Heritage Donors have contributed at least $15,000 to create a named scholarship that is awarded annually.


Isaiah Anderson Memorial Scholarship

The Isaiah "Pudge" Anderson, a 2002 graduate of Fergus Falls High School, was a great fan of the games of baseball and softball. After his death in a truck accident in 2008, a softball tournament was created to fund this scholarship for a member of the FFHS softball or baseball teams.  This scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2009.

 

Paul and MaryAnn Anderson Scholarship

Paul and MaryAnn were both teachers and would like their scholarship to be given to a student who will pursue teaching.

 

Joan and Gordon Bakken 

The Bakkens, both graduates of Fergus Falls High School, are lifelong community residents who are recognized for their support of education, the arts and a wide variety of projects that have improved their community. Their charter donation to Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars in 1991 helped to support the first scholarship awards in 1992.

 

Bank of the West

The Bank of the West Scholarship was established in 1998 to reflect the bank's support of graduating seniors in their quest to continue education beyond high school.

 

Robert Block Scholarship

Upon his retirement as superintendent of the Fergus Falls School District, Mr. Block's colleagues and friends established this scholarship to recognize his contributions to the school district and the community. The first scholarship was awarded in 1997.

The recipient of this scholarship must be a Fergus Falls High School student planning to attend the Minnesota State Community and Technical College - Fergus Falls.

 

Dorn & Co., Inc. Scholarship

Larry Dorn is a Fergus Falls High School graduate who returned to his hometown after college to establish the Dorn & Co., Inc. investment securities firm. Mr. Dorn was a charter donor, and the scholarship has been awarded annually since 1992.

 

John & Kim Erickson Scholarship

This scholarship was created by Kim and John Erickson, one of the charter members of the Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars board of directors. It was awarded for the first time in 2007.

 

Fergus Falls Educators 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.  This scholarship is designated for students of Fergus Falls Public Schools who plan to pursue a degree in education.  

 

Helmer Otto Gerhardson Scholarship

Beverly Gerhardson Paulson and her husband, Lloyd, created this scholarship in memory of her father, Helmer Otto Gerhardson, a 1927 graduate of Fergus Falls High School. Mr. Gerhardson was an administrator at the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center for 30 years, and later at Brainerd Regional State Hospital and School. The scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2006.

 

Rudolph "Duffy" Gerhardson Scholarship

Beverly Gerhardson Paulson and her husband, Lloyd, created this scholarship in memory of her brother, a 1951 Fergus Falls High School graduate who worked in health care. The scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2007 to a student going into a health care field.

 

Edna Dierich Hagen Scholarship

Edna Dierich Hagen's love of children was apparent during her 45-year teaching career and in the scholarship donation she bequeathed prior to her death in April 2004. Dierich Hagen taught in the area before she began teaching elementary school in Fergus Falls in the mid-1950s. Her scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2005.

 

Robert and Mildred Hansen Scholarship

Robert and Mildred Hansen were lifelong farmers. They had a dairy farm west of Fergus Falls. They farmed together through out their 45 years of marriage. This scholarship will go to a student pursuing agricultural studies or a career affiliated with agriculture.

 

ITT Corporation Scholarship

This scholarship is a result of a grant request completed by two Fergus Falls High School science teachers, Earle Eggen and Paul Anderson, in the early 1990s. They were awarded $10,000 from International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation to invest for scholarships for students interested in math or science. At the time, the chief executive officer of ITT was Fergus Falls High School graduate Rand Araskog. In 1999, the Fergus Falls School District transferred the funds to Dollars for Scholars for scholarships for students interested in pursuing a career in either math or science.

 

 

Eleanore Keane Johnson Scholarship

Eleanor "Babe" Keane Johnson was a lifelong resident of Fergus Falls. She graduated from Fergus Falls High School and was an active member of the community until age 101. Mrs. Johnson was dedicated to health and fitness, maintained a keen interest in world events and wanted young people in the Fergus Falls community to have the opportunity to continue their education beyond high school. The scholarship was established in 2002.

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. If no such worthy student qualifies, then the award shall be given to ANY deserving student, or may be awarded in a subsequent year.

 

Gordon and Cynthia Johnson Scholarship

Gordon Johnson and Cynthia (Sether) graduated from the Fergus Falls High School. They were also both graduates of North Dakota State University. Gordon earned a degree in agriculture and Cynthia's degree was in Home Economics.  Gordon joined the ROTC, served in the Army and also was a captain in the Army Reserves.  Cynthia started her teaching career in South Carolina and enjoyed many years as a substitute teacher in the Fergus Falls school district. As dairy farmers they hosted several agricultural international students. They were supporters of Fergus Falls area youth activities, including 4-H, FFA, sports, fine arts, Young Life and their church. Both served on boards of directors, Gordon on Select Sires and the West Otter Tail County Fair board and Cynthia volunteered and served on numerous boards such as Augustana Lutheran Church, Center for Rural Policy and Development, Pioneer Care, Norwest Bank, American Dairy Association and University of Minnesota Extension Services board.  Gordon and Cynthia, had four children and eight grandchildren.This scholarship is designated for a young person who is planning a career in an agriculture-related field.  

 

Lake Region Healthcare Corporation Scholarship

Lake Region Healthcare Corporation is a charter donor to Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars. Its initial donation funded scholarships awarded in the first year of the program. It has continued to contribute to the foundation in subsequent years. This scholarship has been awarded every year since 1992 to a student planning to enter a health care field.

The recipient is selected by the Dollars for Scholars criteria with the additional guidelines listed above.

 

Lake Region Hospital Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship, awarded for the first time in 2009, was created to support students enrolling in either a nursing program or the medical lab technician program at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Fergus Falls.

The recipient is selected by the Dollars for Scholars criteria with the additional guidelines listed above.

 

Learn, Share, Repeat

Sue Lewis, Technology Specialist of the Fergus Falls Area Special Education Cooperative, is noted for the expression, "Learn, Share and Repeat." She is passionate about lifelong learning and encourages her students and colleagues to sharing their gifts with their communities.

 

Anna Nelson Memorial Scholarship

Anna Nelson was a proud Otter and an enthusiastic percussionist in the band programs at Fergus Falls High School, graduating in 2002. After her death in a car accident in 2004, a scholarship was created in her memory, with the award given annually to a Fergus Falls High School student who has participated in the school's band program.

 

 

The Brent and Laurel Nelson Scholarship (Renewable)

This scholarship is given to encourage students to enter the automotive field. It is given to a student who is entering a two-year trade or technical education program, including mechanical, parts, collision, sales or business development.  As owners of Nelson Auto Center, they recognize the need for more trained individuals to work in this industry.  

 

The Jerry and Karen Ness Family Scholarship

Superintendent Ness and his wife Karen have given this scholarship in memory of their son, Andy, and their Auntie Marge and Uncle Bill. This scholarship represents the Ness Family's commitment to education. While this scholarship is open to all qualified students, preference will be given to a hard-working student athlete.

 

Mary Lee Anderson Nord Scholarship

Paul and Mary Ann Anderson honored their daughter, who died in 1987, with the creation of this scholarship, which is designated for a student planning a career in music. Nord was a biology teacher, but she loved music and participated in band and choir at Fergus Falls High School and in college. It was awarded for the first time in 2009.

 

Guy and Pam Olson Scholarship

Established in 2010 to give thanks:  to Guy's parents, Robert and Elaine, for the legacy they leave; to our children that they will remember the past to help shape their future; and to the community for a century of support in our lives and business. This scholarship is designated to a student who chooses to study Mortuary Science, Counseling or the Ministry and was awarded for the first time in 2011.

 

Keith and Kim Olson Scholarship

Keith and Kim operate a fourth generation furniture retail business.  They are grateful for the support the Fergus Falls Community has given them.  They are delighted to give back to the community by supporting a scholarship for a deserving student.  Keith and his four children graduated from FFHS and appreciate the education they recieved and the encouragement to pursue post secondary education.

 

Mark Olson Rotary Scholarship


Mark Olson is a 1961 graduate of Fergus Falls High School, a former president of Security State Bank and a former president of the Fergus Falls Noon Rotary Club. In June 2002, he was appointed a governor of the Federal Reserve System, only the second Minnesotan ever named to the national economic policy board. The scholarship was created in the fall of 2003 by members of the Noon Rotary Club, in recognition of Mr. Olson's contributions to the community through his work in the banking industry and his involvement in Rotary.

 

Otter Tail Corporation Scholarship

Established in 2006, Otter Tail Corporation's scholarship provides support for graduating local high school students as they transition to higher education.

 

Otter Tail Power Company Scholarship

A scholarship has been awarded each year since 1992 in the name of Otter Tail Power Company, another charter donor to Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars. Additionally, many Otter Tail Power employees have served on the board of trustees and have contributed countless hours of professional expertise to Dollars for Scholars.

 

Ottertail Coaches Scholarship

Ottertail Coaches, which provides transportation service to Fergus Falls area students, established a scholarship to demonstrate its interest and support of our community young people.

The recipient is selected by Dollars for Scholars and must be a Fergus Falls High School Student.

 

Ottertail Builders Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2008 by a donation from Ottertail Builders when the local trade group disbanded. The scholarship is designed for students who are studying at trade or technical schools for careers in carpentry, construction management, architecture and engineering.

 

Lloyd and Beverly Paulson Vocational Scholarships

Long-time Dollars for Scholars supporters Lloyd and Beverly Paulson created this scholarship in 2008 to provide support for students planning to attend vocational or trade schools.

 

Theodore Paulson Memorial Scholarship

Doctor Elmer Paulson established this scholarship in honor of his father, Dr.Theodore S. Paulson, a 1904 graduate of Fergus Falls High School. The money was originally donated to the Fergus Falls School District, which in turn transferred it to Dollars for Scholars.

In addition to meeting the Dollars for Scholars scholarship criteria, the recipient must be a Fergus Falls High School student and "someone of good character...who has outstanding accomplishments in English."

 

Constance Rostad Scholarship

This scholarship was given by the nieces and nephews of Carrol Crouch to honor Constance Rostad.  Connie was a school nurse for many years in Fergus Falls and is beloved by many people. This scholarship is intended for a student who plans to pursue a career in nursing.

 

Service Food Market Scholarship

Service Food is a charter member of Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars. The supermarket has been a valued supporter of our community youth, both as an employer and in a variety of other endeavors.

The recipient of this scholarship is selected according to Dollars for Scholars criteria, but highest priority is given to a current or past Service Food employee.

 

StoneL Corporation Scholarship

StoneL Corporation, a long-time member of the Fergus Falls manufacturing community, created this scholarship to provide support for a student pursuing a degree in an engineering field. It is being awarded for the first time in 2009.

 

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 612 Good Citizen Scholarship

VFW Post 612 established the V.F.W. Joe Robertson Good Citizen Scholarship in 1997. Joe Robertson was a high school social sciences teacher and a VFW member who was the driving force behind the local Voice of Democracy competition. VFW members established this scholarship to honor his work with community students. Each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 612 Good Citizen Scholarship is awarded to one boy and to one girl.

Recipients of these scholarships, in addition to being selected according to the Dollars for Scholars criteria, must be: a veteran (highest priority), the child of a veteran, or the grandchild of a veteran. A copy of the relative's DD214 (discharge orders) is requested with this scholarship application.