Our Goal

The SLCS Foundation provides scholarship recipients with more than money – the students carry with them the support of a community, demonstrating a belief in them and their educational goals.

Available Scholarships

The SLCS Foundation Scholarship Fund has grown considerably through the years thanks to the continued contributions of thoughtful citizens, businesses, and Spirit Lake alumni. New scholarships include Donald F. Rodawig Jr. M.D. Memorial Scholarship, Randy Loerch Memorial Scholarship and Joyce Grim Memorial Scholarship.

How to apply for Scholarships

Applications are accepted in March. Ask the School Counselor for application information. Review all the scholarships available and apply for those for which you qualify. Some named scholarships award multiple individual scholarships each year.

  • SLCS Foundation Community Scholarship

    $500

    Generous donations and memorial gifts from people in the community and alumni of Spirit Lake School make it possible for the Foundation to award scholarships and academic enrichment grants each year. Any donation is welcomed and appreciated. These contributions to the SLCS Foundation enable this Community Scholarship to be awarded each May.

    Selection Criteria
    • Scholarship, Leadership
    • Citizenship and Service to the School and Community
    • Attending a College, University, Vocational, or Technical school
  • Jo Williams Scholarship

    $1000.00

    Jo Williams initiated the first named scholarship to the newly established SLCS Foundation while still a teacher in 1986. She taught in the Spirit Lake Schools for many years and was a favorite teacher due to her respect for students and an interest in getting to know each student as an individual which was not an easy task because she was a physical education teacher with many students. At her passing in 2016 she bequeathed additional funds that greatly increased the number of scholarships available each year.

    Selection Criteria
    • Financial need
    • Character, HS attendance, career plans
    • Attending College, University, Vocational or Technical school
  • Sheryl Maahs Memorial Scholarship

    $1500

    In 1986 the Maahs family established a scholarship in memory of Sheryl Maahs. Sheryl was a dedicated academic student, athlete and musician at SLHS and later a student and national-class runner at Iowa State University. A plane crash took her life and those of five others on a cold icy night when returning from national cross country finals. Because Sheryl so appreciated the scholarship she received as a graduating senior, the family thought it appropriate to share that joy with others through annual scholarships to Spirit Lake graduates.

    Selection Criteria
    • Character and Leadership
    • Academic discipline
    • Extracurricular participation
    • Attend a 4 year college or university, public or private, or a community college
  • Vestergaard Scholarship

    $1500

    In 1992 a scholarship trust fund was established with funds from the Estate of Dickinson County residents, Adolph and Esther Vestergaard. The income from the trust is used to assist needy and worthy residents in Dickinson and Clay County, Iowa in obtaining an education beyond high school. According to the wishes of the couple the primary criteria used in the selection process is financial need.

    Selection Criteria
    • Financial need - Submit FAFSA information to verify financial need
    • Attend a 4 year college or university or a community college
  • Raymond & Charlotte Johnson Memorial Scholarship

    $1000

    A named scholarship was established in memory of Raymond and Charlotte Johnson in 1991. Raymond was a dentist and Charlotte a realtor. They felt the importance of encouraging post-secondary education. The ideal lives on through their generous donation and today continues to provide Spirit Lake graduates with support to begin their study in any career or occupation they desire.

    Selection Criteria
    • Financial need
    • Character
    • Desire for further education in a vocational area or liberal arts
  • Newell Family Scholarship

    $1000

    In 1993 Burton and Raeburn Newell donated funds to establish the Newell Scholarship for the purpose of assisting student in reaching their education goals. While Burton was President of the Spirit Lake Community School Board of Education, he formed a committee to explore creating a School Foundation. As a result, the SLCS Foundation was established in 1986. His dream was that one day each student that applied would receive a scholarship. His dream is becoming possible thanks to the Newell family and many other donors in the community who support this goal.

    Selection Criteria
    • Financial need
    • Character and HS attendance
    • College, University, Vocational, or Technical school
  • Gordon & Evelyn Ahrendt Memorial Scholarship

    $1000

    Gordon and Evelyn Ahrendt retired to the lakes after working and raising a family in another area. They enjoyed their relaxing home and the friendly people they met. In support of the community and recognizing the importance of continuing education, Evelyn established this scholarship in 1999 in memory of her late husband. She also died in 2004 but due to her thoughtfulness this generous contribution lives on to assist SLCS graduates in obtaining their education and life goals.

    Selection Criteria
    • Financial need
    • Character, HS attendance and career plans
    • Attending College, University, Vocational or Technical school
  • Greg Magg Memorial Home Builders Scholarship

    $500

    The Home Builders Association of Northwest Iowa began this scholarship in 2000 in memory of Greg Magg. Greg, a graduate of SLHS started his own electrical contracting business after completing vocational training as an electrician. In the spirit of his memory as a young entrepenuer this scholarship was established to help further the education of young men and women who are interested in pursuing an occupation in any technical area relating to building or related vocations.

    Selection Criteria
    • Pursuing education in a technical occupation relating to the construction industry
    • Vocational training
  • Edna Vick Memorial Scholarship

    $500

    In 2000, the Vick family established a named scholarship in memory of Edna Vick Swanson. She was an alumnus of Spirit Lake High School. After high school she attended Westmar College and later established a scholarship there. Those funds were transferred to SLCS Foundation when Westmar College closed in 2000.

    Selection Criteria
    • Character and Leadership
    • Scholarship and Service
    • Attending 4 year College or University
  • Richard Thoreson Memorial Scholarship

    $1000

    In 2001, the Thoreson family established a named scholarship in memory of Richard Thoreson. Richard was an alumnus of Spirit Lake Schools. He and his family lived and worked in Algona, Iowa. The family continued to spend time each summer in the lakes region, then later he and his wife, Judy, retired to the area. His respect for the Spirit Lake school system continues on through this gift.

    Selection Criteria
    • Financial Need
    • Character and HS attendance
    • Career plans including an interest in writing
    • Attending College or University
  • George Siefken Memorial Scholarship

    $500

    The Siefken Scholarship was established in 2000. George and wife, Mary lived in Spirit Lake. He owned Siefken Electric from 1932-1971 although he left for a time to serve in WWII. Several people in the area also remember buying raspberries from his large garden. George and Mary wished for students to pursue a career that they would enjoy.

    Selection Criteria
    • Financial Need
    • Character and HS attendance
    • Citizenship and Service to School and Community
    • Attending College, University, Vocational or Technical school
  • Alice O. Mendenhall Music Scholarship

    $1000 a year for 4 years

    In 2004, the family established this scholarship in memory of Alice Mendenhall, a long time Spirit Lake area resident. She was a piano performance and music education major from Coe College who felt deeply about the importance of music education. The scholarship recipient is required to submit a letter from the school of music each year to assure appropriate advancement in their music studies.

    Selection Criteria
    • Major in performance, education or music therapy
    • Emphasis on Music activities in high school
    • Two letters of recommendation (one from choral or instrumental instructor and the second from another individual)
    • Audition tape, with 2 selections representing types of music
    • Attending an accredited 4 year College/University or School of Music
  • Bob Bergquist Memorial Scholarship

    $500

    In 2005, Beverly Bergquist and Family established this scholarship in memory of Bob Bergquist. Bob was a long time businessman in Spirit Lake. He was a senior vice president with Citation Homes, known in the industry for innovative and creative style.

    Selection Criteria
    • Career interest in Building Industry through pursuing a degree in construction, engineering, architecture, or another related construction major.
    • Attending College, University, Vocational or Technical school
  • John and Ella Webb Scholarship

    $1000

    In 2006, Chuck Rizzuti established the John and Ella Webb Scholarship. Rizzuti, a retired middle school teacher and coach became interested in finding out about John Webb Gym and the man so honored. As he explored more, he learned that John Webb was a popular teacher and coach from 1923 to 1959. Webb took basketball teams to state in 1923, 1928, and 1942. Through this research Rizzuti became friends with the Webb family and this scholarship was established.

    Selection Criteria
    • Financial need
    • Career plans: Pursuing a degree in Education and Coaching
    • Character, Academic Grade Point, ACT and Athletic Participation
    • Attending a 4 year College or University
  • Betty Westenberger Memorial Scholarship

    $1500 a year for 4 years

    In 2006, a named scholarship was established in memory of Kathleen Elizabeth Westenberger. She taught 4th grade for many years at Spirit Lake Elementary School. Because she enjoyed her time with the students, she desired to assist others in accomplishing the goal of becoming an elementary teacher. She and her husband, Karl, lived in Arnolds Park. The scholarship recipient must present a transcript from UNI each year to verify they are a student there and have maintained a grade point average of 3.00 or above.

    Selection Criteria
    • Career Plans only
    • Major in Elementary Education at the University of Northern Iowa
  • James Wetzeler Memorial Scholarship

    $500

    In 2011, the Wetzeler family established a named scholarship in memory of James Wetzeler. Jim, a Spirit Lake High School graduate, attended college and received a degree in pharmacy. He credited the teachers and science classes he had taken at SLHS for facilitating his enjoyment of medical science, which became a lifelong career. Jim, his wife Catherine and family, lived in Spirit Lake for a short time after college and then moved to Boone and where he continued his career in pharmacy. The family wishes to share his love of science with others.

    Selection Criteria
    • Career plans: Medical field, preferably Pharmacy
    • Character, Service to the community
    • Attending a 4 year College or University
  • Built for Others Scholarship

    $1000 a year for 4 years

    Built for Others is the belief that we are at our best only when we are committed to see and encourage the best in others. Great leaders give the most of themselves in order to bring out the most in others. In a culture that often values reward over relationship and teaches us to lift ourselves up, Built for Others seeks to model and teach humility, selflessness, character and personal growth. It is only through consistently giving our best effort that we are able to unlock our full potential. Funds for the scholarship are raised through an annual community golf outing.

    Selection Criteria
    • Leadership, Character
    • Citizenship and Service to the School and Community
    • Student attending a College, University, Vocational, or Technical school
  • Hummel Family Scholarship

    $500

    The Hummel Family Scholarship was established in 2014 in memory of Elayne Hummel. She was the wife, mother, and grandmother of a Spirit Lake family very involved in the community and volunteering to help make the Spirit Lake community and Spirit Lake Schools a great place to be. The entire Hummel family, Dean, Elayne and their children Dan, Cheryl and Todd and grandchildren Joe, James, John, Lauren, Sara and Scott attended Spirit Lake Schools.

    Selection Criteria
    • Student attending a college or university offering a baccalaureate degree
    • Leadership, Character and Community Service
    • Involved in Extra-Curricular activities: Music, Drama, or Athletics.
  • Helping Hands Scholarship

    $1000

    In 2005, a Spirit Lake family established a scholarship fund called Helping Hands. The fund was to be invested until 2015 at which time money would become available for scholarships to students. In 2011 the driving force behind the scholarship suddenly passed away. However, the original intent of the gift from him and his wife would go on by providing scholarships and give back to a community that had served them and their family so well. They felt that young people are the future and wanted to invest in their learning and higher educational experience.

    Selection Criteria
    • Student attending a College, University, Vocational, or Technical school
    • Character
    • Service to the Community
    • Leadership
  • Sara Rick Memorial Scholarship

    $750

    In 2015 the SLHS Class of 1995 and the Rick family established the Sara Rick Memorial Fund in honor of Sara Rick. After graduating from SLHS in '95 Sara furthered her education at the University of Iowa and Drake University receiving degrees in elementary/middle school education and urban education. Throughout Sara's life she enjoyed working with young people, reading for enjoyment and learning, socializing and attending sporting events. Even after graduation, one would see Sara in attendance at events supporting her alma maters. Sara was a loved teacher in the Waukee School District where she taught ancient world history to 6th grade students.

    Selection Criteria
    • Character & Citizenship
    • Service to the Community
    • Career Plans: Student majoring in Education. If no scholarship application for a student majoring in education, other majors will be considered.
    • Student attending UI, Drake, UNI or ISU, considered first
  • McCulloch Family Scholarship

    $1000

    The McCulloch Family Scholarship was established in 2017 by Don and Joan McCulloch. Don, a retired SLCS Middle School teacher and Joan, retired Director of the Voluntary Action Center recognizes this family friendly community, quality education system and support of young people. This scholarship was established to show graduating seniors how much they are respected and to wish them well as they continue with their educational goals and future endeavors.

    Selection Criteria
    • Attending College or University
    • Character and Citizenship
    • Involved in Extra-Curricular Activities: Music, Drama, Speech or Athletics
    • Career plans: Medical Field, Other Science Areas
  • Jerry and Norma Schmitz Scholarship

    $1000

    In 2019 the Schmitz family established the Jerry and Norma Schmitz Scholarship in memory of their parents. Jerry, a successful businessman in the agricultural industry, worked hard to give back to the communities where he lived. He and Norma raised their family in Wall Lake and later retired to the lakes area. This scholarship pays honor to Jerry and Norma for their hard work, integrity, appreciation for others and generosity. With this scholarship those qualities will be passed forward to a deserving high school graduate.

    Selection Criteria
    • Attending College, University, Vocational or Technical school
    • Character and Citizenship
    • Scholarship
    • Leadership
    • Career plans: Ag Business, Healthcare
  • Tom and Annette Kalkhoff Scholarship

    $1000

    Tom and Annette Kalkhoff moved to Spirit Lake in 1986 when Dr. Kalkhoff began his career as a family practice physician. Annette taught in both the elementary and middle schools, enjoying her years working with the staff and students. Their two children, Michelle and Mike, are graduates of Spirit Lake High School, and were very involved in school activities. The Kalkhoffs feel strongly that a good education is key to future success and wish to encourage future graduates with this scholarship.

    Selection Criteria
    • Student attending a college or university, vocational or technical school
    • Scholarship
    • Character & Citizenship
    • Service to the community
    • Extra-curricular interest and attainments in athletics, music, speech, drama
  • SLHS Class of 1977 Scholarship

    $500

    When the graduating class of 1977 met for their 40th class reunion, they generously donated to fund this scholarship. Although the members of this class live in many places throughout the country and world, they agree that their years in Spirit Lake were special and they still appreciate the educational opportunities of the Spirit Lake Schools and the community support they received during their developing years.

    Selection Criteria
    • Student attending a College, University, Vocational, or Technical school
    • Character
    • Leadership
  • SLHS Class of 1979 Scholarship

    $500

    When the Spirit Lake High School graduating class of 1979 met for their 40th class reunion, they generously donated to fund this scholarship. Although the members of the class live in many places throughout the country and world, they agree that their years in Spirit Lake were special and they still appreciate the educational opportunities of the Spirit Lake Schools and the community support they received during their developing years.

    Selection Criteria
    • Grade Point: 3.0 or above
    • Character
    • Leadership
    • Attending a College, University, Vocational, or Technical school
  • Jim Golden Construction Scholarship

    $1,000

    The Family of Jim Golden donated funds for the Jim Golden Construction Scholarship after an auto accident sadly took his life in 2019. Jim, highly respected in the building industry, was especially interested in and involved with energy efficient building and affordable housing. He also served the community on the Okoboji Fire and Rescue Department and on many boards including the YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, Kindred Hospice and Kinship. Giving to the community was part of him and will continue on as his family awards this scholarship in his name.

    Selection Criteria
    • Character & Citizenship
    • Attending a College, University, Vocational, or Technical school
    • Career plans in the Building Industry or related to the Building Industry
    • Interest in Energy Efficiency
  • Kenny and Laureen Beck Memorial Scholarship

    $1,000

    Kenny and Laureen Beck built a road construction business from the ground up through hard work and strength of character. It is a student that exemplifies those same values that will earn the Kenny and Laureen Beck Memorial Scholarship. After spending summers at the lake with their boys for several years, Kenny and Laureen moved permanently to the southeast side of Big Spirit Lake over 20 years ago. The Becks truly believed in the value of a college education and consistently instilled that in their children and grandchildren. The legacy continues today as funds from their memorials will now be used for college scholarships for deserving students for years to come.

    Selection Criteria
    • Leadership, Character & Citizenship
    • Extra-curricular and/or Service to Community
    • Career Plans: Student going into engineering, construction or STEM related career field
    • Student attending a college, university, vocational or technical school
  • Donna Tritle Musical Legacy Scholarship

    $1000

    The Donna Tritle Musical Legacy Scholarship was presented by The Elwin Tritle family in 2022 in honor of Donna's life-long love of music and her generous legacy of sharing it with others. Donna and her husband encouraged their children and grandchildfren to find and pursue their musical gifts, from Bach to rock, on varied instruments including guitar, organ, brass, and their voices. In addition, she enjoyed donating many hours at the school accompanying students who entered music competitions. Donna would be very pleased for her memorial fund to help encourage other young people to pursue their musical talents through this scholarship.

    Selection Criteria
    • Career Plans: working toward a Music Degree in college
    • Excelling in Music in High School but pursuing another degree in college
    • Attending a university, college, music conservatory, or community college
  • SLHS Class of 1992 Scholarship

    $500

    When the Spirit Lake High School graduating class of 1992 met for their 30th class reunion, they generously donated to fund this scholarship. Although the members of the class live in many places throughout the country and world, they agree that their years in Spirit Lake were enjoyable, and they still appreciate the educational opportunities of the Spirit Lake Schools and the community support they received during their developing years.

    Selection Criteria
    • Character & Citizenship
    • Leadership
    • Service to the community
    • Attending a university, college, vocational school for a specialty trade certification
  • Donald F. Rodawig Jr. MD Memorial Scholarship

    $500

    The family of Donald F. Rodawig Jr. MD funded this scholarship in 2023 in honor and memory of their father a long time Lakes Area family physician. In addition to his medical career, he was active in his church and many community services organizations. Due to his dedication to the medical profession and in helping people in all areas of their lives, this scholarship will be given to a student desiring to enter a career in the medical field.

    Selection Criteria
    • Student attending a university, college, community college or technical school
    • Scholarship (based on high school grade point, ACT score, SAT score)
    • Leadership
    • Career Plans: Medical Occupation
  • Randy Loerch Memorial Scholarship

    $500

    The family of Randy Loerch initiated this scholarship in 2023 in memory of Randy who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident. After high school Randy served his country in the US Navy. As Spirit Lake Schools property and grounds maintenance supervisor, he made many friends and especially enjoyed helping friends and family with projects. As we all know people with skills in the trades are valuable to our community and the world. Therefore, the family would like this scholarship to be given to a student desiring training in the trades.

    Selection Criteria
    • Attending a university, college, vocational school for a specialty trade certification
    • Service to the community
    • Career Plans: Cosmetology, Auto Body, Mechanics, Electrical, Plumbing etc.
  • Joyce Grim Memorial Scholarship

    $500

    The family of Joyce Grim established this scholarship in 2024. Joyce Grim was very patriotic. After losing a son in the Vietnam War, she donated many hours to promote Patriotism in the schools. As a Dedicated member of the VFW Auxiliary, Joyce read up to 500 essays each year on “Why I Love America” and she also delivered apples to teachers for National Education week every year.

    Selection Criteria
    • Attending a college, vocational or technical school
    • Leadership, Character, Community Service
    • Scholarship
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