Carson Gulick receives the Michael Kuchenbrod Memorial Scholarship. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
Jackson Schindler is presented the Margaret Fellows Memorial and Jane Fellows Scholarship by Mikey Wynn. Jane Fellows name was recently added to the scholarship for her role with Whitefish Theatre Company. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
Levi Wilson receives the John Michael Memorial Scholarship from Michael’s family members. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
Kaitleen To receives the Beta Sigma Phi Scholarship, presented by Christine Hensleigh. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
Yoli Krastev receives the Emily Leighty/DKG Lambda scholarship, presented by Jesse Kuntz. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
Whitefish Education Foundation volunteers Caroline Frisbee and Kim Solem at the conclusion of the scholarship awards ceremony on May 19. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
Whitefish High School seniors are awarded scholarships at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center on Monday, May 19. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
Whitefish Education Foundation held their second annual scholarship awards ceremony at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center on Monday, May 19.
Forty-two seniors – 33% of the class of 2025 – came cap and gown adorned to receive their awards from community members.
The awards ceremony is an endearing evening not just for the recipients and their supporters, but for those who chose to give.
Many grantees have established memorial scholarships in honor of lost loved ones or for causes that are near to their hearts.
For some, community scholarships help larger organizations or groups give back.
By having a ceremony, the local grantees get to physically see and embrace their awardees, offering smiles, handshakes, hugs and tears to see the next generation off.
It is also a special night for those who give their time.
The volunteer-led WEF scholarship mentorship program was piloted in January 2024 and has been a resounding success.
Under the supervision of the Whitefish High School counselors, volunteer mentors assist students in navigating the scholarship search and application process, in addition to helping with college applications.
This year saw the expansion of the mentorship program to include the Whitefish Independent High School.
“The generosity of our community, it’s all a reflection of a very special place, I could speak about three decades worth of this place,” said Principal Kerry Drown at the ceremony. “And to our seniors on the final stretch, congratulations. This night maintains hope and excitement for the future.”
“We have an outstanding team – thank you to each of our counselors, Mike Tompkins, Lyndsey Marshall, and Ross Lingle,” Drown added. “They do a lot to help everyone get to this point, working with many volunteers.”
Kim Solem and Caroline Frisbee have been integral in leading the WEF’s volunteer efforts, coordinating over 20 volunteers, who met with over 120 students from September through April.
Frisbee said they are always looking for new volunteers.
“No specific background is required – just a passion for working with students in helping them achieve their goal of continuing their education,” Frisbee said.
In addition to mentoring, WEF facilitates multiple types of awards, whether one time or recurring, on behalf of groups or individuals.
This year they facilitated two new scholarships, the Lonnie Collinsworth Scholarship and the Dane Hunt Kindness Scholarship.
Those interesting in volunteering can email foundation@whitefishschools.org. Anyone interested in exploring scholarship opportunities can email wefdirector@whitefishschools.org
2025 Community Scholarship Awards
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Herriges Family Scholarship: Kira Raines, Addison Woody, Kaitleen To
E. A. Hinderman Memorial Scholarships: Holden Coleman, Kaber Cheff, Scott Dalen, Kona Duchardt, Isaac Gibbs, Sebastian Hiebert, Avarie MacKenzie, Georgia Morrell, Jack Muhlfeld, Kira Raines, Jackson Schindler, Lucca Sisson-Shoff, Kaitleen Ann To, Levi Wilson, Addison Woody
Michael Kuchenbrod Memorial Scholarship: Carson Gulick
The Traci Stolte Memorial Scholarship: Lauren Rossi, Iona Sarraille
Helen Mulloy Memorial – Whitefish Education Foundation: Lauren Rossi, Iona Sarraille
Emily Leighty – DKG Lambda Scholarship: Yoli Krastev
Gladys Spear Scholarship: Charlotte Perkins
Margaret Fellows Memorial and Jane Fellows Scholarship: Jackson Schindler
John Michaels Memorial Scholarship: Levi Wilson
Jack Quatman Memorial Scholarship: Lauren Rossi
Ted Lund Memorial Student Athlete: Christian Schwaderer, Gretel Vine, Georgia Morrell, Isabella Wilson, Walton Seigmund
Jim Withrow Memorial Scholarship: Christian Schwaderer
Tracy Maddux Memorial Scholarship: Georgia Morrell
Kim Dowaliby Memorial Scholarship: Kellie Klepper
Stefanie K. Daily Memorial Scholarship: Avarie MacKenzie
Pam Fredenberg Memorial Scholarship: Mary “Maggie” Mercer
Wayde Davis Family Memorial Scholarship: Avery Caton
COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS
WHS Alumni: Isaac Gibbs
Whitefish Education Foundation Community Service Scholarship: Charlotte Perkins, Elijah Adams-Griffin
Muldown Scholastic Scholarship: Gretel Vine
Whitefish Rotary Scholarship: Ethan Amick, Georgia Morrell, Otto Klein, Brannon Beers
Glacier Medical Associates: Kaydence Blackwell, Kaitleen To
Whitefish Classified Employees Association Scholarships: Kaitleen To
Whitefish Bulldog Booster: Kaydence Blackwell, Iona Sarraille
Flathead Electric Cooperative Scholarship: Zoey Marzo, Walton Seigmund
Smile Montana Scholarship: Jack Muhlfeld
Ortho Rehab Scholarship: Walton Seigmund
Don K Chevrolet-Subaru-Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram Scholarship: Brannan Beers
Glacier Bank Scholarship: Lauren Rossi, Christian Schwaderer
The Barbara Mansfield Champion Scholar: Kira Raines, Addison Woody
Reach Higher Montana Scholarship: Kira Raines
Beta Sigma Phi Scholarship: Kaitleen To
The Kiita Foundation Scholarship: Kira Raines, Jackson Schindler
The Jean Atkinson Driggers Scholarship: Guinivere Hannigan
P.E.O Chapter D local Scholarship: Kaitleen To
Flathead Conservation District: Reid Alexander
Whitefish Winter Carnival Prince Frey and Princess Freya: David Walz, Kaitleen To
The Hawkins Foundation Scholarship: Christian Schwaderer, June Callaway, Reid Alexander, Gretel Vine, Jackson Schindler, Georgia Morrell, Brannan Beers
Logan Health Foundation Scholarship: Georgia Morrell
The Whitefish Police Protective Association Scholarship: Kaitleen To, Otto Klein
The Lonnie Collinsworth Scholarship: Scotty Dalen
Whitefish Lake Institute Ripple Effect Scholarship: Reid Alexander, Otto Klein
The Dane Hunt Kindness Scholarship: Logan Bingham
MONTANA UNVERSITY SYSTEM SCHOLARSHIPS
Montana University System Honor Scholarships: Ethan Amick, Wesley Bridgewater, Isaac Gibbs, Zoey Marzo, Jackson Schindler
Montana STEM/Healthcare Scholarships: Ethan Amick, Wesley Bridgewater, Isaac Gibbs, Avarie MacKenzie, Georgia Morrell, Matthew Ramsey, Jackson Schindler, Rachael Wilmot
twitter
facebook
LinkedIn
Email
copyright © 2025 Terms of Use | Privacy Policy 312 E. Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937
406-862-3505
