Memorial Scholarships

Michael Reinhardt Memorial Scholarship (est. 2014)
This $500 scholarship started in 2014 is given to two (2) graduating seniors by Michael’s family in his memory (June 4, 1982 – February 15, 2014). Mike graduated from Rushford-Peterson High School in 2001 and was the first recipient of the “Always Our Best” award. Life presented Mike with a unique set of challenges that he met with tenacity and a sense of humor. When asked about his situation he would reply, “It is what it is”.

Merle and Bette Evenson Memorial Scholarship (est. 2016)
This scholarship is given in memory of Merle and Bette Evenson. Beginning in 2016, the Evenson Family presented two $500 scholarships to R-P graduates. Rushford-Peterson was lucky to have Merle and Bette as part of our community. This is what Merle and Bette’s family had to say about them.
“Merle and Bette were very kind and compassionate people and enjoyed being a part of a wonderful community with a great school. Merle drove school bus for R-P Schools for 19 years. He thoroughly enjoyed driving bus and felt especially privileged to be able to drive for the girls’ volleyball and basketball teams, also known as “Merle’s Girls” and for the spring track teams. Merle always said, ‘Everything happens for a reason.'”

Merlin and Lila Jameson Scholarship (est. 2017)
Merlin and Lila Jameson were lifelong residents of the Rushford area. They were active supporters of the Rushford-Peterson Schools, student activities, and young adults pursuing their aspirations. Merlin and Lila shared values with many in this community that support and encourage individuals to be their best and provide acts of kindness to others. They recognized that these characteristics make meaningful differences in single moments and lifetimes. As a thank you to wonderful friends and to recognize talented young adults, this scholarship is given to a graduating senior in an effort to pay-it-forward to a community that has been so generous. Graduating seniors who are planning on pursuing a post-secondary education are eligible for the $2,000 scholarship ($1,000 freshman year and $1,000 junior year).

Mitch Thompson “Be a Good Human Being” Memorial Scholarship (est. 2018)
Mitch Thompson taught school and coached at Rushford-Peterson for over 30 years. He thought it was very important to teach all kids to “Be a good human being.” Mitch’s family honors his memory and sense of community with scholarships for students who exemplify his philosophy. Each year two R-P graduating seniors will be awarded $500 scholarships.

Apply for R-P Foundation Memorial Scholarship
Contact R-P School Counselor Jenny Helgemoe at jennyhelgemoe@r-pschools.com or 507-864-7785 x1010 for more information and to request a copy of the application.

If you are interested in setting up a memorial scholarship, please contact any of the board members.

PAST WINNERS

2018 Michael Reinhardt $500 Winners
Grace Luhmann, Victoria Kjome

2018 Merle and Bette Evenson $500 Winners
MacKenzie Eide, Kensay Clobes, Morgan Kingsley

Photo: Left to right: June Vitse (Evenson Family representative), Morgan Kingsley, Kensay Clobes

2018 Merlin and Lila Jameson $1,000 Winner
Dylan Buckland