In the past, donors who contributed at least $5000 to the foundation were eligible to establish a named scholarship at the Dollars for Scholars Scholar Level. These scholarships were named by the donor and continue to be awarded annually. Our current policy is to accept gifts of $10,000 or more for named scholarships.
The Art Scholarship
In 1997, the Dollars for Scholars Board of Trustees organized a silent auction of a variety of fine art contributions from area artists. The proceeds from this fundraiser were dedicated to sponsoring a scholarship for a graduating senior who intends to study visual or performing arts. The artists emphasized the scholarship need not be limited to a college art program and artistic ability should be considered over grade point average.
The recipient is selected by Dollars for Scholars criteria with the additional guidelines listed above.
Bremer Bank Scholarship
The Bremer Bank Scholarship was established in 2007 to provide community support to our local high school students as they go on to higher education.
Damien Jacklitch Memorial Scholarship
Damien Jacklitch, a musician and athlete who graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1999, died in a car accident in 2002. In 2003, a benefit reunion concert was organized in his memory by former classmates and friends "to celebrate the life of a great person and wonderful musician." Proceeds from the concert plus family and community donations were used to fund an ongoing scholarship in Jacklitch's memory. The award is designated for a graduate of Fergus Falls High School.
Dennis R. and Audrey Y. Emmen Scholarship
The Emmens moved to Fergus Falls in 1964. To them Fergus Falls is an undiscovered gem. They want to maintain that. Their two sons Kirk and Mark both attended and graduated from the Fergus Falls education system. They went to college and graduated with degrees in Law and Accounting. This scholarship is for a student going into law or business.
Eugene Eckhoff Memorial Scholarship
Mr. Eckhoff was a beloved Fergus Falls High School teacher of English, creative writing and literature. He touched the lives of countless students with his caring and intelligence. His family and colleagues established this scholarship to honor his memory. The first scholarship was awarded in 1995, and it is awarded annually to a Fergus Falls High School student planning a career in English, literature, journalism or creative writing. The recipient is selected by Dollars for Scholars criteria with the qualities listed above.
Excel Plastics Vocational Scholarship
The Fergus Falls manufacturing firm created this scholarship, awarded for the first time in 2009, to provide support for a student attending a technical college program.
Fergus Falls Business and Professional Women Scholarship
The Fergus Falls Business and Professional Women are pleased to provide this scholarship to area high school women who plan to pursue their education. This scholarship was given for the first time in 2011.
Fergus Falls Education Association Scholarship
The Fergus Falls Education Association's scholarship was created in 2006 with money raised in its fall variety show and through teacher contributions. The award is in honor of FFEA members, past and present, and is intended for Fergus Falls High School graduates entering the education field.
Fred Evenson Jr. Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship, awarded for the first time in 2008, is in memory of the late Fred Evenson, an avid golfer and Fergus Falls businessman. In light of Evenson's passion for golf, it is designated for a member of an FFHS golf team.
Gordon Gerhardson Memorial Scholarship
Gordon Gerhardson, a member of the Fergus Falls High School (then known as Washington High School) Class of 1952, was a graduate who worked his way through higher education and became a skilled "troubleshooter" for nuclear power plants all over the world. His sister, Beverly Gerhardson Paulson, established this scholarship in his memory as she knew Mr. Gerhardson would appreciate helping students from his high school continue their education. The first scholarship was awarded in 2001.The recipient is selected by Dollars for Scholars and must be a Fergus Falls High School Student.
Nancy (Olson) Eldredge Hess Scholarship
As a Fergus Falls native, a graduate of FFHS, and a lifelong learner, Nancy values education. It is important to her that students who wish to pursue post-secondary education have the community and financial support to do so. This scholarship, established in 2022, is given by the board of directors to honor her 10 years of service as the first FF Area Dollars for Scholars Executive Director.
Northern Lakes Dental Scholarship
Drs. Kelly Schroeder and Scott Wagnild created this scholarship because of their belief in the critical value of education and knowledge. The scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2008.
Oscar Bjorgen Scholarship
Awarded for the first time in 2019, this scholarship is given by a member of the FFHS class of 1962 in honor of teacher Oscar Bjorgen. Oscar's enthusiasm for the manual arts provided a life-long inspiration for this donor. Preference for this scholarship will be given to a student who will be studying vocational trades, architecture or aviation.
Otter Tail Telcom/ Park Region Telephone Scholarship
The Park Region Telephone and Otter Tail Telcom Scholarship was established in 2006, the company's 100th anniversary year, to reflect the company's continuing support of local students in their quest to continue education beyond high school. Preference may be given to students pursuing an education in telecommunications or high-technology fields.
The Beth Wedum Scholarship
Mary Beth Hagen Wedum was a 1953 graduate of Fergus Falls High School with a strong interest in education. She was co-chair of the board of the Minneapolis-based J.A. Wedum Foundation, which she directed for many years with John Wedum, her late husband and the grandson of J.A. Wedum.
The Steve and Diane Christianson Memorial Scholarship
Steve and Diane Christianson were graduates of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. They were recognized for their support of education and youth as their two sons grew and attended school. Together, they devoted their time to their boys' activities and hobbies. Well into retirement, they were frequent fans at Otter, Comet, Rocket and Spartan activities of every type, from football to Nordic Skiing. Steve is remembered as being kind and generous with his time; Diane as having the heart of a servant, touching an untold number of people with her homemaking, friendship, and countless acts of service. The Christiansons were both involved in the healthcare field, serving those who benefitted from a nurse and a friend. Steve and Diane loved people and they showed it through their friendship, food and fun. This named scholarship was established in 2022, and is designated preferably for a student who is pursing a career in healthcare, education, natural resources/conservation, or any other area that will help make the world a better place.
The Tom Uvaas Boys Swimming Scholarship
This scholarship was established by Rod and Erin Votava to honor Tom Uvaas. The recipient must be a Fergus Falls High School graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and must have been a member of the Fergus Falls High School Swim Team for a minimum of three years.
TJ Krivanek Memorial Scholarship
TJ Krivanek, a 2009 graduate of Fergus Falls High School, was a drummer in the FFHS Marching Band playing the "quints" and involved in hockey, soccer, softball, baseball and football. After his death in an automobile accident in 2011, his parents created this scholarship for an FFHS student involved in Marching Band and Sports, with preference to a student pursuing a degree in aviation. It was awarded for the first time in 2012.
Jordan Tommerdahl Memorial Scholarship
Despite his own struggles with mental illness, Jordan had a desire to go back to school to pursue a degree in the mental health field to help other people. This scholarship is given in his honor to a student seeking an undergraduate degree in support of pursuing a career in mental health related fields such as psychology, social work, mental health counseling, marriage & family therapy, psychiatric nursing, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or psychiatry. Despite his own struggles with mental illness, Jordan had a desire to go back to school to pursue a degree in the mental health field to help other people. This scholarship is given in his honor to a student seeking an undergraduate degree in support of pursuing a career in mental health related fields such as psychology, social work, mental health counseling, marriage & family therapy, psychiatric nursing, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or psychiatry.
Trent Adam Memorial Scholarship
Trent Adam, a lifelong student of Fergus Falls Public schools tragically passed away in 2016 during his senior year at FFHS. Trent had a servant's heart and always wanted to help others. He found joy in welding, operating lights and sound at school functions, and singing with the choir. His mother and siblings established this scholarship in remembrance of Trent and to help students from his high school continue their education. While this scholarship is open to all students, preference will be given to students who will be studying vocational trades, visual arts technology or other technology fields.
Walter (Speedy) Spidahl Scholarship
Awarded for the first time in 2019, the Walter "Speedy" Spidahl Memorial Scholarship honors Walter and his legacy. He was the consummate promoter of winter fun and had an unquenchable energy for serving and mentoring others. He started a number of small businesses in Fergus Falls and provided the community with recreational opportunities through both downhill and cross country skiing.
