Overview and Purpose

The Bozeman Schools Foundation offers multiple named scholarships for students graduating from the Bozeman School District. Scholarship applications and nominations are accepted each spring.

Establishing Scholarships

Individuals and groups wishing to create and award scholarships through the Bozeman Schools Foundation may establish an Endowed Scholarship Fund or an Annual Scholarship. Scholarships can also be created in honor of, or in memory of, a person or family. The BSF Board will work closely with scholarship creators and donors to accurately fulfill their wishes.

The Bozeman Schools Foundation policy is to accept funds in any amount for scholarship purposes, as long as no restrictions are placed on the gift that conflict with the existing policies of the Foundation. The lifespan of the scholarship will be determined by the amount of the initial gift, subsequent donations, interest, and by the frequency and the amount of the award.

The Foundation works with high school guidance counselors to promote the scholarship opportunities, and a BSF committee of community volunteers meets to evaluate and select recipients of the scholarship funds.

We recognize all of the scholarship recipients at the Community and Memorial Sponsored Scholarship Celebration held in May.

Congratulations to all of our Scholarship Winners!

2023 Named Scholarship Recipients >

Application Community & Memorial Scholarships

This scholarship has been established in the memory of Kay Brown, who was a physical education teacher in Bozeman for more than 31 years. Kay had a passion for bowling and youth, and was an avid volunteer for 25 years. Kay was committed to guiding young students to make healthy, responsible choices. It is the family’s desire that this scholarship go to a current high school student who will be pursuing a college degree in health or physical education as an educator, trainer or coach. The Kay Brown Memorial Scholarship amount is $750.

Criteria

  • Student must be a graduating senior from a BSD7 High School
  • Student must be attending a college or university with the intention of receiving a degree in the health industry as an educator, trainer or coach
  • Students pursuing a degree in pre-med, nursing, science or engineering are not eligible
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required; this will be verified with the Guidance Office
  • Scholarship recipient must write a quality thank you note to the Brown family
  • Online application will open on March 1st and close on March 31st
  • Letters of recommendation are required

This scholarship has been established by the family of Vernon G. Walters, a graduate of Bozeman High School in the top of his class in 1939. Vernon enjoyed academics and art, and was involved in the student newspaper as a writer and cartoonist. Vernon’s family hopes to perpetuate the values they associate with their father: creative, hard-working, mentally tough and devoted to family. Vernon was proud of his Montana roots and his family. The scholarship amount is $2,000.

Criteria

  • Student must be a graduating senior from a BSD7 High School
  • Student must be attending a college or university in Montana
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required; this will be verified with the Guidance Office
  • Scholarship recipient must write a quality thank you note to the Walters family
  • Online application will open on March 1st and close on March 31st
  • Letters of recommendation are required

This scholarship was established by Patrick R. Donehoo, who was an alum of Bozeman High School and an involved community member. The funds are intended to be used by a current high school senior (one male and one female), who would like to pursue higher education in any field of study. The educational institution may include trade or career programs as well as community college, college or university. This scholarship is intended for a student who may not receive other scholarships and is hard-working and career-minded. The scholarship amount is $4,000 each for one female and one male recipient.

Criteria

  • Student must be a graduating senior from a BSD7 High School
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required; this will be verified with the Guidance Office
  • Scholarship recipient must write a quality thank you note to Mr. Donehoo’s family members
  • Students must not receive other full-tuition scholarships
  • Online application will open on March 1st and close on March 31st
  • Letters of recommendation are required

Joe Knarr was a game warden with the Montana Fish and Wildlife Parks in Bozeman. A native Californian, Joe grew up hunting and fishing with his father. He was a game warden in California before moving to Montana in 1995. Joe was not only an outdoorsman, but also a conservationist. He worked to protect the land for the future generations of Montanans. It is the hope that the scholarship will help students continue to carry on Joe’s legacy of conservation and his passion for the outdoors. The Joe Knarr Scholarship amount is $1,000.

Criteria

  • Student must be a graduating senior from a BSD7 High School
  • Student’s field of intended study should include: forestry, wildlife management, wildlife, wildlife biology, fisheries, natural resources law enforcement, natural resources conservation, conservation or environmental studies/science
  • Student must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Online applications will open on March 1st and close on March 31st
  • Student must have one letter of recommendation from an educator

Bechtle Architects offers this scholarship to a student leader with technical problem-solving and artistic skills. The successful recipient must demonstrate community involvement and plan to attend college and study architecture or engineering. This is a $1,500 scholarship for a student looking to go into the field of architecture or engineering, and shows leadership qualities and community involvement.

Criteria

  • Student must be a graduating senior from a BSD7 High School
  • Student must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Online applications will open on March 1st and close on March 31st

Bechtle Architects offers this scholarship to a student leader with technical problem-solving skills. The successful recipient must demonstrate community involvement and plan to study the building trades at a trade school. This is a $1,000 scholarship for a student looking to attend a trade school for any of the building trades, and shows leadership qualities and community involvement.

Criteria:

  • Student must be a graduating senior from a BSD7 High School
  • Student must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Online applications will open on March 1st and close on March 31st

The Bison Scholarship was founded in 2023 and is for students who want to attend a trade school for any of the professions listed below. The mission of the founders is to broaden the educational opportunities for students who have a financial need and want to pursue a professional career in the trades. It is a 2 year scholarship with payments of $5,000 each year.

Criteria:

  • Student must be a graduating senior from a BSD7 High School
  • Student must pursue training in Automotive Technology, Aviation Technology, Culinary Arts, Diesel Technology, Electrical Technology, Emergency Medical Technician, Nurse, Dental or Lab Technician, Farming & Agriculture, Fire Science & Technology, Heavy Equipment Operation, HVAC Technician, Plumbing, or Welding.
  • First year semester transcripts must be submitted to BSF before the second year award will be given.
  • Online applications will open on March 1st and close on March 31st

Jesse Hoff was a Bozeman High School student who had a passion for arts, gaming, and coding, but who struggled with a myriad of health problems, which caused a premature death at the age of 22.

This $2,000 scholarship honors Jesse Hoff and is designed for students who are living with or who have overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, such as health problems, economic insecurities, and learning disabilities. Jesse’s family believes students like Jesse deserve a chance to realize their dreams.

Criteria:

  • Student must be a graduating senior from a BSD7 High School
  • Student must explain the challenges he/she faced during high school and how he/she dealt with or overcame these roadblocks
  • Student must provide information on plans after high school
  • Student must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Online applications will open on March 1st and close on March 31st

The Wabel Family Scholarship was established in 2021 to support students interested in studying education and/or environmental issues at a community college, public college or university in Montana. Three scholarships will be awarded at $2500 each.

Criteria:

  • Student must be a graduating senior from a BSD7 High School
  • Student must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Student must write an essay (500-750 words) answering the following questions:                                                            1) What do you intend to study and why?   2) What college or university do you plan to attend and why?
  • Online applications will open on March 1st and close on March 31st

This scholarship has been established to honor the memory and legacy of Debi Flanigan, a Bozeman Native, Elementary School Teacher, and Alumni of both Bozeman High School and Montana State University. During her 35 year career as an Elementary School Teacher with the Bozeman School District, she touched the lives of thousands of students and their families. Debi was a talented and wonderful teacher, with a compassionate way with students and a rare spark that drew them to her. Mrs. Flanigan was the all-time favorite! She truly was a star that taught others how to shine. It is the family’s desire that this $1500 scholarship be awarded to a current high school student pursuing a degree in Education from Montana State University.

Criteria:

  • Student must be a graduating senior from a BSD7 High School
  • Student must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Student must be attending Montana State University with the intention of receiving a degree in Education
  • Submit 2 Letters of Recommendation from educators
  • Online applications will open on March 1st and close on March 31st

Craig Kitto was a beloved elementary principal in Bozeman. He was known for his tender-hearted nature and he lived in such a manner that it was evident to all. Education was his choice, but people became his passion. This $1500 scholarship was established in memory of Craig so that the legacy of being an instrumental tender-hearted student or leader will be carried on by others. These funds can be used towards education, professional certification, equipment, or supplies to pursue a chosen course of study or career.

Criteria

  • Student may apply themself or someone else may apply for them on their behalf
  • Student must be a graduating senior from a BSD7 High School
  • Student will have achieved their academic goal while living with a learning challenge and/or significant personal challenges
  • Student has chosen a path that provides opportunity for success and a path for enrichment in their community
  • There is no GPA requirement
  • Online application Apply here

Craig Kitto was a beloved elementary principal in Bozeman. He was known for his tender-hearted nature and he lived in such a manner that it was evident to all. He extended this to be his professional motto and lived as a tender-hearted leader who had the same expectation of his professional team. Education was his choice, but people became his passion. This $1500 scholarship was established in memory of Craig and is intended to support the growth mindset of the recipient and to have a positive impact on our scholastic community.

This Scholarship is for Educators Who May:

  • See a need in a student population and choose to further develop their skill set to support this need through additional training
  • Seek to impact the quality of education by further developing into a leadership role
  • Feel the call to develop their special education training
  • Have identified an equipment need that would further support a BSD7 school

Criteria

  • Educator must be a current BSD7 staff member pursuing educational training or additional certification and/or degree that directly impacts their contribution to BSD7
  • Online application Apply here

Judy Wantulok was a fun loving, energetic teacher that loved kids, education, and the arts. She taught 1st through 3rd grades for 7 years and was also an award winning wildlife photographer, so art was very dear to her. This scholarship was established in memory of Judy so that her passion for the arts can be shared with others.

Criteria

  • Student must be a graduating senior from a BSD7 High School
  • Student must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Online application Apply here

Non-Application Community & Memorial Scholarships

Leif Babcock died December 10, 2004. He was 20 years old. He was born and raised in Bozeman, and attended elementary and secondary school in Bozeman. He was a well-known member of the community, participating in Eagle Mount, Special Olympics, working at the Garage and the Heart of the Valley Humane Society, and being a friend to everyone he met. The Leif Babcock Memorial Scholarship was started in his memory. It is given every year to a graduating senior from Bozeman High. It may be used for any further educational needs of the chosen applicant. It does not necessarily need to be used for formal education. It is our hope that Leif’s spirit and memory will live through this  scholarship.

Criteria:

  • Students do not apply for this $750 scholarship, but are nominated by teachers and staff at a BSD7 High School

Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins was killed in Iraq in June 2007 when he tackled a suicide bomber and saved the lives of three other soldiers. The Army posthumously honored him with the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second-highest medal for heroism, outranked only by the Medal of Honor. He was serving his second tour in Iraq when he was killed. He was part of the invasion of Iraq in 2003. He was a graduate of Bozeman High School and attended the University of Montana. He re-enlisted in the Army and was sent to Iraq in the summer of 2006. Atkins had already survived two roadside bombs before his death and received more than a dozen medals and awards during his military career. There are 2 scholarships that will be awarded.

Criteria:

  • Students do not apply for this $1500 scholarship, but are nominated by teachers and staff at a BSD7 High School

This scholarship has been established by the Rotary Interact Club at Bozeman High School. The goal of the scholarship is to award graduating seniors who have experienced and overcome some sort of challenge during their lifetime and are now interested in pursuing a higher education. This scholarship amount is $1,000.

Criteria:

  • Students do not apply for this scholarship, but are nominated by fellow students, teachers and staff at a BSD7 High School

This scholarship was established by the Bozeman Sunrise Rotary Club to support the youth in our community who have experienced challenges in their life and face obstacles pursuing higher education. It is open to any field of study and may include colleges, universities, and trade schools. There are 3 scholarships for $2000 each.

Criteria:

  • Students do not apply for this scholarship, but are nominated by teachers and staff at a BSD7 High School

This scholarship was established by the Bozeman Sunrise Rotary Club to support the youth in our community who exemplify leadership, civic duty, volunteerism, and academic success. They have dedicated their time through volunteering to make BHS, Bozeman and/or our state a better place. The recipient will be selected from nine Rotary Student of the Month winners. Each senior was nominated by a staff member. It is open to any field of study and may include colleges, universities, trade schools, and certifications. There is one scholarship for $2,000.

Criteria:

  • Students do not apply for this scholarship, but are nominated by teachers and staff at a BSD7 High School

This scholarship has been established by the Bozeman Friends of Music to recognize outstanding graduating seniors in band, choir, and orchestra from Bozeman High and Gallatin High.  These students will have made significant contributions to the music program during their time in High School. Two scholarships of $1,500 each will be given to these exceptional students to further their education after graduation.

Criteria:

  • Students do not apply for this scholarship, but are nominated by teachers and staff at a BSD7 High School

This scholarship has been established in memory of Weldon Rash.  Weldon spent much of his life in San Francisco.  After retiring from a successful career in sales & marketing he traveled the world with his life partner and landed in Bozeman in 2002 to be closer to family.  Weldon was a supporter of the arts with a passion for opera.  Friends describe him as a generous man who loved adventure.  The Weldon Rash Scholarship goes to a graduating high school senior who supports a diversity of lifestyle. There are 2 scholarships that will be awarded.

Criteria:

  • Students do not apply for this scholarship, but are nominated by teachers and staff at a BSD7 High School

Wyatt Evans was a junior at GHS at the time of his passing in December 2021. He was much loved and respected by students, teachers, and community members, and was recognized for his friendly demeanor, kind heart, and skill in metal fabrication, woodworking, and auto shop. This scholarship was created in Wyatt’s honor to promote the pursuit of future training and career advancement in the building and automotive trades. The ideal scholarship recipient will have a commitment to achieving success in their chosen field and a demonstrated work ethic. Priority will be given to those students for whom this financial support would allow them to pursue opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach or delayed. The $5000 award may be given to one recipient or shared between 2 recipients.

Criteria:

  • Students do not apply for this scholarship, but are nominated by teachers and staff at a BSD7 High School
  • No minimum grade point average is required

Jerry Crabs, former district employee and adult basic and literacy education volunteer, passed away Friday, October 29, 2010. Jerry was a passionate advocate for at-risk youth in our Bozeman community. He was a dedicated teacher who volunteered countless hours to help students gain the math skills required for successful completion of the GED exam. In his memory, the Adult Basic and Literacy Education Program (ABLE) has sponsored the Jerry Crabs Memorial Scholarship Fund to assist low-income students pay the GED examination testing fee. Jerry is deeply missed by his family, our district “family,” and the community at large where he invested so much of his talent and time to helping students of all ages and abilities. It is our hope that this memorial fund will honor Jerry and his enduring vision and passion for quality education. Please contact the Continuing Education Department at 406.522.6096 if you are interested in learning more about this scholarship opportunity.

Criteria

  • Student must be a first-time GED examination applicant
  • Student must have completed 60 hours of examination prep
  • Student must have passed all practice examinations
  • Student must complete a one-paragraph statement about how this scholarship will impact their financial situation
  • Scholarship recipient must write a quality thank you note to the scholarship donors

Contact Information

For more information, contact:
Jenn Lammers
Executive Director
406-522-6071
Email Jenn