Scholarships

The Aaron Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Jim and Linda Brown in memory of their son, Aaron. The scholarship is available to a Sandusky High School senior interested in pursuing a career in agriculture.

The Andrew Kautz Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established by family and friends to honor the life of Andrew Kautz and to help others pursue their education. Eligible students will possess a 3.2 GPA or greater, and entering the field of Diesel Mechanics or Law Enforcement. This scholarship is open to all Sanilac County graduating high school seniors.

This fund was established in 2009 in memory of Andrew Ronald Gerstenberger by his family.

This scholarship, established by the Bluewater Shore Herb Guild, is for the benefit of graduating Sanilac County High School seniors. The ideal candidate has intentions for long term interest and application in the field of herbal study and application in our community either through culinary skills or agriculture.

For the educational needs of a graduating Brown City High School student entering training and educational programs in health-related fields.

This fund was established through a bequest of the late Lola Kay and Miner Seager, former students and residents of Brown City who went on to attend Michigan State University. This scholarship fund is meant for the benefit of Brown City Students in pursuing their post-secondary goals.

This scholarship is available to a high school senior from Brown City, Peck, Sandusky, Marlette, North Branch, or Port Hope already accepted to a 2 year or 4-year college or university. The total scholarship amount is $2,000.00. $500.00 is disbursed per semester for a maximum of 4 semesters, based on certain criteria being met – contact school counselor for more information.

The Cheryl Thomas Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in her memory by her family. Cheryl was a respected, long-time coach in the Marlette Schools. Eligible applicants for the scholarship must be graduating seniors of Marlette High School and have participated in high school athletics.

The Corey William Farr Scholarship Fund was established for the benefit of Croswell-Lexington graduating seniors seeking a higher education. Highly considered students will have maintained a C average or above, and are involved in soccer, baseball, or hockey. Scholastic potential, community service, and financial need may be considered when awarding this scholarship.

The Croswell-Lexington Pioneers Scholarship is a collection of many gifts given for the benefit of graduating seniors who are pursuing post-secondary education. It is about being pioneers in education, community, and life.

This fund has been established to support a scholarship for a graduating Croswell-Lexington High School senior pursuing a career in a STEM field.

This scholarship was created in memory of Dale Ferguson by his loving family and is meant to benefit a graduating senior of Peck Jr./Sr. High School.

This scholarship has been created to commemorate the life of Daniel James Brabant. Dan was a graduate of Carsonville-Port Sanilac High School. He graduated with Honors from Michigan State University with a degree in Business and Economics and was an avid bow hunter, weight lifter, and Michigan State Fan.

This scholarship was established by Linda Poole in memory of her father, Darwin Moriartey. The recipient must be a Sandusky High School student going to college for Agriculture.

Established in memory of Daryl Walker, Carsonville-Port Sanilac (CPS) Superintendent, recipients will be graduating seniors of CPS High School who will be attending a college/university/trade school and has demonstrated proven excellence in the academic and extracurricular areas. The scholarship is not limited to financial need, but this may be considered.

This scholarship was created to commemorate the life of Dave Blank who was an outstanding athlete and leader in Sanilac County. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a Sandusky High School graduate with a 3.0 GPA or greater who has shown leadership skills and excelled at a sport for a minimum of two years.

Created in memory of Mr. Lockwood, owner and operator of Lakeside Building Supplies, the income of the fund is distributed annually for the educational needs of a Croswell-Lexington graduating senior who will be pursuing education relative to building construction as determined by the David Lockwood, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Advisory Board. Mr. Lockwood died on June 9, 2004, as a result of injuries sustained in a farm accident. The Scholarship Fund was established by Mr. Lockwood’s wife, Gail, and their two sons, David, Jr., and Steven. “My husband was always interested in helping young people”, shared Mrs. Lockwood. “He would be happy to know that he will continue to help them even now”.

Dave Albrecht, a 1966 graduate of Sandusky High School (SHS), was a successful businessman for over 30 years, a community volunteer, active in his church, very involved with his family, and a loyal Redskin fan. This scholarship was established in his memory to assist a graduating Sandusky High School student who exemplifies the characteristics of leadership, community service, and school spirit.

The Dawn M. Dennison Scholarship Fund is to be awarded to a Croswell-Lexington graduating senior that is planning to enter the teaching profession and has been a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council.

The purpose of the Dr. R. K. Hart / American Legion Scholarship Fund is to provide scholarship(s) for the benefit of deserving graduating seniors from Croswell-Lexington High School. The scholarship candidate must be accepted and attend for at least half-time a post-secondary education institution and must have been enrolled in one of the industrial arts and/or fine arts classes during their high school career.

Scholarships are available to graduating seniors from Croswell-Lexington High School, Harbor Beach High School, Sandusky High School, Port Huron High School, and Port Huron Northern High School. Preference will be given to students pursuing a financial, business, or marketing career.

The Edward & Viviene Huntoon Memorial Scholarship was originally established in 2009 in memory of Edward, and in 2017, the scholarship was extended to also commemorate the life of his wife Viviene. The Huntoons were married on May 24, 1947, and Marlette quickly became their home.
Mr. Huntoon was an active businessman in the Marlette area, Viviene was a member of the United Methodist Church, and they were always committed to the importance of education. Their family is happy to be able to support Marlette students in their effort to attain a college degree with this one-thousand-dollar scholarship.

The Edward Ralph & Ina Kinsley Scholarship fund was generously given as a gift from the Kinsley estate. The scholarship fund is designated to benefit the graduating students at Croswell-Lexington High school.

The Eleanor M. Bowman Scholarship was established to support a Carsonville – Port Sanilac High School graduating senior who plans to enter the field of music or education. If there are no graduating students entering the field of music or education, then the scholarship may be given to a graduating student in need of financial assistance.

Provides scholarships to deserving students, who are in need of financial assistance, graduating from either the Croswell-Lexington High School and/or the Carsonville-Port Sanilac High School planning to attend college in the field of Education. The Sanilac County Community Foundation or its designated representatives shall designate the student or students who are worthy to receive such scholarship(s).

Scholarships are provided to one graduating high school senior from Brown City, Carsonville-Port Sanilac, Croswell-Lexington, Deckerville, Peck, and Sandusky High Schools. Preference will be given to students pursuing a degree in accounting / finance / business studies.

In 1974, Peck Community Schools was willed a portion of the estate of Frank L. and Violet Hannan to be used for scholarships for the students of Peck Community Schools. Mr. Hannan and his wife, Violet, were area farmers whose established place of business was in the south part of the school district on Jordan Road. The scholarships can be used for the first and/or second years of college.

This scholarship was established by the Sanilac County Association of School Boards to honor Mr. Fred Cady, who retired after 22 years as an educator and administrator in Sanilac County.

This scholarship was established in memory of Fred Kalis who was “active in the community as a mentor, teacher, youth leader, mayor, and church board member. He was often referred to as simply ‘the coach’ because he coached nearly every high school sport in Bad Axe”. The recipient of this scholarship must be a Bad Axe High School student who understands the value of high school athletics.

The Gary Kettlewell Scholarship is designated for a Peck High School graduating student who will be attending a college/university to pursue a degree in the agricultural field.

The Gordon Pabst Scholarship Fund was established by Mr. Gordon Pabst a life-long resident of Marlette who dedicated his life to education working 28 years as an elementary teacher in the Marlette School System. Providing scholarship(s) graduating Sanilac County seniors planning to pursue a teaching degree from an accredited university. Preference will be given to students from Marlette Community Schools.

This scholarship was established to commemorate the lifetime accomplishments of Harold & Dawn Titus. Harold was a lifelong educator who influenced the lives of many students and community members of Sanilac County. Eligibility requirements are yet to be determined.

This scholarship is provided by the Henderson Family to encourage interest in pursuing the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Fields. This scholarship will annually be awarded to a Sandusky High School graduating senior.

This scholarship was established in honor of Thomas Hewitt, a Croswell-Lexington High School Graduate, by his mother Mary Riley. The scholarship is made available to a Croswell-Lexington student with a C+ – B average who is planning to attend college. Special consideration will be given to those entering the field of agricultural studies.

This fund was established from the estate of Inez Peasley to provide scholarships to graduating Croswell-Lexington High School seniors. The fund was originally set up back when Cros-Lex was a rural agricultural school district and still continues today because of faithful stewardship.

This fund was established as a memorial to Ike Selick who retired from the Detroit Police Department as a Detective Sergeant assigned to the Central Narcotics Bureau. A scholarship is given annually to a graduating senior pursuing a career in criminal justice

In 1974, James Mitchell was killed in a single-vehicle rollover accident on M-46, near the current location of Carsonville-Port Sanilac (CPS) High School. From the time of his death, James’ father, Max Mitchell, invested memorial funds. Beginning in 1997, the earnings from those investments make possible an annual scholarship to a CPS graduate planning to pursue a career in a vocation or trade, and who would not normally be recognized for other scholarship awards.

The James T. Whitfield Scholarship has the sole purpose of providing college scholarships to deserving graduating seniors from Croswell-Lexington High School who are entering the field of engineering.

The Jimmy Johnston Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the life of Jimmy by his family. It is available for Peck High School graduating seniors that display good moral character and sportsmanship.

This scholarship was made in memory of Joan Monte by her family. The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarship(s) to a graduating Croswell-Lexington High School senior. Eligible students have participated in Remedial Reading or Remedial English programs in their junior and/or senior year, and plan to attend college at least half-time.

John, Lila, and the Peck United Methodist Church have been longtime supporters of the 4-H community. Their hope is that this scholarship keeps that support and relationship alive for generations to come. Applicants must be an active Sanilac County 4-H member with a 2.5 GPA or greater. 4-H/Community achievements and activities are highly considered.

The Joseph C. Biernasz Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Joseph Biernasz by his family. The scholarship is for a Croswell-Lexington graduating senior who has been awarded the “Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year Award” during their senior year.

This fund was established to keep the memory of Josh alive. It honors a graduating senior who most reflects his character, work ethic, interests, and goals.

This scholarship is in memory of Kayla (Gordon) Kelly. Kayla was a graduate of Croswell-Lexington High School. “She was a great student, she played sports, was on the yearbook committee, and participated in drama productions.”
She then went on to graduate from Ferris State University and worked for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in the Grand Rapids area. Kayla died by suicide on February 14, 2021. We would like to remember Kayla as helping students through this scholarship. This scholarship is in Kayla’s and to raise suicide awareness.

This scholarship was established through a gift from the Kenneth Alexander estate. The scholarship is awarded annually to a senior on the Peck High School girls softball team to defray the expenses of college or other post-high school education.

Mr. Freeland was a long-time dedicated teacher of physics and chemistry at Croswell-Lexington High School. He attended numerous National Science Foundation Seminars to provide his students with exciting and current science and technology. He inspired his students with a positive, respectful, and fun-learning environment. The Kent and Lucille Freeland Scholarship has been established for Croswell-Lexington High School graduates who have attained a minimum of a C average who is planning to major in physics or chemistry.

Kevin M. Pearce, a 1985 graduate of Sandusky High School, passed away on January 24, 2001. He is remembered as an incredible person and friend who always “set the ‘bar’ higher for himself, and inspired others to achieve.” This scholarship was created in memory of Kevin to help give eligible students a chance to achieve and to help inspire future generations.

Kim Rhead is a former state legislator from the 83rd District who now works in Lansing as a legislative and government affairs consultant. He and his wife, Margaret, decided to start a scholarship fund to give something back to the community in which they lived and raised their family for so many years. This money goes to help students active in their school, church, and community, but who fall through the college funding cracks. Awards go to gifted students, with special consideration to students that do not qualify for other assistance.

This fund was established by the family and friends of Mark S. Hund, a long-time Sandusky High School principal. The scholarship is awarded annually to a SHS senior who has shown strength and determination. It is available for any form of career training or education.

This scholarship was established to recognize the artistic talents of students at Marlette High School. To apply for this scholarship, students must upload a photo of a self-made work of art and submit it to the High School Art Instructor. The scholarship is awarded annually and the majority of funding is provided through the annual art show.

Created in memory of Mike Stevens, by his family & the employees of the Sanilac County Department of Human Services Agency, this scholarship is to be distributed annually for the continuing education needs of a graduating senior from one of the seven school districts in Sanilac County, including the Intermediate School District (ISD). The student must have maintained a 2.0 GPA and be accepted to an accredited college or university. The student must demonstrate the desire and determination to meet and overcome personal/family challenges or obstacles in achieving his/her educational goals, i.e., illness or disability of a family member or the student, violence or substance abuse in the home, abuse/neglect issues, financial hardships or fractured family.

This scholarship was established to continue the community outreach of the Peck United Methodist Church. The Church was in operation for 129 years and continues to serve the students / families of Peck through this scholarship. Eligible Peck High School recipients should demonstrate volunteerism and pride in serving the Peck Community.

This scholarship was established by the Port Sanilac Garden Club. It is designated for a student entering agriculture/horticulture and related fields (refer application) from Carsonville-Port Sanilac Schools, Deckerville Schools, or that have attended the Sanilac Career Center.

This scholarship is in memory of three individuals who all attended Peck and have since passed away (Ryan Martus, Ellen Foley, and Debbie Krantz). All three of these individuals were very active in athletics and school activities. This scholarship is available annually to a Peck graduating senior.

This fund was established by the family, in honor of Richard Coffelt, Band Director, and Music Educator for 24 years. The scholarship is intended to promote music education and encourage students to pursue a career in music. Money is awarded at least annually to senior class students who are pursuing a career in music education after high school. Consideration will be given to students majoring or minoring in music, while in college.

This fund was established in memory of Mary Hart Robb, who was Croswell’s first teacher, and John Stuart Robb, who built the first schoolhouse. Mary came with her family from England, and John from Scotland in the mid-1850s. They were married in 1857. The scholarships are awarded annually to Croswell-Lexington High School seniors who have been accepted in a four-year college program,
and who have shown potential for success in life. Preference is given to those planning to study science or teaching.

The Robert Kenneth & Janette Grace Knight Estate left the Marlette Community Schools a very generous gift to provide scholarship grants to deserving graduates of Marlette High School who desire to further their education. Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Knight will be remembered for their concern for the future of the youth of Marlette.

The purpose of the Sandusky F.F.A. (Future Farmers of America) Scholarship is to recognize and reward outstanding F.F.A. members who have shown leadership in both school and community. Each school year, a scholarship is issued. The successful applicant must have been an active F.F.A. member, meet F.F.A. constitutional requirements, and have been in the Sandusky F.F.A. for a minimum of one year.

Established in memory of Sheila Olbrich, Drama Coach at Sandusky High School (SHS), recipient(s) will be SHS graduating seniors pursuing a career in Fine Arts and having performed well in Fine Arts while attending Sandusky High School.

The scholarship was created in memory of Stanley Herron. The recipient of the scholarship will be a graduating senior from Marlette High School.

Scholarship created in memory of Stanley M. Fetting. Eligibility requirements are yet to be determined.

Suzanne was very proud of her hometown and her home state. She loved family and friends. She loved people. Being able to help the young people of her community pursue higher education would bring her much happiness. This fund was created to honor the memory of Suzanne Spencer, a 1962 graduate of Deckerville High School, by providing yearly scholarships for one or more graduating students of Deckerville High School.

Terry and Jackie Reid is awarded annually to new Marlette High School graduates who have been leaders and role models through athletics and academics. Terry Reid, was a longtime, coach, teacher, and administrator in Marlette. However, Terry’s career was defined as “Coach”, particularly in basketball. He led the Red Raider girls-basketball program for 21 seasons and coached Marlette boys in the game, at several levels, for about 25, years. From 1991 to ’97, he served as varsity coach of both the girls and boys. His spirit lives on through this scholarship, and thousands of students and friends he encountered, influenced, and was inspired by during more than half-century in education.

This fund was established 2017 to honor the memory of David Chmielewski “Mr. C” who was a teacher at Brown City High School. Eligible students will be attending college (either community college or a 4-year university) to study in a science field and/or agriculture. They will possess a GPA of 3.0 or greater and demonstrate work ethic, volunteerism, and community service.

The Joseph B. Hoppinthal Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Joe Hoppinthal of Croswell by his family. The scholarship is for a Sanilac County graduating senior, with preference is given Croswell-Lexington students, who are planning to study agriculture just as Joe always wished he could have. Joe was a successful businessman in the tool and die industry but always loved nature and the outdoors. The purpose of this scholarship is that Joe’s dream of being a farmer be carried on through a young person who also has the heart of a farmer.

“Valhalla” is Norwegian for “Viking Heaven”. Drawing from his Viking heritage and love for math, this fund was established in November of 2002 by a 26-year veteran teacher at Sandusky High School. The donor requests that recipients of this scholarship either establish a similar fund or donate back to this fund to perpetuate student interest in mathematics. Annual applications can be obtained through the Sandusky High School Counselor’s office. – Q.E.D.

The Advisory Board, with the assistance of the Thorley family, work with the Croswell-Lexington School District to provide scholarships to those living within the district. This fund was established as part of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Challenge of 1996.

The Walls/Flannigan Scholarship Fund was established in 200 by Jane Walls and her husband, William “Dixie” Flannigan. Mrs. Walls was a dedicated first-grade teacher in the Croswell-Lexington schools for over twenty years. Her college education was interrupted first by WWII, and then marriage and a family. When she was suddenly widowed at age 44, she found herself with two teenage sons still at home, a family farm, and very few resources. She realized that the field of education would provide her with both security and a vocation. She returned to college, graduating with her Bachelor’s degree with high honors and later completed her Master’s Degree in Teaching. Her dedication to teaching and learning was unparalleled. She regarded the teaching of first graders to be one of her greatest accomplishments. William Flannigan went into the carpenter business building many fine homes around the Croswell Lexington area. He believed that honest hard work would not only put calluses on your hands but build integrity and character in an individual. They hoped the scholarship would ease the financial burden of worthy students and provide opportunities that they themselves were not allowed. The scholarship is available to Croswell-Lexington High School seniors.

This scholarship was created in memory of William and Verna Wark by their daughter Rhea Currie. Rhea attended and graduated from Peck Schools. The scholarship is to be awarded to a student that best represents the values that William and Verna were known for, such as community involvement, resilient relationships with their family and friends, a strong work ethic, and a love of reading and learning.

The Winston D. McCanham Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student in good academic standing at the point of graduation from Peck High School.

Brother and sister Harold and Sylvia Wixson (both now deceased) maintained a homestead on Wildcat Road. They established this fund to assist one or more seniors annually to further their education. They were particularly concerned about providing help for those students who may be overlooked because, though very capable of continuing their education, they may not have outstanding GPA’s.