Community Foundation Scholarships
The Community Foundation of St. Clair County administers a variety of scholarship funds - both traditional scholarships and nontraditional - such as the Come Home Award. The scholarship funds were established by individuals and organizations wanting to assist students in obtaining a college or vocational education and each have their own set of specific criteria.
The scholarships listed below with the expandable boxes are all traditional scholarships. These are awarded at the ‘front-end’ of your college education and paid directly to your college or university. Traditional scholarships are available beginning in early January of each year with a priority deadline of mid-March.
The Community Foundation also manages scholarship funds for the SC4 Foundation. More information regarding those funds may be found here.
Who is eligible?
- HS/GED grads of all ages & academic levels
- Incoming freshmen or upper classmen
- Non-traditional/returning students
What schools/programs?
- Colleges/Universities
- Skilled Trade & Vocational Training Centers
- Michigan institutions & out-of-state
Life Needs Assistance Application
The Community Foundation has expanded our Life Needs Program to reach more college students who are not already current or former scholarship recipients.
Our Life needs program is need-based support that assists students with removing unexpected financial barriers while completing their college degree, such as transportation, groceries, or housing. Eligible applicants must be residents of St. Clair County and are currently attending a college anywhere in America.
Applicants are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and support is not guaranteed. We have multiple sources of funding, however, some funds have specific requirements for eligibility. For instance, the Douglas & Elda Webb Fund supports life needs only for graduates of Port Huron Schools.
If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Flann at jessica@stclairfoundation.org
or 810-984-4761.
Community Foundation
Scholarship Funds
Alexander & Celestine Lamere Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Lamere created this fund to provide support beyond tuition for students attending St. Clair County Community College. Celestine was a teacher for over 30 years and spent her entire career at the elementary school in Marine City.
This fund is a proud supporter of our Complete Your Degree success program and is restricted to current and former graduates of Marine City High School, with a preference for students with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Barbara Ann Kessler Saph Memorial Scholarship
Mr. Val A. Saph and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kessler established this scholarship fund for St. Clair High School and Marine City High School students. The recipients, chosen by the High School Principal or a committee appointed by principal, must meet the criteria set in leadership, need, good academic standing, and strong service to their school and community.
Bert D. & Rose E. Wright Memorial Scholarship Fund
Charles K. Wright established this fund in the name of his parents, Bert D. and Rose E. Wright, to provide scholarships to students attending St. Clair County Community College in a business program.
This fund is a proud supporter of our Complete Your Degree success program.
Beth Linscheid Duff Memorial Scholarship
In 2011 the Beth Linscheid Duff Memorial Scholarship was created. This scholarship fund will award scholarships to graduating seniors of Port Huron High School and Port Huron Northern High School.
Beth Linscheid Duff grew up in Port Huron before moving on to the University of Michigan and eventually earning four master degrees. Among many things, Beth valued education, along with public service and conservation. Beth passed away on St. Patrick’s Day 2010 after a 10-year battle with cancer. She left a strong legacy not only at her job but also to her family, her community and the world.
To be eligible for the Beth Lindscheid Duff Memorial Scholarship, students must:
- Be a graduating senior of Port Huron High or Port Huron Northern High School
- Recipient will be determined based on difficulty of class load (AP Class and/or college level courses) and achievement
- Demonstrate high level of participation in extra curricular activities/community involvement
Blue Water Shipmasters' Fund
Established by Captain James C. Acheson in partnership with the International Ship Master’s Association Lodge #2, income from this fund will provide scholarships for a Blue Water resident pursuing a college education in a maritime-related field of study within the State of Michigan or Providence of Ontario.
Some qualifying programs:Georgian College Marine Program
Great Lakes Culinary Institute - Maritime Certificate
Charles Myron & Betty Gossman Veterans Fund
This fund was established by his children in recognition of Mr. Gossman receiving the 1996 “Veteran of the Year” award from the St. Clair County Allied Veterans Council.To be eligible for the Charles Myron & Betty Gossman Veterans Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a St. Clair County Resident
- Be an honorably discharged military veteran or be the child of a veteran, or have attended Garfield Elementary
- Be enrolled as a full-time student at St. Clair County Community College
- Have maintained a “C” average prior to entering St. Clair County Community College
Applicants will be selected based on financial need, community involvement and academic performance.
Douglas and Elda L. Webb Scholarship Fund
Douglas and Elda Webb have lived in Florida for over two decades, but always considered Port Huron their home. A bequest gift from Mrs. Webb established the Douglas and Elda Webb Scholarship Fund. This scholarship fund provides tuition assistance to graduates of a Port Huron high school attending a community college, trade, business or technical school in St. Clair County. Preference of a minimum 2.5 GPA.
This fund is a proud supporter of our Complete Your Degree success program.
Elizabeth John Memorial Scholarship
This temporary fund was established by the family and friends of Elizabeth John. The fund will provide scholarships to qualified students with a preference in health sciences along with support for life needs during the students’ post-secondary education and/or professional certification.
Emily Knox Law Enforcement Dedication Scholarship Fund
To honor the passion Emily Knox had for law enforcement, The Emily Knox Law Enforcement Dedication Scholarship Fund was created to support the Port Huron Police Department and their Youth Academy program.
Scholarships are awarded to graduates of the Youth Academy program and those pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Everett D. "Pete" Vincent and Mary Jane Vincent Scholarship Fund
Pete and his wife Mary Jane created a scholarship fund because Pete was a physical education major from Central Michigan University and wanted local students pursuing a similar degree to have an opportunity for a scholarship.
The Fund will provide scholarships to full-time students who will or have graduated from Port Huron High School, Port Huron Northern High School or any other Port Huron based public high school with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on 4.0 scale) and majoring in physical education at Central Michigan University.
Evonne L. VanderHeuvel Scholarship
In 2012, the Evonne VanderHeuvel Scholarship Fund was established in memory of long-time Port Huron Area School District teacher Evonne L. VanderHeuvel.
Mrs. VanderHeuvel taught journalism and led her students to the completion of several award winning yearbooks. She retired from teaching in 1996 and she and her husband, Ed, enjoyed operating Van’s Greenhouse at the corner of Krafft and Parker Roads for many years.
To be eligible for this scholarship students must:
- Be a graduating senior of Port Huron Northern High School
- Be a member of the Port Huron Northern High School yearbook staff
Father Rene Desmarais & Sister Margaret Dowd Scholarship
The late Reverend Rene L. Desmarais was a life-long resident of Port Huron. Known and loved by many, he was a man of compassion for his community and the ministry. From 1969 to his passing in 2006, Father Desmarais was the director of campus ministries at St. Clair County Community College and the Newman Center. He was also pastor at St. Joseph Church beginning in 1990 and St. Stephen beginning in 2004.
His service to the community went beyond his parishes. He served on committees and boards with Mercy Hospital and helped create the People’s Clinic. As a spiritual leader, teacher and volunteer, Father Desmarais showed his care and love for the community and its residents.
Another long-term area resident and Port Huron native, Sister Margaret Dowd led her ministries in Port Huron from 1966 to 2013 as a teacher at St. Stephen High School, and as a campus minister at St. Clair County Community College and the John Courtney Newman Center. In 1991, she became co-director of the John Courtney Newman Center and continued in this ministry until 2004.
Through the Father Rene Desmarais & Sister Margaret Dowd Scholarship Fund, their love and generosity will live on. The fund bearing their names provides support for students meeting the following criteria:
Fuller Hansen Educational Trust Fund
Vera Fuller Hansen was born on September 24, 1904 in Algonac. As a child she attended Pte. Tremble School where she later taught. Vera graduated in 1923 from Algonac High School. She taught in the Algonac School System for many years.
Vera also owned and operated the Vera Fuller Real Estate Office in Clay Twp. She was a member of the Eastern Star of Marine City.
She married Walter Hansen in 1947 in New Baltimore. Walter died in 1987. He was a member of the Algonac Rotary Club and a veteran of World War I. He worked with his wife at Vera Fuller Real Estate and was a wheelsman on the Great Lakes.
Vera died on May 26, 2004 at the age of 99. Upon her wishes that scholarships be given from her estate, a trust was established with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County in her name. Vera had requested that students living in both Algonac & Marine City who “wished to help people in their profession” be considered for scholarships.
The Fuller Hansen Education Trust Fund was established on December 10, 2004 to provide scholarship support as follows:
- To graduating high school seniors or those who have graduated from high school no more than twelve months prior to submitting the application for the purpose of furthering their education at such college or university as the students may desire to attend for the purpose of becoming doctors, medical technicians, dentists, research scientists, ministers, teachers, or such other professions or pursuits that will benefit mankind
- Applicants must be a resident of Algonac, Clay Township, Marine City or Cottreville Township with continuous residency of at least twelve months prior to submitting the application
- Grantable funds from the Fuller Hansen Education Trust Fund will be divided between Algonac, Clay Township and Cottreville Township, Marine City
Howard A. Acheson Memorial Fund
This fund was established to provide scholarships for students training for careers in chemistry or engineering. Candidates are selected on academic achievement, with a secondary bias on economic need.
To be eligible for the Howard A. Acheson Memorial Scholarship, students must:
- Be a chemistry major or training for a career in an engineering discipline
- Be a St. Clair County resident
Jack S. Campbell Memorial Fund
This fund was established by Mary M. Campbell to provide tuition assistance to students who desire to further their education at a Michigan education institute and will be majoring in a STEM related field. Preference will be given to residents (or their family members) who are employed full time in the wholesale industrial supply and lighting business.
James and Barbara Bates Scholarship Fund
The Community Foundation of St. Clair County and Port Huron Northern are pleased to announce the creation of the James and Barbara Bates Scholarship. The new prestigious scholarship award will provide $5,000 to an outstanding senior scholar-athlete from Port Huron Northern. The scholarship can then be renewed each year for students who stay in good academic standing.
Honoring the memory of long-time Blue Water Area residents and Port Huron Area School District educators through these awards is John Haas.
The James and Barbara Bates Scholarship will impact two decades of students. “John understood the importance of long-term college support and success when he created the Bates scholarship,” said Hale Walker, chair of the Community Foundation. “These awards will be renewable, so as the student’s expenses grow each year, the award will stay with them to help ease financial burdens.”
Going to college can be stressful and key to the Community Foundation’s scholarship program is providing students with a support network and connections to other resources as they navigate their collegiate journeys. This ties well into what Jim and Barb would have wanted for their students and how they supported their students during their lifetimes.
Jim was born in 1933 in Coldwater, Michigan, and Barb was born a year and a half later in Royal Oak, Michigan. They both graduated from Farmington High School, and that is where their relationship began. Jim went on to play football as a two-way starter at center and linebacker and basketball at The University of Michigan and received his bachelor's and master's degrees in Ann Arbor. Barb received her teaching degree from Eastern Michigan University. The couple wed on June 22, 1957, and spent 61 years married to the love of their lives. They dedicated their careers to the Port Huron Area School District and contributed positively in many ways to the Port Huron community.
He is an inaugural member of the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Farmington High School Hall of Fame, and Port Huron Sports Hall of Fame. Although he had many opportunities to coach at a higher level, he dedicated his life to working with high school-age students, where he felt he could provide positive leadership and influence as his students developed into men and women. As a teacher, coach, devoted family man, and role model, his integrity was second to none as a man of deep values, honesty, and keeping his word. He was admired and respected by all who knew him.
Jim was a lifelong Michigan Wolverine and Port Huron Northern husky. He was a well-rounded individual with many talents including a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, The University of Michigan Druids Honor Society, Air Force ROTC, and the U of M Glee Club, performing all over the country. He loved teaching, coaching, and working with students. He was named Port Huron Northern’s first head football coach when it opened in 1965 and was influential in establishing blue and gold as the school colors as well as many other innovative ideas aiding in the development of his students.
Jim believed strongly in the fundamentals and developing players and students into quality young men and women. It wasn’t all about winning for him. Former student-athletes have said of him, “...He prepared me for the unknown. The discipline, the regimentation, and the love and honesty he shared with us gave me the tools I needed…” Jim would often say, “I feel I’ve been very lucky to have such great kids and coaches. I look around town, and I’m proud of the kids who have played.”
Barb was also a lifelong Wolverine and Husky fan. Her many talents complemented Jim well. She was president of the Delta Zeta sorority as an undergraduate and majored in art while also earning her teaching degree. She was an avid supporter of Jim’s coaching career as well as her children's, grandchildren’s, and students’ interests, activities, and athletic performances. Her daily presence in their love, growth, and development had a profound and lifelong impact on them.
Barb loved teaching and spent most of her career as a third-grade teacher at Indian Woods and Keewahdin Elementary Schools. She followed all of her students throughout their careers and when possible, would send graduation cards to tell them how proud she was of them. Barb also spent 16 years teaching the Earth Keepers Program part time after retirement and enjoyed facilitating knowledge of the environment, appreciation for nature, and taking care of the community.
She was well known for her cooking, delicious cookies, and pies, and was generous in distributing them to family, friends, and those less fortunate. She was a caring, genuine person who always put others' needs before her own. She was a member of the Port Huron Chapter of P.E.O., a Philanthropic Educational Organization, where she was honored for her 50 years of service. Barb was a talented artist in various media and was also part of a close-knit quilting group that met weekly for decades to quilt and support one another. In addition, she grew up with deaf parents, and used her skills to help and interpret for deaf people in the community.
Jim and Barb were active Port Huron United Methodist Church members and attended the Church of the Straits at their cabin in Mackinaw City, Michigan. They were an incredible couple and modeled marriage, parenting, and living life to its fullest to anyone fortunate enough to know them. The scholarship that was created in their honor will be awarded to a deserving student beginning in the 2024-2025 school year
To be eligible for the James and Barbara Bates Scholarship applicants must:
- Be a graduating Senior from Port Huron Northern High School
- Played at a Varsity level in two or more sports
- Have a minimum of a 3.3 GPA
- Demonstrate athletic achievements, strong character and leadership
- Enrolled full-time in college
- This is a renewable scholarship for up to 4 years as long as the student is in good academic standing maintaining a 2.5 or higher GPA
James Wilhelm Memorial Scholarship Fund
This fund was established by Dr. Daniel J. and Marcia A. Wilhelm in memory of their son, James T. Wilhelm. He was killed in a car accident in July 1987. The 23-year-old was the 1981 Golf Association of Michigan Junior Amateur Champion and was considered one of Port Huron’s outstanding athletes.
This fund provides academic scholarships for scholar-athletes that are a St. Clair County resident, pursuing a college degree or other secondary education.
John F. & Rose Marie Wismer Community Foundation Scholarship
John F. Wismer and Rose Marie Wismer Mr. and Mrs. Wismer were long time residents of the Blue Water Area. At the time of Mr. Wismer’s death, no one contributed more to the Port Huron area or had a greater impact as philanthropists on this area.
The John F. Wismer and Rose Marie Wismer Community Foundation Scholarship will provide a renewable scholarship to graduating students of a St. Clair County high school for as long as they pursue a bachelor’s degree. Candidates must demonstrate high intellectual and academic achievement and will be evaluated on their interest and respect for their fellow citizens, the ability to lead, and successful involvement in fine arts, athletics, co-curricular activities, service work and economic need.
To be eligible for this scholarships, students must:
- Be a St. Clair County resident
- Be a graduating senior of a high school in St. Clair County
- Demonstrate high intellectual and academic achievement and will be evaluated on their interest and respect for their fellow citizens, the ability to lead, and successful involvement in fine arts, athletics, co-curricular activities and service work
Joseph Caimi Scholarship Fund
This fund was established on February 4, 2004 to provide scholarship support as follows:
- Graduates of Algonac High School
- Eligible students may be pursuing a college education at any college or university in the United States
- Primary selection will be based on economic need with a secondary emphasis on community involvement
- Preference will be given to students pursuing a degree in education
Memphis High School Alumni Association Fund
This fund was established by the Memphis High School Alumni Association on December 23, 2005 to provide scholarships for the benefit of graduating seniors who have attended Memphis High School from 9th through 12th grades.
Primary selection will be based on economic need with a secondary emphasis on community involvement and a requirement of at least a 2.5 GPA.
It may be used to pursue a post secondary education at any college, university, trade or vocational school.
“The two cardinal reasons that Memphis High School Alumni Association voted to create an endowment scholarship fund with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County were to have a greater opportunity to make larger awards in the near future, and to help insure the continued existence of a M.H.S.A.A. Scholarship.” – Hildred Lewis, Memphis High School Alumni Association
Pauline Groff Music Scholarship Endowment
This fund, established by Patricia Schwarz in memory of Pauline Groff, offers music scholarships for outstanding students selected by the Port Huron Music Teachers Association.
This scholarship requires a special application.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Resident of St. Clair County, Michigan.
- High school senior, college freshman or previous Pauline Groff Music Scholarship recipient accepted into a Music program.
- Auditions may be conducted before the student has been accepted into a music school. If the student is determined eligible for the award, and is not accepted into a School of Music, the award must be forfeited.
- Previous Pauline Groff Music Scholarship recipients are eligible to apply, student must submit a new application and video recorded audition.
- Submit a written recommendation letter from a music teacher.
- Deadline is March 31, 2024.
- Performance must include:
- Two or three pieces from different music eras, in contrasting styles, less than 15 total minutes duration.
- Pieces written with accompanist, must be recorded with accompanist.
- Video Recording must be sent to ruthsmusiclessons@sbcglobal.net, Include: applicant’s name, title of pieces and composers.
- Photocopy of pieces, with measures numbered, can be submitted electronically to ruthsmusiclessons@sbcglobal.net, or mailed to Ruth Fry. Judges will destroy the copies after use.
- Application, recommendation letter, video performance, scanned and emailed copies of music or original music scores must be submitted on-line or postmarked by the deadline.
Questions may be directed to Ruth Fry at 810-956-8037 or ruthsmusiclessons@sbcglobal.net, or to Marcia Collins at 810-990-9318 or marciadcollins@gmail.com.
Port Huron Area School District Scholarship Fund founded by Cyril Smith & James T. Kreger Memorial Scholarship Funds
The James T. Kreger Memorial Committee established the James T. Kreger Memorial Scholarship Fund. This scholarship fund was established to support the educational needs of students from PHASD high schools.
Lois C. Smith created the Cyril Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund in 1990. The fund is in memory of her husband, Mr. Cyril Smith. Mr. Smith was a teacher at Port Huron Northern High School.
Randy Sugars Memorial Scholarship
Randy Sugars passed away before he could realize his dream of enlisting in the Marine Corps. In his memory, the Sugars family established a scholarship fund that recognizes the qualities that Randy admired, including a spirit of patriotism, good citizenship, community involvement and military service.
To be eligible for the Randy Sugars Memorial Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a current or past graduate of St. Clair High School
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA upon high school graduation
- Demonstrate a spirit of patriotism and exemplary citizenship through community involvement, volunteerism, military service and/or support of military families
- Both recent graduates and adults returning home from military service are encouraged to apply
River District Hospital Auxiliary McFern-Smeltzer Scholarship Endowment Fund
This scholarship fund is named after Genevieve McFern and Ann Smeltzer. McFern was a member of the hospital governing board - she served on a number of committees and was well-known in the community. Smeltzer was a Canadian-American nurse who donated monies specifically for health education.
Applicants must be enrolled in at least their second year of a health care related course of study and must reside in St. Clair County.
Robert & Marilyn Kovach Scholarship Endowment Fund
This fund provides scholarships for students of Yale High School who meet the following criteria:
- Be a graduating senior
- Will be attending St. Clair County Community College
- Have a minimum 2.5 GPA
- Preference for students not receiving the Michigan Merit Award
Robert & Sophie Mordis Student Success Fund
This fund provides scholarships to qualified individuals in accordance with the criteria and preferences outlined below. This includes support for life needs during students' college education, thereby removing some financial barriers and increasing the chances for successfully completing a college degree.
Criteria for scholarship eligibility will be as follows:
- Demonstrated life need for expenses such as, but not limited to, stable housing, food, reliable transportation, nominal health expenses and childcare
- Preference given to Community Foundation of St. Clair County current or former scholarship recipient
- Students must be in good academic standing
This scholarship requires a special application.
For more information call (810) 984-4761.
St. Clair High School Scholarship Fund founded by the Trumble and Frank & Bula Carney Memorial Scholarship Funds
The Trumble Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Merlin Trumble, Lester Trumble and LuLu E. Trumble.
Criteria for the scholarship eligibility will be as follows:
- Graduate of St. Clair High School
- Preference to students pursuing a degree in the medical field
The Carney Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Dr. Frank Carney and Mrs. Bula Carney. Dr. Frank V. Carney was born in LaGrange, Indiana on October 24, 1885. He attended LaGrange High School graduating in 1905 and after teaching five years in elementary school in LaGrange he entered the Detroit College of Medicine, graduating in 1915.
Dr. Carney came to St. Clair in 1915 to practice medicine. Then duty called and he spent 13 months in the Medical Corps during World War I. He returned to St. Clair where he remained the rest of his life. At the time of his death he was completing his 15th term as Mayor of St. Clair. He died of a heart attack during lung surgery.
Dr. Carney was a quiet but very active man dedicated to his town ‘St. Clair’. Not only was he Mayor for 15 terms, but also served four years as alderman. In addition, he was a member of the school board for 24 years, active in three hospitals - St. Clair, Mercy, and Port Huron. He actively worked for better schools, roads, hospitals, city hall, fire hall, park improvements and the rebuilding of the Methodist Church and other city improvements too numerous to mention.
St. Clair TEC Scholarship Fund
This fund supports students who participate in the TEC program and want to pursue a post-secondary education or professional certification.
To be eligible for this fund students must meet the criteria as follows:
- Graduating high school seniors who attend St. Clair TEC
- Be in good academic standing
- Preference will be given to students with demonstrated financial need
- Open for students from any TEC program
Ted & Joyce Wildermuth Scholarship Fund
Long-time Marysville residents Ted and Joyce Wildermuth are leaving a legacy that will carry on their support of local students long into the future with a new scholarship meant to encourage Marysville graduates to pursue higher education opportunities.
Joyce decided to create the scholarship fund with the Community Foundation after Ted passed away in 2022 as a way to honor his memory and continue their passion for helping Marysville students.
“It was a way to honor my husband because I thought he needed to be honored,” she said. “I know he would have loved for me to have done this.”
Ted and Joyce came to Marysville from Ohio in 1965 after he was offered a teaching position in Marysville. He spent 34 years teaching history, while she was a preschool teacher for 20 years. Unable to have children of their own, they found joy in helping to shape the lives of children in the community through education and athletics. Ted began keeping the “books” for the middle and high school sports programs which included basketball, football, track, volleyball, and baseball teams, thus the beginning of a decades-long passion for keeping stats. Joyce said, "It went from one sport to another sport." He was so busy after a while Joyce figured she better work alongside him, and so she did, and "Mr. and Mrs. Stats" were born.
“In order to see my husband, I had to get involved,” she said, adding she didn’t do football because she didn’t want to run up and down the sidelines. As a team, Ted kept track of all the things that go into the official scorebook, and Joyce tracked the individual skills. They worked as a team for decades in each sport and retired as statisticians in 2014. Ted had retired from teaching in 1998, but never lost his drive to keep the “books.” The couple kept up with some of their students over the years, too.
“We got to know a lot of nice kids, and that was what we loved so much about it,” said Joyce.
Ted was inducted over several years into the Michigan Sports Hall of Honor for his service as a statistician for football, basketball, volleyball, and baseball. His service to the Vikings students as a teacher and athletics supporter spanned more than 50 years – a substantial legacy.
Joyce still lives in Marysville, and said it felt right to use the money she had available to start a scholarship fund for the community she and Ted have loved so much.
“He was a very generous man. He loved kids. He always loved doing things for children, and we couldn’t have any of our own,” she said. “This is a very loving community. They’re very generous and they’ll support you in any way they can. I hope and pray (the scholarship) will give these young people a chance to get an education and better their life and do what they want to do.”
She is also hoping to encourage others to give to help the people in their community.
To be eligible for the Ted & Joyce Wildermuth Scholarship students must:
- Be a graduate of Marysville High School
- Preference will be given to student athletes and/or students involved in the fine arts during their high school years
- This is a renewable scholarship for up to 4 years, as long as the student is in good academic standing