Harper Creek Educational Foundation

Allyn and Dorothy Miller Scholarship Allyn & Dorothy Miller Scholarship This scholarship was established to honor Allyn Miller and his 37 years of dedication to Harper Creek Community Schools, where he served as an outstanding teacher, counselor, and administrator. Eligible candidates are graduating seniors of Harper Creek High School who will be attending the University of Michigan, Western Michigan University, or Grand Valley State University in the fields of education, health sciences, or engineering.

Beatrice B Forward Memorial 22 years…that’s how long “Auntie Bea,” as Mrs. Forward was affectionately known, taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, and served as elementary school principal at Beadle Lake. According to co-workers, “Auntie Bea” was like family to many, beloved by everyone, very kind, and full of energy. Although she retired from Harper Creek in 1978, her unwavering devotion to projects that benefitted Harper Creek and area youth continued and added greatly to the district far beyond those 22 years. The establishment of the Beatrice B. Forward Memorial Fund continues her presence at Beadle Lake and other elementary schools in the district which is of no surprise to those who knew her. Upon hearing about the fund and who it helps, a co-worker stated with certainty, “that sounds like Bea.”

C. Glen Walter Scholarship C. Glen Walter served Harper Creek Community Schools for over 33 years. He began as a teacher at Harper Creek Junior High in 1962 and became Junior High School principal in 1966. He then served as Curriculum Director for seven years and as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction for five years. Glen served his later years as Superintendent, retiring in 1995. During his tenure as Superintendent, he performed in an exemplary manner, bringing both political and financial stability to a once-troubled district. In honor of his many contributions to the students, school, and community, friends and supporters have formed this scholarship. Eligible applicants are graduating seniors or graduates of Harper Creek High School who have a minimum GPA of 2.5. This scholarship is for those students who have a demonstrated passion and preparation for their chosen career path. Former recipients may reapply.

Carl C. & Rose M. Gawart Memorial Scholarship This scholarship is intended for Harper Creek High School graduating seniors. Eligible candidates must be planning to attend Central Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, or Kellogg Community College. Applicants must exhibit good character, citizenship, and provide evidence of financial need.

Ceresco Community Club Scholarship The scholarship was established through the fundraising efforts of the Ceresco Community Club. Harper Creek High School graduating seniors. Academic performance, financial need, commitment to education, demonstration of responsibility to community. Preference will be given to Harper Creek High School graduating seniors in the following order: 1) resident or descendant of a resident of the former Village of Ceresco; 2) a resident of Ceresco; and 3) any Harper Creek High School graduating senior. If you are a descendant of a resident of the former Village of Ceresco, please provide the full name of the person or persons to whom you are a descendant.

Christa Ferree Scholarship The Christa Ferree Scholarship Fund was established in 1992 by the family and friends of Christa Ferree, who was a student at Harper Creek High School until her untimely death in 1991. She played baseball, was a cheerleader, served as Vice President of her class, and enjoyed long bike rides. Most special to Christa were stray animals that easily found their way to her home. Eligible applicants are female graduating seniors of Harper Creek High School. Awarding criteria: GPA of 2.5 or above, financial need (determined by federal guidelines), strong desire to continue education beyond high school, creativity, ambition and initiative.

Dave McDill Scholarship Mr. Dave McDill was the first Harper Creek Men’s and Women’s swimming and diving coach, serving from 1977 to 1995. In 1964 he started his teaching career at Harper Creek and then in 1976, he started a youth swim program for children in 4th grade and higher. This led to him starting the swim program at Harper Creek High School in 1977. His men’s teams won League Championships in 1980, 1985, 1987, and 1989. His women’s teams won League Championships in 1979, 1981, and 1983. Mr. McDill had 3 swimmers win State titles and 16 teams placed in the top 10 at State meets. In his 31 years of service at Harper Creek Community Schools, he was a teacher, coach, community school director, pool director, and athletic director. More importantly, he served the community as a mentor and father figure who guided youth in a steady, supportive, and encouraging manner.

Dave Smith Memorial Scholarship Several community members worked with the Smith family to establish this fund in memory of a respected friend, educator, coach, husband, and father who passed away suddenly in 2008. Dave Smith was well known in the Harper Creek Community for his constant involvement, and was admired for his family-oriented lifestyle. This scholarship is intended for graduating seniors of Harper Creek High School who have participated in athletics. Competitive applicants must have a GPA of 3.25 or higher, be well-rounded (multiple types of community involvement activities) individuals, and have shown leadership in their church, school, community, athletic, etc. activities.

Dave Studer Athletic Wrestling Scholarship In 2016, Harper Creek Community Schools celebrated 50 years of Dave Studer coaching wrestling for Harper Creek, while also teaching many of those years. Dave has been a role model for generations of wrestlers and Harper Creek students alike. This fund was established to provide scholarships to recipients who were members of the Harper Creek wrestling team for three years and plan on attending a 4-year college.

Dawn R. Vaive Memorial Scholarship Dawn was a graduate of Harper Creek High School, class of 1982, where she earned twelve varsity letters in swimming, volleyball, and softball. In 2009 she was inducted into the Harper Creek Athletic Hall of Fame. She earned her B.S. in Special Education from Western Michigan University, where she was Magnum Cum Laude. Dawn also received her M.S. in Reading from WMU. She taught at the former Lincoln Elementary School for five years before becoming a stay at home mom. In 2012 she resumed her role as an educator at Wattles Park Elementary. She had the ability to connect with her students, instilling in them a sense of confidence and motivation to overcome their adversities. Dawn was a selfless woman who fought tirelessly for those who did not have a voice. She touched the lives of countless individuals over the course of her young life. Her greatest joy in life was being a mom to Nick and Madi. Having been a cancer survivor (ovarian), her fortitude and love for her children at that time was astounding. She was the pillar of strength and the shoulder to cry on for her family at all times. Dawn had a wicked sense of humor and her beauty and grace was something to be admired. Dawn's family would like to honor her memory by awarding scholarships to students who, like she, have overcome obstacles, are empathetic to others, celebrate their life and those in it, and strive to better the lives of those around them.

Harper Creek Optimist Memorial Scholarship In May 1994, the President of the Harper Creek Optimist Club authorized the establishment of a scholarship fund to be awarded to graduating seniors from Harper Creek High School. Eligible applicants are graduating seniors of Harper Creek High School with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and show evidence of community service.

Harper Creek Scholarship This scholarship was created by Harper Creek Community Schools in 1994 as the districts first scholarship with the Battle Creek Community Foundation. It is a promise to graduating seniors of Harper Creek High School that they will always have a scholarship available to them.

Juliee T. Hazel Norman Scholarship The Juliee T. Hazel Norman Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Juliee T. Hazel Norman. Throughout her life, Juliee served in positions of leadership at school, church dance, college, career, and community. Juliee is listed in the Whos Who Among High School Students. The scholarship is awarded annually to students selected from the Honor Guard Program at Harper Creek High School. Honor Guard members display a constructive attitude and respectful behavior toward everyone. Eligible applicants shall be graduating seniors from Harper Creek High School. Candidates must show evidence of volunteerism in the community and leadership."

Kevin B. Swafford Memorial Scholarship This fund was established in memory of Kevin B. Swafford. Eligible applicants are graduating seniors of Harper Creek High School who will be attending Kellogg Community College and can demonstrate some financial need. No specific grade point is required, however, the applicant should possess the characteristics of someone who is working hard on their academics, taking hard classes but not necessarily a straight A student. Students who meet eligibility as described and play soccer will be given special consideration.

Larry Inman Skilled Trades Scholarship The Larry Inman Skilled Trades Scholarship Fund has been established to provide scholarships to Harper Creek Community Schools graduating seniors pursuing degrees and future employment in the skilled trades. Larry Inman was a Harper Creek High School, class of 1967 graduate. He excelled in many sports, but was an exceptional baseball player. After high school Larry attended Kellogg Community College pursuing a career in Graphic Arts before serving the United State Army during the Vietnam Conflict. Larry fought for his country and was awarded many medals including the Bronze Star. He returned to Battle Creek and retired from the Kellogg Company after 35 years of dedicated employment. Larry was a very kind and generous person who cared about the education of local youth.

Mark Evans Memorial Scholarship The Mark Evans Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the Harper Creek High School graduating senior who has the highest scoring National Merit Award score (PSAT). The Harper Creek Guidance Office identifies the scholarship recipient every year, and reports this information to the Battle Creek Community Foundation.

Merry Ellen Eason Scholarship The Merry Ellen Eason Scholarship Fund has been established within the Harper Creek Educational Foundation an affiliate of the Battle Creek Community Foundation, in loving memory of Merry Ellen Eason. Merry Ellen started her career in 1972 at Harper Creek Schools, as a social studies & crafts teacher. After about 10 years and significant retraining she became Harper Creek’s first computer instructor. This evolved over a few years into becoming Harper Creek’s first Director of Technology. Merry Ellen oversaw the growth of computing from standalone PCs to many networked computers with internet access. Having been a teacher, Merry Ellen worked with many Harper Creek teachers to integrate computer aided learning into their curriculum. In 2007, Merry Ellen received the award for Outstanding Technology Director for the State of Michigan. The Merry Ellen Eason Scholarship Fund was established for the purpose of providing scholarships to graduating seniors and graduates from Harper Creek Community Schools pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities.

Missy Head Scholarship Fund The Missy Head Scholarship Fund has been established in loving memory of Missy Head, a 1993 graduate of Harper Creek High School. Missy was fun-loving and loved by all. She could always make you laugh and always make you feel welcome. This scholarship will support graduating seniors and graduates of Harper Creek High School who have been involved in extracurricular activities and demonstrate inclusiveness.

Nancy Hyde Honorary Scholarship The Nancy Hyde Honorary Fund was established in 2005 in honor of Nancy's retirement and for the many years of service she has given to Harper Creek Community Schools. The Fund was established for the purpose of providing scholarships to graduates of Harper Creek High School who are pursuing a degree in a career helping others who are either in their junior or senior year of an undergraduate degree or seeking a masters or advanced degree.

Paul Nicolich-Harper Creek Memorial Scholarship The Paul Nicolich-Harper Creek Memorial Scholarship Foundation (the Fund) was established to serve as a source of encouragement and support to graduating seniors of Harper Creek High School who have participated in athletics. Eligible candidates shall be graduating seniors of Harper Creek High School who have participated in athletics and have achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Additional considerations shall be: students who are well-rounded, meaning a student who is involved in the community through school, church, work, sports and/or other activities, students who have demonstrated leadership through school, church, work, sports and/or other activities and like Paul Nicolich, the recipient be a person of integrity who embodies the characteristics of trustworthiness and honesty.

Scott A Evans Memorial Fund Scott Evans graduated from Harper Creek High School in 1986. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, he went on to work in the then-budding technology field. While living in California, Scott consulted with many tech companies in Silicon Valley. He was smart and caring and loved the fast-paced life of the tech world.

The Robert C. Frook Memorial Fund Robert C. Frook was very involved in Harper Creek's Football Program for many years. The Robert C. Frook Memorial Fund was established in 2004 in memory of Robert's dedication to Harper Creek Community Schools and his belief in the importance of athletics in the physical, moral, and character development in young people.

The Waltman - Howard Scholarship The Waltman-Howard Scholarship was established by Kevin Howard, a 2015 graduate of Harper Creek, in honor of Sharon Waltman. Mrs. Waltman was Kevin's 4th-grade teacher at Beadle Lake Elementary. Since finishing 4th-grade Kevin and Mrs. Waltman have maintained a friendship to this day. This scholarship is intended to recognize and support a Harper Creek student who embodies Mrs. Waltman's dedication to education and her commitment to making a positive impact in one's community.

Verne & Bonnie DeYoung Family Athletic Scholarship Established to honor their commitment of time, talent, and treasure to the Harper Creek community over the years. Verne was known as someone who believes in civic participation and a positive outlook. He inspired both his family and the Harper Creek community to work hard, enjoy every moment, and to never ever give up. Bonnie shares a deep love for the Harper Creek community, and believes in the endless potential of its students. Verne and Bonnie made a perfect pair, sharing a commitment to family and community. It is with pride that Harper Creek awards the Verne & Bonnie DeYoung Family Athletic Scholarship to student athletes who, like the DeYoung family, are also active leaders in their community. Eligible applicants are Harper Creek High School graduating seniors who seek postsecondary education beyond high school who participated in at least one sport during their high school career, and are involved in extracurricular or community service activities. First consideration shall be given to those who, like Verne DeYoung, exemplify a strong combination of the following traits: community involvement, sportsmanship, leadership, compassion as indicated in application essay and responses. Responses to two short essay questions: - Briefly describe an example of something you have done to make a difference in someone’s life. - In 100 words or less, share what lifelong skills participating in Harper Creek athletics has taught you.

Harper Creek Educational Foundation

Harper Creek High School-Specific Scholarships