March 17, 2008
Monday

Ketchikan, Alaska - In 1997 members of the Ketchikan High School class of 1953 began raising money to establish a scholarship for a deserving Ketchikan High School graduating senior. The first year 11 members of the class of '53 gave $1,800.00 and a single scholarship was awarded.

In 1998 other classes of the 1950's were invited to participate. That year thirty-five people, representing all of the classes of the '50's gave $5,700.00 and three students were awarded scholarships for a total of $4,000.00. At this time, said member Merle Graham, it was decided to adopt the name "The Kayhi Alumni Scholarship Fund". A board of directors was organized and the decision was made to reserve a portion of the donations as an endowment for a basis on which to grow the fund. Over the years the scholarship fund has grown and awards are made depending on yearly donations and earnings from the endowment fund.

Graham said soon after the organization of the KASF many graduates from other classes other than the '50's began donating to the fund, also many former Kayhi teachers have made donations. Several of the donations have also been made in memory of friends and loved ones. This has allowed the KASF board to award 32 scholarships totaling over $61,000.00 in the past 10 years said Graham.

Initially the idea for the scholarship came from Pat Crowley, who graduated in 1953 said Graham. Crowley received scholarships when he graduated and knew how helpful they were for him, so he wanted to give something back. Crowley was instrumental in setting up the Fund and served as the first chairman of the board. After several years he stepped down and Colleen Scanlon, class of '79 became chairman. At present Nancy Tew Heacock is chairman and she has served on the board since it's inception.

The board of directors would like to expand the fund so that it can offer generous scholarships to future graduates of Kayhi said Graham. Donations are welcomed from any individuals or groups and in the past Kayhi classes have donated moneys that they have had left from their reunions. All donations are tax deductible.

Donations may be made to:

Kayhi Alumni Scholarship
c/o Alaska Community Foundation
400 L Street Suite 100
Anchorage, Alaska 99501

Memo line on check: Kayhi Alumni Scholarship Fund

Source of News:

The Kayhi Alumni Scholarship Fund

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Ketchikan, Alaska

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