Umatilla High School is proud to announce that its student journalism program, Viking Voices, has been awarded an $8,000 grant from the Wildhorse Foundation to support inclusive storytelling through multimedia journalism.
The grant funds were used to purchase five iMac computers and two iPad tablets, significantly upgrading the program’s technology and expanding student access to professional-grade tools for writing, graphic design, photography, video editing, and digital storytelling. These new devices will support the production of the UHS yearbook, the student newspaper Viking Power, and multimedia projects created through the school’s Intro to Journalism course.
Viking Voices serves a predominantly minority student population, with over 90 percent of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. The program is rooted in the mission of inclusive storytelling through cohesive design, ensuring that all students—especially those historically underrepresented—have opportunities to see their voices, cultures, and experiences reflected in school publications.
“This grant allows our students to work with the same tools used in professional newsrooms and design studios,” said Alexa Lougee, teacher and yearbook advisor at Umatilla High School. “The support from the Wildhorse Foundation directly impacts students’ confidence, creativity, and career readiness while helping us preserve our school’s collective history.”
Each year, the Wildhorse Foundation awards grants to nonprofit, government, and Tribal organizations within the homeland area of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people. Since 2001, the Foundation has awarded more than $19 million to support education, arts, and community well-being throughout the region.
For more information about the Wildhorse Foundation, visit www.thewildhorsefoundation.com.
About Umatilla High School
Umatilla High School is committed to empowering students through inclusive, student-centered learning experiences. Through programs like Viking Voices, students develop academic, creative, and professional skills while contributing meaningfully to their school and community