Summer Scholars Program

The summer of 2006 marked the first summer of the Summer Scholars Program.  Bruce Quernemoen, an engineer and a member of the class of 1968, gave a donation to the Foundation to get the program started.  Mr. Quernemoen hopes that this program will get more students interested in engineering as a possible career choice.  Engineers are in short supply in this country and more students need to be aware of the opportunities in the engineering field.  Students attending engineering camps offered by the Summer Scholars Program receive full scholarships.  Students attending other engineering and educational camps receive partial scholarships.  We have awarded 8 scholarships for engineering camps totaling $2900 and six scholarships for other summer camps totaling $1480.

• South Dakota State University "Youth Engineering Adventure" - 3 students ($300 each)
• South Dakota School of Mines and Technology "Youth Engineering Adventure" - 3 students ($350 each)
• Iowa State University "Engineering and Beyond" - 2 students ($475 each)Concordia Language Villages Chinese Camp - 1 student ($200)
• People to People Student Ambassador Program - 1 student ($250)
• A Center for the Arts Songwriting Camp - 1 student ($30)
• National History Day Contest - 2 students ($250 each)
• Interlochen Music Camp - 1 student ($500)

2010 Recipient - Mitchell Nacke

Robert and Elaine Olson Scholarship

The Robert and Elaine Olson Community Appreciation Fund Scholarship currently awards two $1000 scholarships to high school seniors who have a grade point average between 2.0 and 3.499.  To date, we have given out 15 scholarships totaling $10,400.

2010 Recipients - Andrew Sletten and Jay LaPorte

Barnum and Blondeau Arts Scholarship

The Barnum and Blondeau Arts Scholarship is in its third year.  Jill Barnum and Tom Blondeau, both 1966 Fergus Falls High School graduates, had success in the arts during high school and beyond.  This $500 memorial scholarship 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 3 scholarships totaling $1500.

2010 Recipient - Stefanie Miller

Wessberg Family Scholarship

The Wessberg Family Scholarship is also in its third year.  Two $1250 scholarships will be awarded to high school graduates and/or Fergus Falls High School alumni already in college.  Recipients will be chosen based on financial need, school and community involvement, and moral character.  To date, we have given out 6 scholarships totaling $7500.

2010 Recipients - Emma Childs and Nicholas Risbrudt