Legacy Donors have contributed $25,000 or more to create a named scholarship that is awarded annually.
Bechtel Memorial Scholarship
Lillian Bechtel began teaching history at Fergus Falls High School in 1944 and is remembered as a caring teacher who had high expectations for her students. Her passion for education was shared by her husband, Edward, who was principal at Fergus Falls High School until his retirement in 1970. This scholarship was created in the fall of 2003.
Charles B. Hyslop Memorial Scholarship
Charles "Chuck" Hyslop (1952) had an insatiable desire to learn. His depth of intellectual curiosity was matched only by his great love of people. He spent his life giving of himself to friends, families and perfect strangers. He was a passionate golfer who dedicated himself to teaching others the great game of golf. While his kindness, warmth and wisdom are his legacy, the Charles B. Hyslop Memorial Scholarship will go to an outgoing, intellectually curious FFHS graduate pursuing a university course in the social sciences.
Conrad G. Blegstad Scholarship (Renewable)
Conrad G. Blegstad directed choirs for the Fergus Falls High School, First Lutheran Church and the Fergus Falls Orpheum Male Choir. He taught the accordion, gave music lessons, was an accomplished organ player and wrote and arranged music. He strongly believed in education and was an inspiration to his students. He encouraged students to pursue their dreams. This scholarship is given in honor of Conrad G. Blegstad by his son and daughter-in-law, Thomas L. Blegstad and Barbara J. McLane, and has been awarded since 2013.
Dr. Frank Veden Scholarship
Dr. Frank Veden was a dentist who practiced for many years in Fergus Falls. He loved the community and left his estate to fund a wide variety of projects that benefit Fergus Falls. He was also a staunch supporter of education. The first scholarship was awarded in 1999.
Eagles Aerie #2339 Scholarships
Eagles Aerie #2339 established a scholarship in 1995 to assist graduating seniors with their post-secondary education.
Fergus Falls Educator Scholarship
In 2007, members of the Fergus Falls Education Association and fellow School District 544 educators created this scholarship with their share of the proceeds from a tobacco lawsuit settlement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.
Henry and Elizabeth Cowles Memorial Scholarship (Renewable)
Henry Cowles and his wife, Elizabeth, moved to Fergus Falls in the late 1940s when he began work at Otter Tail Power Co. The couple remained in the community following Mr. Cowles' retirement. This scholarship is designated preferably for a student pursuing a career in engineering and was awarded for the first time in 2008.
Jim and Arlene Palmer Family Scholarship
Jim, Arlene and sons transferred to Fergus Falls in 1964 with Ziegler, Inc. of Minneapolis with whom Jim was employed for 42 years. Their two sons, Scott and Gregg, both graduated from Fergus Falls High School, after which they each attained an engineering degree from NDSU; therefore, this scholarship is designated for a student pursuing a civil or mechanical engineering degree.
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, established in 2020, 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.
Lloyd & Beverly Gerhardson Paulson Family Scholarships
Beverly Gerhardson Paulson, a Fergus Falls High School Class of 1948 graduate, and her husband, Lloyd Paulson, are charter donors to Fergus Falls Dollars for Scholars and have sponsored scholarships each year since 1992. Beverly's children, Robert Paulson and Corla Paulson, established these scholarships in 2010 in memory of their mother. These two scholarships are designated for FFHS students pursuing a career in the field of education and the field of business.
Money Family Scholarship
A motto Bruce and Sherri Money have based their lives on is "Service above Self." They also made every effort to teach and encourage their three sons Luke, Joel, and Erik - all graduates of Fergus Falls High School - to do the same in all the activities they participated in: academics, swimming, football, band, orchestra, scouting, as well as church and community activities. This scholarship was established in 2021 to award students who strive to model their lives in the same manner.
Sample Memorial Scholarship
The Sample family established this scholarship in memory of twin brothers Thomas H. and Alexander K. Sample, who graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1945. The Sample Memorial Scholarship has been awarded every year since 1992.
The Jan & Al McClellan Dream & Become Scholarship
"Happy are those who dream dreams and are willing to pay the price to make them come true." This has been a guiding message for Jan and Al throughout their lives, and one they shared with students through both words and actions. Understanding that individuals "march to different drummers", and learn in different way, they started and ran the Alternative Education Center for the Fergus Falls School District beginning in 1982 for 20 years until their retirement in 2002. Jan served as the Program Coordinator and Al taught all areas of Social Studies. They based the Alternative program upon beliefs that every person has worth, everyone can learn, and that learning is a lifelong process. They valued the opportunity to help students dream, set goals, and to follow an action plan to accomplish their goals. As Educators for 30 years, Jan & Al recognize the importance of education, both for individuals, and for society. This scholarship is established to assist students graduating from the FF Area Learning Center or the FF High School pursing post secondary education or training.
