Robert and Elaine Olson Scholarship

The Robert and Elaine Olson Community Appreciation Fund Scholarship currently awards two $1500 scholarships to high school seniors with good character who wish to continue their education in whatever field they choose and who will always be a good citizen of the community they live in. To date, we have given out 46 scholarships totaling $49,400.

2026 Recipients – Evelyn Schulz and Lydia Anderson

Barnum and Blondeau Arts Scholarship

Jill Barnum and Tom Blondeau, both 1966 Fergus Falls High School graduates, had success in the arts during high school and beyond. This $1000 memorial scholarship (was $500) will be awarded to a student who has participated in the arts in high school and will continue to be active in the arts in college. To date, we have given out 12 scholarships totaling $6500 and one grant for $500.

2026 Recipient – No recipient…

Wessberg Family Scholarship

The Wessberg Family Scholarship awards two $3000 scholarships to high school graduates and/or Fergus Falls High School alumni already in college. Recipients will be chosen based on family ties to the community, school and community involvement, and moral character. To date, we have given out 38 scholarships totaling $72,500.

2026 Recipients – Nadia Carlson and Julia Anderson

Bernice Roysland Music Scholarship

Bernice Roysland was an elementary music teacher in the Fergus Falls School District for 35 years. Ms. Roysland hopes the scholarships given will help students reach their goals and find satisfaction in their life’s work.  Two $1000 scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing a career in music education and/or the performing arts. To date, we have given out 13 scholarships totaling $12,500.

2026 Recipient – Isabelle Holland

Leonard E. Monke Agricultural Scholarship

Leonard Monke farmed the family farm until he was 43 years old and then continued in agriculture as a fertilizer salesman until his retirement. Mr. Monke was a life-long supporter of education and greatly appreciated any field of study that had anything to do with agriculture. Two $1000 scholarships will be awarded to students who are pursuing a degree in the agricultural field (veterinary science, farm management, soil and conservation, natural resources, etc…) and have a strong work ethic. To date, we have given out 14 scholarships totaling $13,500.

2026 Recipient – Andrew DeNoble and Lydia Anderson

Dennis Tuel Memorial Science and Engineering Scholarship

The Dennis Tuel Memorial Science and Engineering Scholarship will award $1000 scholarships to students who attend St. Cloud State University AND pursue a degree in engineering, math, physics, chemistry or any other science field. Applicants can be Fergus Falls High School seniors OR Fergus Falls High School alumni (who are already attending St. Cloud State University), but must have a GPA of at least 3.0. Students can reapply for the scholarship each year they are attending St. Cloud State University and pursuing any of the above degrees. To date, we have given out 3 scholarships totaling $3000.

2026 Recipient – No recipient…

Marci (Ringquist) Bydlon Education/Coaching Scholarship

The Marci (Ringquist) Bydlon Education/Coaching Scholarship will award one $1000 scholarship (was $500) to a female student that participated in athletics during her junior and senior years, and is going into education (teaching – any field). Extra consideration will be given to those applicants also interested in coaching. To date, we have given out 4 scholarships totaling $3000.

2026 Recipient – Amelia McFarland

Iverson Instrumental Music Scholarship

Jim and Bonnie Iverson, both retired educators, are awarding a $1000 music scholarship to a Fergus Falls High School band student or band alum who will participate in an instrumental music program at the college level. If the applicant is majoring in Music Education with an instrumental emphasis, then $1500 will be awarded. To date, we have given out 5 scholarships totaling $7,000.

2026 Recipient – Isabelle Holland

Donald A. and Nancy J. Shaner Scholarship

Don Shaner was born and raised in Fergus Falls, graduating from Fergus Falls High School in 1964. This scholarship fund was established by the Shaners to recognize the importance of education and to show their appreciation for the excellent educational programs provided by the Fergus Falls School District. The recipient of this $2000 scholarship has strong academic standing, and strong college and career plans. To date, we have given out 5 $2000 scholarships totaling $10,000.

2025 Recipient – Eric Swanson

Vernon and Joyce Youngren Family Scholarship

Vern and Joyce Youngren moved to Fergus Falls in 1953. Their three daughters were educated and graduated from Fergus Falls High School. Joyce spent 30 years as an educator at Fergus Falls High School and Vern ran a business in town for 41 years. During this time, they became strong proponents of public school education as well as the Fergus Falls business community. The recipient of this $1000 scholarship must be majoring in education or business and must attend college in MN, ND, SD or WI. To date, we have given out three $1000 scholarships.

2026 Recipient – Averie Ohren

Kate Hoff Memorial Scholarship

Kate Hoff graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1987, got her Associate of Arts degree from Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Fergus Falls, her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Augsburg College and her Masters in Public Administration from Hamline University. She dedicated her life to supporting family farms and Native American food systems. This $1000 scholarship is being awarded to a Fergus Falls High School student who is/will be/has been enrolled at MState Fergus Falls and is continuing their post-secondary education at a 4-year college or university pursuing a liberal arts degree. To date, we have given out one scholarship.

2026 Recipient – Savannah Lee

Eugene E. Schmidt Electrician Scholarship

Eugene Schmidt began his career in 1952 as a laborer/electrical apprentice and worked his way up to journeyman electrician with only on-the-job training. He was instrumental in working on many buildings throughout the Fergus Falls area, including Kennedy Secondary School. The recipient of this $1000 scholarship must attend college in MN or ND to become an electrician. To date, we have given out one scholarship.

2026 Recipient – Cameron Wiederich