CORVALLIS, Ore. – Sayer Pescosolido and Gracie Hamilton of Bushnell University were named the recipients of the 2024-25
Cashell Family Impact Scholarship.
Established in 2023 with a gift from Robert (CCC commissioner), Heather and Elizabeth Cashell, the fund provides two scholarships awarded annually to one female and one male from among the student-athletes attending CCC schools who have displayed a significant and positive “impact” on their respective campuses.
Pescosolido, a Eugene, Ore., native has served this year as team captain for both the men’s cross country and track teams, a representative for Bushnell’s Association of Student Athletes, and as Vice Chair for the Cascade Conference ASA. His leadership, humility, and selfless service have made a powerful impression on his coaches, teammates, classmates, and the larger campus community.
“Sayer’s presence is a steady source of strength, unity, and inspiration,” said Bushnell head cross country and track and field coach Kyle Will. “He leads not by seeking attention, but by consistently investing in those around him. He’s the kind of teammate everyone counts on, kind, grounded, and committed to something greater than himself.”
Pescosolido’s involvement reaches well beyond athletics. On campus, he gives admissions tours, coordinates weekly student events and intramurals, and served as Orientation Coordinator, making impactful changes that improved the experience for incoming students. He also participated in Bushnell’s new Peer Mentor program, co-instructing a First-Year Seminar class and assisting students with their personal, academic, and spiritual development.
Despite a busy schedule and multiple part-time jobs, Pescosolido maintains a 3.87 GPA and plays a leading role in his team’s community outreach efforts, participating in service days, food drives, and volunteer work throughout Eugene and Springfield.
Teammate Logan Gant praised Pescosolido’s wide-reaching influence, “Sayer’s impact is bigger than our XC/TF teams. He is deeply intuitive, knowing when to call teammates to a higher standard, and when to offer compassion and grace. His presence, encouragement, and example have shaped me personally and pushed me to be a better human.”
Hamilton made an immediate and heartfelt impression on her teammates, coaches, and classmates in her first year at Bushnell. A Klamath Falls, Ore., native and the Beacons’ catcher, she is recognized for her infectious positivity, humble leadership, and a servant-hearted approach to both softball and student life.
“Gracie is the definition of an impact individual,” said Bushnell head softball coach, Jim Patrick. “She pushes everyone around her, teammates, coaches, and classmates to be better, and she does it through love, integrity, and a drive for excellence. She leads with grace, holds herself to a high standard, and constantly puts others first.”
Hamilton, who holds a 4.0 GPA in biology, fully embodies Bushnell’s Tri-Athlete Model of academic, athletic, and spiritual development. She has been a leader in the team’s community service efforts, playing a major role in food drives, adopt-a-family programs, and environmental cleanup projects.
Teammate Emma Fournier stated, “Gracie is a light in this world. Her integrity, work ethic, and heartfelt love for people have made a profound impact on me and countless others. She uplifts those around her and lives each day grounded in faith and compassion.”
Whether through prayer, mentorship, or quiet support behind the scenes, Hamilton’s influence is deeply felt by all who know her. She leads with humility, competes with class, and consistently serves others, both on and off the field.
"Congratulations to Sayer and Gracie, who are both shining examples of what the Impact Award stands for," stated Robert and Heather Cashell. "We also sincerely thank the selection committee for reviewing the nominations and making the difficult decision on the scholarship winners, as every nominee has positively impacted their campus."