his years of practicing medicine, choosing to do this through volunteer work and financial investment. Ralph sang with the Oregon Chorale for over thirty years, as well as serving on its advisory board. He and his wife, Marilynn, have been very active in supporting other arts organizations as well such as the local theatre groups, the arts endowment fund, and the Hillsboro Library. Other local organizations that benefited from his generosity are the Hillsboro Schools’ Foundation, Hillsboro Medical Center Foundation, Parks and Recreation, and the Hillsboro Community Foundation where he served on the board. He and Marilynn were instrumental in helping fund the Walters Cultural Arts Center, Jackson Bottom Wetlands, Noble Woods and recently the All-Inclusive Playground at Hidden Creek Park West. In 2016, Ralph and Marilynn were honored by the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce with the Philanthropic Leadership Award.
“The girls and I are so humbled and grateful for the Hops proposal to name one of their scholarships for Ralph,” said Marilynn Helzerman. “He would be so proud to have his name associated with a Hops effort to champion community service as a value to be embraced by our young students of today.”
Ralph and Marilynn have been active with the Hillsboro Hops hosting a total of 13 players in their home over the four seasons that program existed. During his time on the Hillsboro Community Foundation Board, he helped oversee the Hillsboro Hops Fund, including participating in the selection committee for the Dream Big Scholarships and establishing the Youth Sports Grant Program, which has awarded over $400,000 in funding for youth baseball/softball.
"From Day One, Ralph & Marilynn Helzerman were strong supporters on the Hillsboro Hops and our involvement in their beloved city," said Hops' Owner Mike McMurray. "They were consistent contributors and participants in the Hillsboro Hops Advised Fund, created to encourage youth athletic activities and education. In fact, Ralph played a major role in our efforts to start a successful scholarship program for first generation college bound students. He personified what it means to serve his community and future generations of Hillsboro residents. We miss Ralph greatly."
Applications will open on 2/25/26. Applications will be accepted through 3/15/26 at 11:59pm. Applicants will be notified of their status by 5/1/26. One time disbursement, eligibility to reapply annually.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel comprised of members of the Helzerman family and Hops Front Office members. Applications will be scored on essay clarity, commitment to community service, spelling and grammar, and overall enthusiasm.
Criteria:
- Graduating senior or graduate of a Hillsboro School District High School
- Minimum 150 hours of documented community service during the 2025 calendar year
- Attending an Oregon college or university
- Minimum 2.5 GPA