Detroit Lakes

Dollars for
SCHOLARS
Community Scholarship
Awards Booklet
Monday, May 6, 2024 | 6:30 pm

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President: Connect with us:
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Dr. Tom Seaworth detroitlakes.dollarsforscholars.org
 WHO WE ARE
PEOPLE JUST LIKE YOU
The Detroit Lakes Dollars for Scholars
Committee knows that our future lies in the
education of our young adults. We provide
financial assistance to DLHS graduates
pursuing post-secondary education.

To our students, it is our goal and obligation

REASONS
to coordinate your applications in an
anonymous, unbiased process that best
matches the sponsors’ criteria with the most
qualified students.
TO DONATE
To our sponsors, it is our goal and obligation
to coordinate your awards to the best of our Your donation goes directly to
ability to match your criteria with students help a DLHS senior with their
who meet desired qualifications. post-secondary education.

To our future, it is our goal and obligation to
increase our endowment funds to
perpetually provide scholarships in the
future to complement our sponsors’ annual
awards.
Detroit Lakes Dollars for
Scholars is a 501 (c)(3)
nonprofit organization. Your
donation not only helps
students, but donating can have
tax advantages for you (please
consult your tax advisor).

This program isn’t just for major

donations or endowments. All
donations matter. Monies can
be combined to make a
difference in a local student’s
life.
PG 2
 HOW TO
GIVE

WAYS TO GIVE
Right now! There is no time like
the present. Just scan the
following QR code & donate now
- it takes less than a minute.
HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES
Submit a check to Detroit Lakes
Dollars for Scholars: PO Box 989
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 You can make a small
contribution that can be grouped
Create an endowment. Work with others for a scholarship.
with us to set up a program to
take your support of students to You can identify yourself (and be
a new level. recognized) as a donor, or
remain completely anonymous.
Bequest to Detroit Lakes Dollars
for Scholars in your estate You can designate the area of
planning. study/College/etc... that the
scholarship should fund, or you
can have the committee
designate on your behalf.

You can name the scholarship to

honor someone - perhaps
someone in your family that
served as an example of why
education was so important.

DONORS NEEDED,
BUT STUDENTS NEEDED, TOO
Do you know an upcoming Detroit Lakes senior
that could use help paying for college?

Please tell them about Detroit Lakes Dollars for

Scholars. We are especially interested in students
PGthat
3 are unable to attend college without
significant financial aid, or are dismissing college
altogether due to an inability to pay for it.
 SCHOLARSHIP
SELECTION PROCESS
A breakdown of how scholarships are selected

Transparency and fairness are at the heart
of our scholarship selection process. Every
year, students have the opportunity to
apply for scholarships through our website.
Once the application deadline has passed,
our diligent committee undertakes a
meticulous blind evaluation process.
Each application is anonymized to ensure
impartiality, and committee members
assess them based on a points system.
Various factors are considered, including:
academic achievements such as GPA,
involvement in school activities and
community volunteerism, work experience,
goals and aspirations and unusual
circumstances.
Ultimately, our aim is to recognize and
support outstanding students who exhibit
not only academic excellence, but also a
commitment to personal growth and
community engagement. We believe in
empowering the next generation of leaders
and professionals, and our selection process
reflects this dedication to meritocracy and
inclusivity.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all
applicants for their hard work and
dedication, and we congratulate the
recipients of this year's scholarships.
Together, we're investing in the future and
making dreams a reality.

Certain scholarships may be awarded

based on an applicant's intended career
path or their chosen educational institution.
Additionally, a select few scholarships take
into account financial need, ensuring that
opportunities are accessible to all deserving
candidates.

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 This fund was developed to encourage
memberships to support an
endowment that funds Detroit Lakes
Dollars for Scholars scholarships.

Individuals or organizations become

members by either remitting $522 in a
lump sum payment or by pledging to

HIP
contribute $522 over a period not to
exceed four years.

DL522 CLUB Beginning in 2019, and thereafter, funds

from forfeitures of unclaimed
scholarships from the annual
scholarship awards will be transferred
MEMBERS to the 522 Fund and either increase
the fund’s endowment or be granted as
scholarships in the same year as the
forfeiture.

Donations or Memorials of $522 to DL Dollars for Scholars

Mary Larson Anderson Roger & Janice Lee

Wayne & Jean Benson CPL Troy C. Linden
Cal & Lois Berman Carl Malmstrom
Fern & Gust Brown Jack R. & Lois Maloney
Class of 1973 Michael J. Maltrud
Marilyn Colby Rick & Shan Manke
Concert Holmes Academics On Stage Dr. Elizabeth McCauley Family
Leonard(Roy) & Lois Cook Del & Muriel Mollberg Family
Howard & Gloria Dahlen Mt. Tabor Lodge #106
LeRoy & Marlis Delmain Anna K. O’Gorman

dent’s lives
Norma Eaton Conrad & Ruth Ohm
Mary Ann Evans George & Sally Oja
Steve Evans & Diane Evans Les & Norma Perry
Jennifer Gall Frank Arnie Porkkonen
Tom & Corrine Frank Greg & Marcia Potvin
Gail & Carson Gardner Jeanne Randall
Glenn & Judy Gifford Ruth Eliason Rossiter
Keith & Jeannie Gilbertson Joe & Ann Sauer
David F. Grinaker Paul & Carole Schornack
Mike & Louise Guetter Clayton & JoAnn Schott
Mark & Karen Hagen Dr. Tom & Mary Seaworth
Dr. Tom & Janice Haggart Lin Smithwick
Phil & Dianna Hansen David Spies
Robert Hartman Kate Swanson
Joyce Heisserer & Ted Heisserer Jerry & Carol Tharaldson
Robert & Eloise Irvine Dr. Knute & Nancy Thorsgard Family
Emily Kessler George & Liz VanDam
Denise Kettner Ken Wernli
John & Ruth King Bill & Deb Wickum
KMart Diane Ylitalo
Dr. Robert & Loxley Koshnick Ron & Joan Zeman

PG 5
 SCHOLARSHIP
SPONSORS
Thank you for making a difference in our students’
student’s lives
AgCountry Farm Credit Services
American Legion John Bridges Post #15
Ames & Peterson Orthodontics
Anderson Agri Sales
Anonymous Donor
Ralph Anderson Memorial Scholarship
Ted Anderson Memorial Scholarship
Jack Archer Memorial Scholarship
Robert & Elaine Arnold Memorial Scholarship
Royale B. & Eleanor M. Arvig Memorial Scholarship
Steve Baukol Memorial Scholarship
Becker County Sportsmen’s Club
Bell Bank- Detroit Lakes
B.L. “Jack” & Helen E. Benshoof Memorial
Scholarship for Literary Excellence
Wayne & Jean Benson Family
Boy Scouts of America
Bremer Bank
BTD Manufacturing, Inc.
Julie Burhans Memorial Scholarship
Busker Family Scholarship, in Memory of
Marlys Busker
Scott & Susan Busker Family
Callaway Lions Club
Richard Carr Rotary Scholarship
Matt & Kelly Carrier Family
Chaney’s 2
Steve & Michelle Daggett Scholarship
PG 6
Damien Society
Detroit Lakes Breakfast Rotary Club
Detroit Lakes Breakfast Rotary Club-
Bob Hooper Endowment
Detroit Lakes Dollars for Scholars 522 Club
Detroit Lakes Eagles Club-
Garth Cannon & Jill Wothe Memorial
Detroit Lakes Eagles Club-
Floyd Svenby Memorial
Detroit Lakes Jaycees
Detroit Lakes Kiwanis Club
Detroit Lakes Lions Club
Detroit Lakes Noon Rotary Club
Detroit Lakes P.E.O. Sisterhood- Chapter DQ
DL Bike Shop
DLHS Class of 1994 Darci Moran Memorial
DLHS Class of 1994 Kinsey Otto Memorial
DLHS Class of 1994 Monte Somdahl Memorial
DLHS Class of 1994 Matt Swanson Memorial
DLHS Class of 1994 Nicki Ziegler Memorial
Education Minnesota- Detroit Lakes
Isaac Eggebraaten & Jake Hanson
Laker Pride Scholarship
Tim & Denise Eggebraaten Scholarship
Duane Erickson Memorial Scholarship
Essentia Health- St. Mary’s
Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1498-
Detroit Lakes
 Fair Hills & Five Lakes Resorts-
Wildflower Golf Course
First National Bank
Frank & Barb Foltz Second-Year Scholarship
Mark & Cindy Fritz Scholarship
Jamie & Susan Gjersvig Family
Dr. Mary Groth Memorial Scholarship
Donna J. Hagen Nursing Scholarship
Hagen Family Scholarship
Phil & Dianna Hansen Scholarship
Robert A. & Michelle A. Harris
Memorial Scholarship
Samuel M. Hartman Memorial Scholarship
Kathryn Engebretson Hecock P.E.O. Scholarship
Marc Henderson Legacy Scholarship
Mike & Jodie Herzog Family
Mike & Cheryl Hutchinson Scholarship
Independent Order of Odd Fellows
Lakeside Lodge #105
Jim’s Barber Shop
KDLM Leighton Broadcasting
Colleen Knoop Memorial Scholarship
Lake Region Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Lakeridge Dental Office
Laker Prep Preschool
Laker Ripple Award
Lakeshirts
Adolph & Elizabeth Larsen, Dr. O.O. & Nora
Harem Larsen and J.D. & Margaret Healy
Memorial Scholarship
Kathy Larson Music & Theater Scholarship
Thornton & Marcella Lemmon
Memorial Scholarship
Lorentzen Family Scholarship
Terry & Michelle Maier Family
Mann Financial
Maplelag Resort
Max & Judy Maxwell Scholarship
Dr. Elizabeth McCauley Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Robert & Marian Melick Scholarship
Elaine Meyer Speech Scholarship
MidMinnesota Federal Credit Union
HOLARSHIP
Midwest Bank
MMCDC
Minnesota Flyers Scholarship
Al Mohs Memorial Scholarship
NSORS
PG 7
M State Foundation & Alumni
Howard B., Esther E., & Dr. John Myhre Memorial
Scholarship
Beatrice E. Nelson Memorial Scholarship
Nereson Automotive- Detroit Lakes
L. James & Mary Lou Norby Memorial
Scholarship
Rod Nord Memorial Scholarship
Oja Family Scholarship
Lindy Olander Memorial Scholarship
Edith Osterhout Memorial Scholarship
Robert & June Paulson Scholarship Fund
Julie Nettestad & John Pearson Memorial
Scholarship
Phaser Marketing
Dean Piche Memorial Scholarship
Pro Resources
RE/MAX Lakes Region
Sanford Health
Tom Schmitz Memorial Scholarship for
Mental Health Awareness
Walter Schweigart Family Scholarship
George & Margaret Seaworth Memorial
Scholarship
SJE Rhombus Foundation
Kate West Emerson Spaeth Community
Caring Scholarship
Squires Family Scholarship
Von & Brian Stoen Scholarship
Les Strand Memorial Scholarship
TEAM Lab
T.I.P. Gaming (Turn In Poachers)-
Ottertail Chapter
Wild Rice Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Jill Wothe & Garth Cannon Family Memorial
Scholarship
Dr. Albert Zech Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Albert Zech MSU-Moorhead Scholarship
Joan Zeman Memorial Scholarship
 The Laker Ripple Award Scholarship
The Laker Ripple Award originated in 2024. Its
purpose is to honor a DLHS alumnus, who is at
least 10 years removed from their graduation date
and who has contributed to their local community
or profession in an exemplary manner through
leadership, character and service. The honoree
is selected for creating positive ripples in their
community and exemplifying the quote from
Marian Wright Edelman that inspired Hans Gilsdorf’s
mural, The Laker Ripple Effect, located in the DLHS
Commons: “Education is for improving the lives of
others and leaving your community and world better
than you found it.” Tonight’s student recipient of the
Laker Ripple Award Scholarship brings the Laker
Ripple Effect full circle. The scholarship recipient
was chosen on the basis of their involvement in
volunteerism. We hope this annual alumnus award
and corresponding student scholarship will inspire
our graduating seniors to use their education to
multiply the Laker Ripple Effect by improving the lives
of others. To learn more or nominate a DL alumnus
for the Laker Ripple Award, please check out
www.dlschools.net/about-us/laker-ripple-award.
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AgCountry Farm Credit Services Scholarship
AgCountry Farm Credit Services established the
“Giving & Growing” program to help support our
communities and give team members a voice in
directing our benevolence funds. AgCountry team
members are encouraged to choose a recipient to
receive a donation from AgCountry. An AgCountry
team member has chosen to support the Dollars for
Scholars program since 2021.
American Legion John Bridges Post #15
Scholarship
John Bridges, who farmed near Abbey Lake, was
a member of the Canadian Expeditionary Force in
World War I. He was a medic who was killed by a
German hand grenade at age 25 in Ypres, France.
He is buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery
in Belgium. Bridges was the first man from Becker
County killed in action in World War I, and a
commendation from the state honoring him hangs
in the Detroit Lakes Legion Club’s History Room,
along with his other artifacts. The John Bridges Post
#15 is one of the oldest American Legion posts in
Minnesota. They received their charter in 1919. The
John Bridges Post and Auxiliary currently support
many local activities. The Legion and Auxiliary are
charter members of the Detroit Lakes Dollars for
Scholars chapter. Since 1986, scholarships have
been given to DLHS students whose parents or
grandparents were wartime veterans.
Ames & Peterson Orthodontics Scholarship
Congratulations to all the graduates and scholarship
recipients! We at Ames & Peterson Orthodontics are
proud to be able to give back to the Detroit Lakes
community where we’ve had the honor and pleasure
of getting to know so many students and family
members over the years! Part of our charitable
giving mission is to help support academic activities
that target this dynamic age group that we work
so closely with. We are glad to offer a scholarship
through the Dollars for Scholars program as a part
of this mission to a student interested in making
their own career path in a science-related field.
Anderson Agri Sales Scholarship
Anderson Agri Sales is proud to support the Dollars
for Scholars program at DLHS. We see a need for
individuals who are interested in a career in ag,
both crop and animal production, or involved in
support equipment and supplies. As the number
of farmers continue to decline the opportunity for
a successful career in ag increases. Understanding
and implementing new technologies require a
well-rounded educational base and a desire for
progress. We hope that we can help in any way to
see local graduates work in ag and help keep our
ag community alive and vibrant.
 Ralph Anderson Memorial Scholarship
Legendary Detroit Lakes Tribune sports editor and
columnist Ralph Anderson died in 2002 at age 76
- just four years after his retirement from full-time
community news reporting. He came to the Detroit
Lakes Tribune in 1950, after earning a journalism
degree from the University of Minnesota. For 48
years, Anderson served as sports editor for the
Detroit Lakes Tribune, and later, the Becker County
Record, after the two newspapers were purchased
by the same publishing group in 1963. His tenure in
Detroit Lakes was interrupted only by a 20-month
stint as editor of the Park Rapids Enterprise.
Anderson continued to write his weekly columns,
“Observations” and “Standing By in Sports,” as well
as obituaries and the weekly feature, “Turning Back
the Pages,” after his retirement. In October 1997,
the newly remodeled gymnasium at Detroit Lakes
High School was dedicated as “Ralph Anderson
Gymnasium.” He was also honored by the Detroit
Lakes School Board for 32 years of educational news
coverage. On the state level, Anderson was inducted
into the Minnesota State High School League (1993),
and the Minnesota Newspaper Association’s Half-
Century Club.
Ted Anderson Memorial Scholarship
Ted Anderson was born on March 31, 1921, in Parkers
Prairie, MN. He graduated from Parkers Prairie
High School in 1939 and then attended Macalester
College in St. Paul. Ted served as cocaptain of
the 1942 football team. He then served in the U.S.
Navy and the U.S. Marines for 4 years. Following his
discharge, he returned to Macalester College where
he was elected captain of the 1946 football team.
Ted married Eleanor Hagen in 1946, graduated
with a teaching degree in 1948 and then began
his teaching career. In 1949, Ted began teaching
physical education in Detroit Lakes and in later
years he served as the assistant junior high school
principal. He also was an assistant football coach,
the head baseball coach and the head track coach.
Among the honors he received, Ted was proud to
have been named to the Macalester College Athletic
Hall of Fame.
Ted enjoyed his family, as well as his involvement
with the Congregational Church, the DL retired
teachers’ group, and raising funds for the Detroit
Lakes Community & Cultural Center and Hospice.
Ted Anderson passed away in 2006. The first Ted
Anderson Memorial Scholarship was awarded in
2007.
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Jack Archer Memorial Scholarship
Jack Archer dedicated his career to Detroit Lakes
High School as a teacher in the English Department.
He came from a family that put education first
and he carried that into his profession. Jack
thoroughly enjoyed teaching at the high school
level, specifically having a passion for literature
and writing. He enjoyed the students of DLHS, loved
walking its halls and teaching in its classrooms from
1974-2002. He also had enthusiasm for engaging
students in discussion and found humor in almost
any situation. Jack could always be found with a
book, regardless of the subject matter and often
quoted poetry by heart. Jack’s scholarship is for a
student who is eager to learn and has a desire to
expand their knowledge and education.
Robert & Elaine Arnold Memorial Sholarship
Robert Arnold was born in 1930 in Chicago, Illinois.
He grew up and attended school in Bloomington,
Illinois. Robert served 3 years with the Illinois
National Guard while employed as an automotive
mechanics instructor. He married Elaine Dahlberg in
Lake Park, MN in 1954. They had two children, Robert
and Tammy. Mr. Arnold was the founder of the Lake
Region Travel Service, Courtesy Cab Company, and
the Detroit Lakes Ambulance Company. He and his
wife Elaine managed the Greyhound Bus Depot. He
was active in the Detroit Lakes community. He was
a member of the Elks Club, Eagles Club, DL Jaycees
and the Mount Tabor Masonic Lodge. He served as
president of the Boys Club and the Becker County
chapter of the American Red Cross. Following a
lengthy illness, Robert Arnold passed away at age
51. His family and friends created the Robert Arnold
Endowment Fund in 2006 in his memory.
Royale B. & Eleanor M. Arvig Memorial
Scholarship
In 1950, Royale B. and Eleanor M. Arvig purchased
the Perham Telephone Company and laid the
foundation for the company now known as Arvig.
The Arvigs demonstrated their commitment to
community service by being active in civic affairs
and fighting for their beliefs. One of Arvig’s beliefs
was that businesses must focus on and contribute to
community growth and development with love, pride,
and concern for the communities they served. Mr.
Arvig focused on providing rural Minnesota with the
telecommunications required to remain competitive
in our changing world. His drive to always introduce
the latest technologies made Arvig an industry
leader. Eleanor Arvig shared her husband’s passion
for community growth. In a time when women were
seldom seen in the workplace, Eleanor took an
active role in building a business that prioritized
community service and offered opportunity for local
residents. To honor the Arvig’s community spirit and
 support their lifelong philosophy that businesses
must contribute to community growth, the Arvig
family established the Royale B. and Eleanor M. Arvig
Memorial Scholarship Fund. Scholarship awards are
presented to individuals who demonstrate superior
achievement and encourage their recipients to strive
for perfection in whatever they pursue. Each year, one
graduating senior from each of the 36 school districts
served by Arvig is awarded a $3,000 scholarship.
About Arvig
Headquartered in Perham, Minnesota, Arvig is
a local, employee-owned broadband and full-
service telecommunications provider. Committed
to delivering cutting-edge technology to customers
throughout the region, Arvig provides residential
and business internet, television, phone and security
services. Additionally, Arvig provides a wide variety
of business technology solutions. Visit arvig.com for
additional information.
Steve Baukol Memorial Scholarship
Steven John Baukol was born on October 6, 1963 in
Starbuck, MN. He was a 1982 graduate of Starbuck
High School where he was active in basketball.
After high school Steve furthered his education and
basketball career at the University of Minnesota-
Morris. He also played basketball and attended
Agricultural School in Alexandria. On December 21,
1985, he was united in marriage to DeAnna Ellefson.
The two of them shared 29 happy years together.
They raised three children he was very proud of.
Steve loved nothing more than to watch his children
participate in their many activities. Nothing meant
more to Steve than quality time with his family.
Steve enjoyed going to work each day. While he
lived in Starbuck he worked as a manager at the
Lariat in Cyrus. He then moved on to the Grain
Elevator in Cyrus. While working at the elevator,
Steve enjoyed helping farmers with their crops and
catching up on their personal lives. After leaving
the grain elevator Steve accepted employment
with the Minnesota Department of Transportation
in the Permits Division. Over the years he made
many close friends. Steve enjoyed many outdoor
activities like pheasant hunting, fishing, and golfing.
He also enjoyed his summers on Lake Lida with his
friends and family. Many memories were made from
pontoon rides, yard games, grill outs and bonfires.
He was able to build his dream home on Lake Lida,
where he loved socializing with his friends. Sunsets
on the new patio were his favorite time of day.
Despite being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in
September of 2011, Steve kept his positive attitude
and was an inspiration to all. He did everything he
could to fight. He went through a stem-cell transplant,
a bone marrow transplant and numerous rounds of
HOLARSHIP
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chemotherapy and radiation to maximize his time
here with friends and family. The best medicine
he had was from time spent with his little buddy
Beau (grandson). Steve passed away on October
26, 2014 at the age of 51. Steve’s wife, DeAnna, has
been teaching in the Detroit Lakes School District for
many years. When establishing an endowment in
Steve’s honor, DeAnna considered how much Steve
enjoyed hearing stories about DeAnna’s elementary
school students. The decision was made to award
the annual scholarship to former students of Mrs.
Baukol. Scholarships have been awarded in Steve’s
honor since 2015.
Becker County Sportsmen’s Club Scholarship
The Becker County Sportsmen’s Club consists of
nearly 600 members who have access to a premier
target and shooting range 2 miles east of Detroit
Lakes. The Club has rifle, pistol and trap ranges.
In 2020, the rifle range was upgraded to provide
a better shooting experience. The Becker County
Sportsmen’s Club was one of the original supporters
of Dollars for Scholars. Bernie Revering, who was
the outdoor sports columnist for the DL Tribune for
many years, and Perry Nodsle, an active member
of the BCSC and the longtime trap shooting coach
for DLHS, were instrumental in establishing the
endowment fund. The BCSC awards a scholarship
to a graduate entering a field related to the
environmental sciences.
Bell Bank Scholarship
Bell Bank is the largest family-and-employee-
owned bank in the upper Midwest and one of the
largest independently owned banks in the nation,
with assets of more than $14 billion. That success is
thanks to Bell’s many loyal customers and friends,
whose confidence in Bell has led to growth and
opportunity. When the bank opened its doors in
1966 with a single location in a north Fargo shopping
center, its founders couldn’t have dreamed of the
growth the company would have. For decades,
having happy employees and happy customers
has been at the heart of the organization. For Bell
team members, the company’s core values-creating
a family atmosphere, providing exceptional service
and paying it forward to make the community a better
place-are at the core of all they do. Every year, each
Bell Bank employee receives funds to give as they
choose to individuals, families and organizations
in need. The Bell Bank Scholarship began in 2008
when a group of Detroit Lakes employees chose to
“Pay It Forward” to Dollars for Scholars. Bell’s team
is proud of these graduating seniors and wishes to
support them in their quest for continued education.
B.L. “Jack” & Helen Benshoof Memorial
Scholarship for Literary Excellence
Biographies
B.L. (“Jack”) Benshoof was a Detroit Lakes
native and lifelong resident, who, after a career as
owner and Editor of the Becker County Record, found
the joy of his life in 13 wonderful years teaching
English at Detroit Lakes High School. In 1942 Jack
married Helen Thompson, a recent graduate of
the UM School of Nursing. They devoted their life
together to family and their community.
Helen pioneered rural public health nursing in Becker
County, bringing quality health care to many who
had never before thought such access possible.
What she pioneered soon became the standard.
Helen’s work enabled Jack to return to school so he
could transition from the newspaper business to
teaching at DLHS. Years later, Jack wrote to Helen:
“Because you were who you were, I was able to do
some things in education that gave me great joy”.
Background and Purpose of Scholarship
In 1962 Jack joined the English Department
at DLHS and his students quickly came to view
him as a master teacher. One student said: “His
grasp of literature and his writing and his kindness
and love of family and learning overwhelmed me.”
Jack viewed his students as unique individuals to
be challenged to do their best with the skills and
material of his discipline -literature and language.
Jack did not “teach” writing. Instead, he
provided an atmosphere in his classroom where
ideas thrived and where students were challenged
to think and express thoughts exactly. One student
recalled Jack as a teacher who “embodied the
depth and beauty of the intellectual life for a young
woman and opened me up to a bigger world.”
In recognition of both Jack and Helen’s
contributions to their community as well as Jack’s
years of devotion to his students and his desire to
stimulate their creative thinking and writing, their
family and friends established this scholarship. The
intention is to recognize the kind of student Jack and
Helen regarded as special - a person with noted skill
in, and enthusiasm for, inspirational and creative
writing.
Wayne & Jean Benson Family Scholarship
Jean and Wayne Benson graduated from Bemidji
State University (College) in 1964. Jean earned
a degree in elementary education and Wayne a
degree in business administration together with
minors in economics and mathematics. After a few
adventures, last stop in Alaska, they came back to
Minnesota and in 1968 chose Detroit Lakes as their
final home. Jean served ISD #22 as a substitute
teacher until joining the staff at the public library
where she utilized her teaching skills in that
PG 11
capacity. In 1974 Wayne established an accounting
and tax service firm where he spent the remainder
of his professional career as a CPA. “The Detroit
Lakes community has been gracious to us and
each of us has given back the best we could by
serving on many boards and committees, including
at First Lutheran Church in multiple capacities.
Jean was also a den mother, Girl Scout leader, Girl
Scout Association chairman for Detroit Lakes and
volunteered at Ecumen nursing home.
Wayne was a co-founder/president of Mid-State
(MN) Chapter of CPAs for professional education,
St Mary’s Hospital trustee, Detroit Lakes Industrial
Development board member, Noon Rotary president
with 50+ years of service, Water Carnival Admiral,
DL Jaycees president, twice chairman of our United
Way, chairman/treasurer twice of the local Ducks
Unlimited Chapter and Cub Scout Webelos leader.
Our pleasure was to establish the Wayne and Jean
Benson Family Scholarship Fund with our Detroit
Lakes Dollars for Scholars.” This fund/endowment,
established in 2023, is designed to provide
growth while providing an annual scholarship to a
graduating senior from ISD #22. The scholarship is
for a qualified applicant seeking post-secondary
education at Bemidji State University either in
education or in an accounting-related degree.
Wayne was a co-founder and first president of the
Detroit Lakes Dollars for Scholars with 40+ years of
active service, supporting the organization in many
ways.
Boy Scouts of America Scholarship
Nationwide, Boy Scouts of America is made up of
more than one million Scouts ages 5-21. Lance
Akers, scoutmaster for the local Detroit Lakes Troop
674, said they currently have a dedicated troop of
nearly 20 members who participate in everything
from hiking and learning outdoor skills, to taking
trips to the Boundary Waters together. In 2023, they
had four Scouts achieve their Eagle Scout rank, the
highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America. He also
said this group of Scouts really dedicates themselves
to scouting and conservation work as well as
service opportunities in the community. The Boy
Scout Troops in Detroit Lakes have been donating
scholarships to DLHS graduates since 2003. This
scholarship fund was started as a memorial fund
recognizing longtime local scoutmaster, Jerry “Buck”
Rogers, who died in May, 2002.
Bremer Bank Scholarship
Bremer Bank N.A. is built on a commitment to
cultivate thriving communities – helping them to
succeed and grow. Since 1943 Bremer Bank has
been serving the Detroit Lakes area. Our founder,
Otto Bremer, was a passionate supporter of the
 communities and we continue that spirit today.
Bremer Bank is jointly owned by the employees
and the Otto Bremer Trust which has given over
$700 million dollars of charitable grants to over
3200 organizations since 1989 in support of our
local communities and youth in MN, WI, ND, and MT.
We are proud to support programs such as Dollars
for Scholars and congratulations to all the 2024
recipients and graduates!
BTD Manufacturing, Inc. Scholarship
BTD Manufacturing, Inc. is a metal fabrication
company that has been serving Minnesota and
the surrounding states since 1979. The company
was founded by Paul White and Earl Rasmussen,
with a commitment to develop an open and honest
relationship with customers and suppliers, coupled
with the dedication to employees to help them grow
personally and professionally.
The BTD Manufacuring, Inc. Scholarship was
established in 1990 to benefit seniors in the Detroit
Lakes, Lake Park-Audubon, and Frazee High Schools
who wish to continue their formal education. The
scholarship is intended to encourage students
entering two-year training programs. Students
entering two-year technical training programs for
machine tool trades are of particular interest to BTD.
Julie Burhans Memorial Scholarship
Julie Burhans was a 1970 graduate of Detroit Lakes
High School and proud to be a lifelong Laker and
call Detroit Lakes home. She and her husband Steve
Burhans raised three boys, Brian, Chad and Dan
all who played hockey and graduated from DLHS.
Julie was a huge fan of Laker Hockey but more
importantly was a proud Laker alumni and Laker
grandma who loved wearing her Red and White. She
enjoyed her grandchildren Logan, McKenna, Brock,
Brodie, Brenna, Keiran and Kellen. Just as Julie and
Steve rarely missed any of their son’s activities, the
same held true for their grandkids’ sporting events
and other activities.
Not long after retiring from Bremer Bank in Detroit
Lakes, Julie passed away after a courageous
battle with pancreatic cancer in the spring of 2019.
She unfortunately was only able to see 2 of her
grandkids wear a Laker sweater before her passing.
But in those short years Grandma Julie was always
there in the crowd beaming with proud joy. There
were many times you could hear her clapping
and cheering and some occasional remarks at the
referee calls. Julie is dearly missed by her family. We
know she’s probably got the best seat from heaven
as she watches her grandkids follow their dreams.
As a family we are proud to honor her legacy with a
scholarship given to a DLHS hockey player.
HOLARSHIP
PG 12
Busker Family Scholarship, in Memory of Marlys
Busker
The Busker family started this scholarship in memory
of our mother, Marlys Busker. She was an inspiration
to all for her courage, fortitude, charity, creativity,
and kindness. Our family believes in the future and
that future is our youth. We also believe that in
order to be successful in life you need to work hard,
be responsible and to remember it is always easier
to be kind. We would like to provide you support
with this scholarship to help you achieve your future
goals. Congratulations!
Scott & Susan Busker Family Scholarship
Scott is a proud graduate of Detroit Lakes High
School. After living in Missouri and Colorado, we
moved back to Detroit Lakes so our children could
experience the sense of community that we grew
up with. We are very thankful for everything that
Detroit Lakes has provided for our family. We love to
help all our wonderful organizations succeed in any
way we can, they all make Detroit Lakes a special
place.
We are thrilled to be able to provide a $4,000
scholarship, $1,000 each year to students who are
obtaining a 4 year degree and currently have at least
a 3.5 grade point average. We feel that to support
these students throughout the 4 years is important
because it isn’t easy financially, academically, or
emotionally. We want you to know that we believe
you can do it. We also require applicants to have
volunteer hours. We strongly believe in giving time
to help others. Volunteering can help a student
grow personally and enhances communication skills
that are so important for their future success. It also
gives students a sense of the importance of giving
back to make a positive impact on the community
and the people in it. It is a time of reflection as you
walk in someone else’s shoes. Congratulations and
we wish you the best!
Callaway Lions Club Scholarship
The Callaway Lions Club is all about service to
others. The members participate in many service
projects throughout the year. Pancake breakfasts
are their main fundraisers. Monies raised have been
used to purchase equipment for the Callaway Fire
Department and also to replace the city’s police
cars. They also hold an annual Thanksgiving Turkey
Bingo along with an Easter Ham Bingo with proceeds
going towards upkeep of the Callaway Community
Center. The Callaway Lions Club Endowment Fund
has been providing scholarships for students with a
Callaway address for over 25 years.
Richard Carr Rotary Scholarship
Richard, “Dick”, Carr was born on December 1, 1939
in Ivanhoe, MN. He was raised and educated in
Ivanhoe and Marshall, MN; Beaver Dam, WI and
Chicago, IL. He served in the U. S. Marine Corps for 3
years. Dick was united in marriage to Joan Colburn in
1963 in Marshall. They lived in Marshall until moving
to Mankato where he graduated from Mankato
State College in 1967. He worked for National Poly
Products in Mankato until moving to Detroit Lakes
in 1972 when he purchased Neitzke Concrete
Products and changed the name to CarrCrete. He
later became a realtor and was a realtor/broker
for Century 21 and Counselor Realty from 1990 until
the time of his death. Dick and his wife Joan had 3
children. Dick was active in the Detroit Lakes Noon
Rotary Club, the El Zagal Shrine, Mt. Tabor Masonic
Lodge, Ducks Unlimited, Holy Rosary Catholic
Church, the National Rifle Assn., the National Assn.
of Realtors and the 10 o’clock coffee group at Main
Street Restaurant. In 2012, he was named the Lakes
Area Realtor of the Year. Dick treasured his time
with his family and loved attending his children’s and
grandchildren’s activities. He especially treasured
being referred to by his grandchildren as “Grandpa
Duck”. He also enjoyed traveling and hunting with
friends-especially the trips to Camp O-Me-Mee with
his hunting buddies. He enjoyed participating in
sports collectible shows, running the Detroit Lake
“Ice-out” competition each year and keeping track
of the “daily winner” for the 10 o’clock coffee group.
Dick was a passionate reader who loved to tinker
and enjoyed helping others. He will be remembered
for his wonderful sense of humor and his ability
to play unique practical jokes. Dick passed away
suddenly in 2013. This endowment was established
in 2014 by his friends and family to honor Dick and
his treasured association with the DL Noon Rotary
Club.
Matt & Kelly Carrier Family Scholarship
We started the Matt and Kelly Carrier Family
Scholarship in 2021 and will continue to provide
a scholarship for nursing students out of respect
for the profession and considering the shortage
of nurses in our area and around the country. Our
family appreciates the importance of nursing. Matt’s
mother, Jean Carrier, is a retired nurse and our
daughter, Ashtyn, is currently a nursing major at
South Dakota State University.
Chaney’s 2 Scholarship
Jon Mickelson, a 1981 Detroit Lakes graduate and his
wife Marvel, owners of Chaney’s 2 Auto Repair and
Tire Center here in Detroit Lakes, support Dollars for
Scholars and are passionate in seeing graduates
pursue their dreams through education.
PG 13
As a Laker you have a great educational foundation.
While you may not have always agreed with the
teachers and staff of DLHS, these are the folks who
care about you and have put in numerous hours to
ensure you are ready to go out into this world and
make a difference. What you put into life is what you
will get out of it. Some of you may be thinking that
another 2, 4, 7 or even 10 years of education seems
like a long time. But in the blink of an eye, before
you know it, the years will have flown by. It’s hard
to believe that over 40 years ago I was graduating
from this very school.
You may be one of those who can’t wait to get out
of Detroit Lakes and see what the world has to
offer. There’s a lot out there. Seeing new places and
meeting new people is great but don’t forget about
Detroit Lakes. It’s a wonderful place to live, work, own
a business and raise a family. Someday you will look
back, realizing how lucky you were to have grown
up in a community that encouraged and supported
you along the way. You may want the same for your
kids someday.
We have two sons who were graduates of DLHS,
and also both were recipients of Dollars for Scholars
scholarships. Both went on to attend NDSU. Our
oldest son went into a field that to this day he
still loves. He found himself on the front cover of
a worldwide magazine, every child’s dream. As a
Mechanical Engineer for Polaris our oldest son gets
the opportunity to see an idea go from concept
to prototype to production. As an 8 year old who
loved snowmobiling, this was a dream that he’s
living out. Our youngest son obtained a degree in
Project Management and currently works in the
construction world for Olaf Anderson Construction,
a commercial General Contractor in Fargo, ND, that’s
been around for over 100 years. While he loves the
commercial side of building, he’s also just as excited
about the residential side of things. This passion
led him to start a construction company on the side
called Mickelson Innovations LLC. He has the best of
both worlds.
Parents, encourage and support your kids and help
them in any way that you can. Going off to college
is a big adjustment and sometimes just having
someone there to cheer you on or help you get
through the tough times is what it takes.
Not every career requires a four year degree or
seven years of schooling. The trades are going to be
in even bigger demand than they are today. There’s
such a need for plumbers, electricians and other
professions related to construction.
We are proud to be a part of the many businesses
and individuals in this community who support the
DFS program. We feel very honored and blessed to
give back to Dollars for Scholars. Best of luck to all
graduates! Remember, if you have a passion, stick
with it!
Steve & Michelle Daggett Scholarship
We feel lucky to be living in this great community
that is filled with people who give back. As a result,
our community has a lot of “wow” factors and one of
them is the impressive Dollars for Scholars program.
We’re thankful to be able to participate in this
program and to have had three children graduate
from this wonderful school system.
Damien Society Scholarship
The Damien Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit local
women’s organization, supports the Detroit Lakes
community through service projects and charitable
giving. The group originated in 1950 with 35 members.
The Damiens have remained a group of 35 women
and their community service and philanthropy
continue to be the driving forces behind the group.
They are perhaps best known for their annual
Damien Home Tour, the largest fundraiser of the
year, as well as the Damien Mitten Trees, a project
which began in 1981. The Damien Society has been
a proud supporter of Dollars for Scholars since 2009.
Detroit Lakes Breakfast Rotary Club
The Detroit Lakes Breakfast Rotary Club is one
of 35,000 clubs worldwide who are affiliated
with Rotary International. Our local Club is
deeply committed to literacy projects in our area,
providing books and financial support to schools
and educational support organizations. We work
in our community volunteering with United Way,
local nursing homes, community events, ditch
cleaning, and wherever we are needed as a club
and as individuals, as we live “service above self”.
Our group has over 60 members who gather both
in person and via Zoom each Tuesday morning at
7:00 to enjoy programs that are entertaining and
informational. It’s a wonderful way to get to know
our community and meet other service-oriented
folks. We believe in “rising early, having fun, and
doing good.” In addition to the general scholarships
Breakfast Rotary provides, we also award an annual
scholarship to a student who is active in Rotary
Interact- the Nathan Ochsner Interact Scholarship.
Detroit Lakes Breakfast Rotary Club-
Bob Hooper Endowment Scholarship
Bob Hooper was a math teacher at the Detroit Lakes
High School for many years. He was a longtime
head Laker baseball coach. Bob was also an
assistant football coach, where he coached 8 state
PG 14
tournament teams and 3 state championship teams.
Bob was very active in the DL Breakfast Rotary
Club. After Bob passed away, the Club honored
his memory by establishing an endowment fund
in his name. This endowment has been providing
scholarships for DLHS graduates for over 25 years.
DL Dollars for Scholars 522 Scholarship
This fund was developed to encourage memberships
which support an endowment that provides Detroit
Lakes Dollars for Scholars scholarships. Individuals
or organizations become members by either
remitting $522 in a lump sum payment or by pledging
to contribute $522 over a period not to exceed four
years. If anyone is interested in supporting DFS by
contributing $522 to the DL Dollars for Scholars 522
Club please contact Eddie Geffre at eddie.geffre@
midwestbank.net.
Detroit Lakes Eagles Club- Garth Cannon & Jill
Wothe Memorial Scholarship
Garth Cannon and Jill Wothe were born and raised
in Detroit Lakes. They were both very active in
school activities and graduated from Detroit Lakes
High School in 1992. Garth then attended Minnesota
State University- Moorhead and Jill enrolled in the
College of St. Benedict. In 1994, while home during
summer break, they passed away in a car accident.
Garth’s father, Keith Cannon, had been a very
active member of the Detroit Lakes Eagles Club.
The Eagles Club established an endowment fund
in honor of Garth and Jill. The first Garth Cannon/Jill
Wothe Scholarship was awarded in 1995.
Detroit Lakes Eagles Club-
Floyd Svenby Memorial Scholarship
Since 1999, the Detroit Lakes Eagles Club has
donated a scholarship in memory of Floyd Svenby.
Floyd was very active in the local Eagles Club.
He was employed as the Becker County Zoning
Administrator for many years. Floyd and his wife
Shirley were married in 1953 and spent 42 years
together. They enjoyed fishing and camping.
Detroit Lakes Jaycees Scholarship
The Detroit Lakes Jaycees is an organization for
men and women ages 18-40. They are dedicated to
providing opportunities that empower young people
to make positive changes through their volunteering
efforts. Jaycees help our community and have
fun while doing it. They raise funds for programs
benefiting our community’s residents and spend
countless hours organizing events in Detroit Lakes.
Some of these events are “Gifts for Kids” in December,
“Pitch, Hit and Run” in May and the annual “Northwest
Water Carnival” in July. The Detroit Lakes Jaycees
established a Dollars for Scholars endowment fund
over 20 years ago to assist DLHS graduates with
their post-secondary education. If anyone has
questions about membership/joining, feel free to
contact the chapter at detroitlakesjaycees@gmail.
com.
Detroit Lakes Kiwanis Club Scholarship
Kiwanis congratulates all Dollars for Scholars
recipients. Kiwanis is a global organization of
volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one
child and one community at a time. The Detroit
Lakes Chapter is excited to be celebrating 100 years
of providing community support to our youth in the
Detroit Lakes area.
Detroit Lakes Lions Scholarship
Detroit Lakes Lions are excited to celebrate the
graduates and their future accomplishments. Lions
Clubs motto is, “We Serve”. We serve our community
and the people in it. In 1925 Heller Keller challenged
the Lions to be the champions for the blind. To show
our commitment we sponsor two annual mission
trips to Mexico promoting eye health. Locally, we
screen approximately 2500 children each year and
collect used glasses for use in third-world countries.
Locally we are known as the “Knights for Sight”.
Where there’s a need there’s a Lion.
Detroit Lakes Noon Rotary Club Scholarship
The Detroit Lakes Noon Rotary Club has been an
integral part of the community for over 100 years,
embodying the true spirit of our motto, “Service
Above Self.” Committed to making a difference, our
club actively engages in various service projects
and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of those
in need. By supporting the Dollars for Scholars
scholarship program, we continue our tradition of
giving back and empowering the next generation
through education. In addition to the general
scholarships Noon Rotary provides, they also award
an annual scholarship to a student who will be
attending M State, Detroit Lakes, and to one active
in Rotary Interact, and this year they are donating
an additional scholarship funded by proceeds from
last fall’s Oktoberfest.
Detroit Lakes P.E.O. Sisterhood-
Chapter DQ Scholarship
P.E.O. -Chapter DQ in Detroit Lakes is a philanthropic
educational organization where women celebrate
the advancement of women and motivate women
to achieve their highest inspirations. We do this
through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and
stewardship of Cottey College. We support women
at all stages of their educational journey from GED
to PhD; at the local, state, national, and international
levels. More information about P.E.O. can be found
at: peointernational.org.
PG 15
DL Bike Shop Scholarship
DL Bike Shop is proud to be included in Dollars for
Scholars efforts to help our local graduates become
successful. Our aim is to support a graduate who is
opting for a skilled trades education.
DLHS Class of 1994 Scholarship
in Memory of Darci Moran
Darci Renae Moran was born April 5th, 1976, in Detroit
Lakes, MN. She attended Rossman Elementary,
Detroit Lakes Middle School and graduated from
Detroit Lakes High School in May of 1994. Darci
completed the LPN program at Minnesota State
Technical College and went on to achieve her RN.
Darci loved to read so studying for her was natural.
Darci loved being a mother to Jayden Leslie. She
also had many personal attributes which made her
such a great person to be around. She was kind,
understanding, wise and a very good listener. She
enjoyed spending her time relaxing at the lake,
reading, camping, listening to music, shopping
and spending time with her friends and family.
She had many friends and was big believer in trust
and loyalty. Although her life may seem to be too
short, she had helped and touched so many lives
in many different ways. As we celebrate the Class
of 1994 this summer at our 30th class reunion we
want to remember those who will not be with us.
Class of 1994 Scholarship
in Memory of Kinsey Otto
A scholarship in memory and honor of Kinsey M.
Otto, was donated by DLHS 1994 Classmates.
Kinsey Maxfield Otto was born in Detroit Lakes on
April 5, 1976, to Connie and Ric Otto. Kinsey attended
Rossman Elementary, Detroit Lakes Middle School
and was a graduate of Detroit Lakes High School,
Class of 1994.
Kinsey was an avid hockey player. He loved the
game and the friendships he made along the way.
His passion for hockey went beyond being a Laker.
After high school he went on to play junior hockey
in Springfield, Illinois, and also in Waterloo, Iowa.
He found himself at The College of St. Scholastica
playing hockey. While it was a short time, Kinsey’s
dad recalls him scoring the first goal of the first game
of his season! Although Kinsey didn’t have a solid
plan for his life, he knew hockey would be a part of
it. A year later at the advice of a former teammate,
Kinsey transferred to Augsburg University to
play hockey. During his time at Augsburg, Kinsey
continued to focus on family, friendships, academics
and hockey. Kinsey always brought a smile with
him, which allowed him to be welcomed in new
environments and teams. His teammates enjoyed
his fun-loving presence off the ice and respected his
competitive spirit on the ice. Kinsey was expecting
 to graduate from college and wanted to establish a
career in fashion modeling, working out of Chicago.
On May 13, 2000, Kinsey arrived in Las Vegas,
Nevada, by flight but never boarded his return flight
home and was never heard from again. The last
contact family members had with Kinsey was a call
he made to his mom telling her, “Don’t worry Mom.
I love you.” This was a common phrase the two of
them would exchange with each other, on most
calls. To this day family and friends are still seeking
information about what happened to him in hopes
of answers and closure.
Kinsey’s second passion in life was being a loving
father to his son Brady who was born in December
of 1994. Brady was only 5 years old at the time of his
dad’s disappearance. Kinsey was so fond of Brady
and would be proud of who he’s become.
Kinsey was a son, a brother, a father, and a friend
who meant a lot to so many. He loved the game of
hockey and when not playing hockey he could be
found boating and waterskiing on Big Detroit with
friends. His disappearance could be described as
a sadness and loss with no closure. Kinsey was a
guy who brought joy to so many. Even today, he
continues to light up a room when his friends and
family share stories. We miss you, Kinsey! Gone,
but never forgotten! Your fellow classmates of the
Detroit Lakes class of 1994!
Class of 1994 Scholarship
in Memory of Monte Somdahl
Monte Lyn Somdahl, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away
unexpectedly at his home on Monday, February 20,
2023. Monte was born on September 26th, 1975 and
was raised in Montana, until his parents moved back
to the Somdahl farm by Richwood, Minnesota. Monte
graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1994.
Monte will be remembered for his gifts of kindness
and friendship. He loved to visit and have a good
laugh. He enjoyed watching sports, especially
football games and having a cold one with his
friends. He loved the outdoors, being out in the
woods, fishing, camping or any kind of trips with
friends. He traveled nationally and internationally to
Australia, Hawaii, New York, and points in between,
but most of all he loved going back home to Montana
to see his brothers and large extended family.
As we celebrate the DLHS Class of 1994 this summer
at our 30th class reunion we want to remember
those who will not be with us.
P
PG 16
DLHS Class of 1994 Scholarship
in Memory of Matthew Swanson
This scholarship is in memory and honor of Matthew
W. Swanson, donated by fellow 1994 Classmates.
Matt (Swany) Swanson was born Nov. 3rd, 1975,
and left this world way too young, at the age of 17,
in December of 1992, during his Junior Year of High
School. Swany was loved by many, and a friend to
all. From a very young age, he started working at
the family business, Swanson’s Repair, and stayed
very involved there, as he enjoyed and excelled at
his work. He lettered in Hockey as a Laker, and was
an exceptional player and teammate! He also loved
golfing, as he grew up following in his Grandmother
Joan’s footsteps, and passion for the sport. When not
busy with those interests, you would find him out in
nature, as he loved hunting and enjoying all outdoor
activities. Even after all of these years, he is missed
dearly by his family, friends, and classmates! He
was an amazing young man, and it would’ve been
special to see who he would’ve become. We miss
you, Matt! Gone, but never forgotten! Your fellow
classmates of the Detroit Lakes class of 1994!
Class of 1994 Scholarship
in Memory of Nicki Ziegler
This scholarship is given in memory of Nicole (Nicki)
Ziegler by Jason Ziegler on behalf of the Class of
1994 as they celebrate their 30th class reunion and
remember those who are no longer with us.
Nicki Ohman was born Oct. 14, 1975, to David and
Kathleen Ohman in Detroit Lakes. Nicki grew up with
two brothers, Shawn and Blayne.
Nicki graduated from Detroit Lakes High School
in 1994. She was involved in many activities while
attending Detroit Lakes High School including
madrigal dinner, swimming, student council, Choir
and much much more. She had an unparalleled
school spirit that was rivaled by no one. She loved
life and she loved her friends and school. She was
proud to be a Laker!
She loved being around her friends during school and
outside of school. She enjoyed all aspects of life, and
her smile was infectious. She was a humanitarian
and cared deeply for those around her and those in
need. She truly was a special human being who we
were all lucky to have known and met.
On Aug. 16, 1997, she married her high school
sweetheart Jason Ziegler. Together they had three
beautiful children, a son, Tyler and two daughters,
Cassidy & Paige. Nicki loved being a mom.
Nicki graduated from Minnesota State Community
and Technical College, Detroit Lakes. She was a
 licensed practical nurse for Dakota Clinic, MeritCare
Clinic and MeritCare Kidney Dialysis all in Detroit
Lakes. She operated a Mahube Head Start day care
camp for Mahnomen, Becker and Hubbard counties.
On December 22, 2005, just before Christmas, 30
year old Nichole Ziegler was tragically killed in a car-
train accident near Detroit Lakes. She will forever be
missed by family and friends.
Education Minnesota- Detroit Lakes Scholarship
Education Minnesota is a strong advocate for public
education in Minnesota. Our members work in pre-K
- Grade 12 schools. Members also include education
support professionals, faculty at several university
campuses, community and technical colleges,
college students preparing for an education career,
and retired educators who have devoted their lives
to students. As educators, we value and promote
educator quality and professional development.
To encourage and assist DLHS graduates intending
to enter the field of education, we have provided
scholarships through the DL Dollars for Scholars
organization since 2000.
Isaac Eggebraaten & Jake Hanson
Laker Pride Scholarship
Laker Pride goes beyond sports. Jake and Isaac
(DLHS graduates of the Class of 2018) believe that
Laker Pride signifies the student’s generosity of time
and resources toward the common good of the
entire community! Through involvement in clubs,
sports, volunteer work, and community engagement,
a student can make a significant impact on the well-
being of the community. Jake and Isaac want to
congratulate and give support to one student who
has been an example of this form of Laker Pride.
Denise & Tim Eggebraaten Scholarship
Denise and Tim Eggebraaten moved to Detroit Lakes
in July 1992 when Tim started his career with the
Detroit Lakes Police Department. They had initially
planned on living in DL for a year or two to get work
experience and then move to a larger community.
After only a few weeks, it was clear to them that
they were HOME! Their three sons, Josh, Luke, and
Isaac are all graduates of DLHS. The Eggebraaten
family believes in LAKER PRIDE and knows that we
are all stronger when we support each other. We
congratulate the recipient of the 2024 Denise and
Tim Eggebraaten Scholarship. Congratulations to
all the 2024 graduates! Best of luck in your next
chapter!
P
PG 17
Duane Erickson Memorial Scholarship
The Duane Erickson Memorial Scholarship was
formed in memory of our father & grandfather
who devoted over 35 years to the MN State Dept
of Corrections. Through his career he changed
countless lives and left a legacy of humbleness,
kindness and service. This scholarship is awarded to
a student seeking to change and turn around lives
through a future career in Social Work or Criminal
Justice.
Essentia Health- St. Mary’s Scholarship
Essentia Health St. Mary’s is part of an integrated
health system serving patients in Minnesota,
Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Essentia Health
combines the strengths and talents of more than
15,000 employees, including more than 2,200
physicians and advanced practitioners, who serve
our patients and communities through the mission
of being called to make a healthy difference in
people’s lives. Essentia Health St. Mary’s in Detroit
Lakes offers hometown hospitality and a wide
range of specialty care – and has been a longtime
supporter of the Detroit Lakes Dollars for Scholars
program.
Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1498-
Detroit Lakes Scholarship
The Experimental Aircraft Association is an
international organization of aviation enthusiasts
based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Since its inception in
1953 it has grown internationally with over 200,000
members and nearly 1,000 chapters worldwide. The
weeklong Air Venture at Oshkosh in late July is open
to anyone with an interest in aviation. EAA Chapter
1498 Detroit Lakes meets most months on the
first Monday night of the month and has an open
coffee and rolls gathering for anyone interested
each Saturday morning at the Detroit Lakes/Becker
County Airport. Since 2015, EAA Chapter 1498 has
awarded scholarships to DL graduates who intend
to pursue a career in aviation.
Fair Hills and Five Lakes Resorts - Wildflower Golf
Course Scholarship
Remember the vacations you enjoyed as a kid?
You’d get up early to go for a swim, fish, play some
tennis or golf, or maybe you got up on water skis for
the first time. You explored the lake and the woods,
you played with kids all day and then you ate dinner
with your family and settled in for a game of cards
or a show. Maybe you even practiced your talent all
year long so that you could be in the show!
Those vacations are still here- just outside Detroit
Lakes, between Pelican Lake, Wildflower Golf Course
and a lot of trees. Fair Hills Resort has everything
you remember. You can come and be a kid again,
or you can come and enjoy a family vacation from
 the grown up perspective, with an easy round
of golf or a day at the beach, and let the kids be
kids in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024 from all of us at
Fair Hills and Five Lakes Resorts & Wildflower Golf!
First National Bank Scholarship
The First National Bank of Henning has offices
in Henning, Ottertail, Battle Lake, Evansville and
Detroit Lakes. We are a locally owned and operated
independent community bank, dedicated to
steadfast, relationship-driven banking in the Lakes
Area.
We understand the critical role education plays in
community development, and are committed to
empowering local students. This commitment is
demonstrated through our direct contributions to
scholarships supporting local graduates. Beyond
financial assistance, we actively invest in the
future workforce by offering work-study programs
that provide students with firsthand experience
in the banking industry, opening doors to career
opportunities and fostering professional growth.
Frank & Barb Foltz Second-Year Scholarship
Frank Foltz was born and raised in Callaway,
Minnesota. He grew up in a farm family of fourteen
children. He started driving truck for his father and
set a goal of growing the company. Foltz Trucking
has been, and remains, a family-owned and
operated business. It is run by brothers Frank, Ken,
and Tom Foltz, sons of the original founder, Clem
Foltz. Their mission of providing exceptional service
and building strong relationships with customers
has paid off. Beyond the success of the business,
Frank and his wife Barb support numerous local
charities and organizations. They enjoy giving back
to the town that has given them so much.
Mark & Cindy Fritz Scholarship
The Mark and Cindy Fritz Scholarship embodies the
spirit of community support and commitment to
education. With four accomplished students—Carly,
Greta, Jacob, and Tommy—having graduated from
Detroit Lakes High School, the Fritz family’s passion
for both academics and athletics shines brightly.
This scholarship aims to recognize and assist
students who actively participate in athletics, be it
dance, track, hockey, cross country, or other sports,
echoing the Fritz family’s belief in the well-rounded
development of young individuals. By providing
this support, the Fritz family continues to uplift and
inspire the next generation of leaders and athletes
within our community.
P
PG 18
Jamie & Susan Gjersvig Family Scholarship
We wish to honor our family members who have
worked as mechanics, homebuilders, farmers, and
various other trades in our community. We wish
to support the next generation so that they may
have the opportunity to continue their education in
these areas. They are the strong foundation to our
town, helping it grow and remain productive. We
are grateful to Dollars for Scholars for encouraging
students to further their education and for facilitating
the funds which support the students’ goals. Best
wishes for the next chapter in your lives.
Dr. Mary Groth Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Mary Groth spent over 30 years as a physician in
Detroit Lakes. She worked first as a family physician
and then in obstetrics/gynecology. She counseled
the first family in Becker County to conceive a child
through in vitro fertilization and delivered more
than 4,000 babies throughout her career. At times
she was the only obstetrician in this area, as well
as being the only female doctor in the area. Dr.
Groth retired from her practice in 2002. She enjoyed
traveling and scuba diving in her retirement years.
Dr. Groth was hoping to enjoy a long retirement
but health issues cropped up within months of her
retirement. Dr. Groth passed away in 2004. The Dr.
Mary Groth endowment fund was then established
to assist women entering a science or medical field.
The first Dr. Mary Groth Memorial Scholarship was
awarded in 2005. To quote her nurse Pat Mastin,
“Dr. Groth was so devoted. When she was with a
patient, there was no one else in the world.”
Donna J. Hagen Nursing Scholarship
Donna Jean Hagen was born in Minneapolis,
Minnesota on June 17, 1930. In 1948 she graduated
from Central High School and enrolled at the
Northwestern Hospital School of Nursing and
graduated in 1951. Upon graduation she worked as
a Registered Nurse at Northwestern Hospital. She
married and moved to Detroit Lakes the following
year and worked nights caring for terminally ill
patients. In 1976 she took a position as a Registered
Nurse at the Pelican Rapids Hospital. For the next 19
years she was one of the mainstays at that facility.
In 1993 Donna joined the staff of the Emmanuel
Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes. During her twelve
years at Emmanuel she not only cared for many of
the residents but also helped families face the end
of life of a loved one with grace and dignity. After
her death one staff member said, “Donna was a
very hard-working, dedicated individual. She would
make sure that residents were being cared for
properly and respectfully. She had a high standard
of care. Donna was an excellent mentor for all of
us at Emmanuel”. Another said, “Donna was a lady
with a huge heart. She cared about everyone-
 residents and staff- and everyone was touched by
her kindness and generosity”. She handled her own
illness in the same dignified manner that she treated
patients. She knew that her illness was terminal but
faced the end of her life with a calm conviction. In
keeping with her commitment to helping people, she
requested her body be donated to the University of
North Dakota medical school to help train future
members of the medical community. It is in the spirit
of Donna’s commitment to assisting people who are
sick or infirm, along with their families, that an annual
endowed scholarship is awarded to a Detroit Lakes
student who is entering the nursing field.
Hagen Family Scholarship
Ole Hagen, born in Norway in 1895, immigrated to
the United States as a young boy. He soon acquired
an interest in the developing field of electricity and
became a Master electrician. He was instrumental
with the electrification of early Detroit Lakes and the
surrounding area. In 1927, along with his wife Lucille,
he started the Star Electric Company, which operated
for close to 50 years in Detroit Lakes. In 1947, Ole and
Lucille’s son, Dale, attended Dunwoody Technical
College in Minneapolis to study the new field of
refrigeration and air conditioning. Upon graduation
Dale joined Star Electric and helped transform it
from an electrical contracting firm to a residential
and commercial refrigeration and home appliance
business. Among the various new technologies to
come to the Detroit Lakes area through the doors of
Star Electric were the first electric refrigerators, the
first window air conditioners, the first ice machines,
the first color televisions, and the first microwaves.
In the mid-1960’s Dale was at the beginning of a new
trend selling Yamaha motorcycles. Over the next ten
years, Star Electric, which became Star Yamaha,
was one of the first dealers to offer snowmobiles to
the area in addition to numerous off-road vehicles.
In the mid 1970’s Dale undertook a new profession,
which would prove to be his true calling-teaching
at the Northwest Technical College in Detroit Lakes.
For the first ten years he taught motorcycle repair.
At the suggestion of Dale’s son Tim, who put his early
training in the family business to use at the Reno
Nevada Hilton in building maintenance, Dale started
a class in training individuals for refrigeration, air
conditioning and building maintenance. For the next
ten years he imparted his knowledge to students
in order to give them employable skills. For over
twenty years, over four hundred students studied
under Dale, developing not only their mechanical
skills but their life skills as well. Dale’s son, Mark,
began selling business equipment in 1974 and
started Modern Business Equipment in 1981. In the
Detroit Lakes area Mark sold the first electronic
cash registers, electronic typewriters, fax machines
HOLARSHIP
PG 19
and then computers. Modern Business Equipment
has consistently been on the leading edge of
new technologies. It is in the spirit of this family’s
involvement with new technology that the Hagen
Family awards an annual endowed scholarship to
a Detroit Lakes graduate who will be attending a
technically oriented school, studying a developing
technology.
Phil & Dianna Hansen Scholarship
Congratulations, Laker Class of 2024! We are
excited to offer our scholarship in honor and
gratitude for the many people who supported us
through scholarships and assistance when we
were attending North Dakota State University.
Those supporters saw something special in us,
and they believed their generosity would be an
investment worth making in our future. Now, it’s our
turn to pass the support forward! Laker Dollars for
Scholars recipients, we see something special in
you and believe in your future! Hold on to your Laker
Pride, bring some of your success back home to
this AMAZING community, and be steadfast in your
pursuit of being Champions in Life!
Robert A. & Michelle A. Harris
Memorial Scholarship
Bob and Michelle Harris gave tirelessly to the
community of Detroit Lakes. Bob spent his career
in banking and spent the last 14 years of his life
working in DL. He was well-known for his leadership,
vision, positive attitude and sense of humor. Aviation
was important to Bob and he loved to fly. He was
a graduate of Embry Riddle University with a
degree in aviation and business management. Bob
piloted a Cobra gunship during the Vietnam War
and was shot down three times. He was awarded
the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Silver Star, the
Bronze Star, and numerous other decorations. He
served his country during the war and never stopped
serving his community for the rest of his life. Michelle
graduated from Jamestown College with a degree
in education. She was a teacher of emotionally &
behaviorally challenged students at the Detroit
Lakes Middle School. Michelle was involved in many
community organizations, including the United
Way, PEO, and the American Cancer Society. Her
compassion and kindness touched many lives.
Bob & Michelle’s passion for life, family, friends and
work will be remembered for years to come. The
endowment fund established in their honor has
been awarding scholarships since 2002 to students
majoring in an aeronautics field or in business.
Samuel M. Hartman Memorial Scholarship
Hartman Hide & Fur Company, a hide and fur and
scrap recycling business in Detroit Lakes, was
founded in the late 1940s by Morris Hartman. His
three sons- Samuel, John and Max- subsequently
became partners with Morris. During World War II,
Sam was captured by the Nazis during the Battle
of the Bulge, imprisoned for over four months in a
POW camp south of Berlin and liberated by the
Russians in April 1945. Lucky to be alive, particularly
as a Jewish POW, Sam returned to the US and in
November 1945, at the Nicollet Hotel in Minneapolis,
he cut in on the dance floor on a young beauty
dancing with her date and told her he was going
to marry her. After his war experience, Sam had a
“seize the day” mentality to make every day count.
Ruth Skadron laughed off his bold comment, but in
February 1946, they were married and moved to
Detroit Lakes, where he entered the business with
his father and brothers and where Sam and Ruth
raised their three sons, David, Bob and Morrie. Sam
was an active community leader, heading many
local organizations and spearheading the building
of the football field at the High School. Ruth was
also a community leader, heading Big Brothers in
Detroit Lakes, tutoring elementary students, serving
as Den Mother for the Cub Scouts and heading the
remodel of the public library. Sam had a very warm
place in his heart for Detroit Lakes High School
and the excellent education it provided his sons
and those of the community. Sam and Ruth lived in
Detroit Lakes for 50 years prior to his death in 1997,
and the Hartman family created this endowment
as a tribute to Sam Hartman’s interest in education
and gratitude for educating his sons. The annual
scholarship is designated for a student who will be
pursuing a career in business.
Kathryn Engebretson Hecock P.E.O Scholarship
Born in Fargo in 1909, Kathryn Engebretson Hecock
attended Fargo Schools through high school where
she played tennis, acted in school plays, was the
school newspaper’s editor, and a member of National
Honor Society. Kathryn attended the University of
MN and NDSU, then taught briefly in Long Prairie,
MN high school, before seeking an advanced degree
at Syracuse University in 1934. After several years
teaching in New York, she married Donald Hecock,
a fellow graduate student. She and Don raised
two sons in Detroit, Michigan before she returned
to teaching at a Detroit college. After working
two years in Pakistan, the Hecocks acquired the
Engebretson home on Big Detroit, which had been
in her family since 1917. This served as the base
for a retirement that included travel to all seven
continents. Kathryn died at age 90 in Detroit Lakes,
in her 70th year of membership in P.E.O., the women’s
international philanthropic educational organization
PG 20
which provides educational opportunities to women.
She was devoted to this organization, with her
membership extending to chapters in Fargo; Detroit
Lakes; Detroit, Michigan and Bradenton, Florida. She
counted the DQ chapter in DL among several which
she helped establish. The Kathryn Engebretson
Hecock Endowment Fund was established in
Kathryn’s honor in 2000. Scholarships are awarded
to female DLHS graduates, with priority given to
graduates attending Cottey College in Missouri.
Marc Henderson Legacy Scholarship
Marc Thomas Henderson was born June 4, 1968, in
Wheaton, MN. Marc was two years old when his
family moved to Detroit Lakes. He attended school
in Detroit Lakes, graduating with the class of 1986.
A high school teacher of Marc’s once said, “Marc
doesn’t need to worry about his future, he’s going to
make it on his personality and great smile”. After
high school, he attended St. John’s University where
he met Courtney Johnson. Marc and Courtney were
united in marriage December 2, 1989. In 1994, Marc
graduated from Bemidji State University with a
degree in elementary education and later returned to
school to complete his middle school endorsement
in science and math. In 2003, he was hired by the
Detroit Lakes Middle School to teach earth science
and was now teaching two doors down from his
wife, Courtney, also a science teacher in Detroit
Lakes. For 23 years, Marc taught elementary and
middle school students and impacted the lives of
thousands of students. Marc & Courtney spent the
last 15 years teaching together. Marc & Courtney
had 3 daughters. Marc treasured his family time
and found so much joy in nature. He loved hunting,
fishing, camping and spending time at the lake.
His family was truly his pride and joy. Over the last
two years of his fight against cancer, Marc never
complained. He said, “I feel it is my job to be a role
model for kids at school and at home. I want to
show that you can be dignified and graceful even in
adversity”. His sense of humor, smile, and personality
radiated to all those he met. The simplest things in
life were what Marc treasured the most, from a walk
in the woods, to having coffee in the backyard with
his family. Marc’s family established an endowment
fund honoring his memory after his death in 2018.
The Marc Henderson Legacy Scholarship was first
awarded in 2019 and continues to be awarded to a
student entering a science-related field.
Mike & Jodie Herzog Scholarship
Congratulations to the graduating class! We support
students through Dollars for Scholars in honor of our
children who attended U of M Twin Cities, Concordia
College, Moorhead, and NDSU. Wishing you all
successful and enjoyable college years ahead.
Mike & Cheryl Hutchinson Scholarship
The Mike & Cheryl Hutchinson Scholarship represents
a dedication to nurturing artistic talent and fostering
creativity. With their daughters, Frankie and Ronnie,
having graduated from Detroit Lakes, the Hutchinson
family understands the transformative power of
the visual and performing arts. This scholarship is
a testament to their commitment to supporting
students who excel in these fields, whether
through painting, music, theater, or other forms of
artistic expression. By providing this scholarship,
the Hutchinson family aims to empower the next
generation of artists and performers, enriching our
community with their creativity and passion.
Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lakeside
Lodge #105 Scholarship
Odd Fellows [IOOF] is a fraternal organization. Our
goal is having a vested interest in the community
where we live. Along with scholarships for high
school graduates, we donate to multiple “at home”
needs. We sincerely wish the best for all of our 2024
graduates.
Jim’s Barber Shop Scholarship
Jim the Barber has been cutting hair in Detroit Lakes,
MN for nearly 40 years. The shop is conveniently
located at 909 Washington Ave, in the downtown
area. Jim Kauffman has cut four generations of
hair. No appointment is necessary. Come on in and
join in the friendly conversation. Jim and his wife’s
two children were graduates of Detroit Lakes High
School. Jim has donated scholarships to DLHS
graduates since 2009.
KDLM (1340AM/93.1 & 96.9FM) Communications,
Marketing or Broadcasting Scholarship
At Leighton Media we believe marketing has
the power to build meaningful connections and
drive growth when done right. In an increasingly
fragmented media landscape, brands need a
partner to cut through the noise and authentically
reach audiences. With community ties across
the upper Midwest, we have the resources and
knowledge to get your business where it wants to
grow. We are excited to support a student pursuing
an education in the industry.
Colleen Knoop Scholarship
Colleen (Bakke) Knoop was born on May 30th,
1973. She was a 1991 graduate of Clearbrook-
Gonvick Schools. Colleen attended Bemidji State
University and graduated with a Masters Degree
in Science Education. After college, Colleen taught
kindergarten for 19 years in Red Lake, Callaway,
and Rossman Elementary School in Detroit Lakes.
Colleen was united in marriage to Michael Knoop
on July 29, 2000, and they made their home in
PG 21
Frazee, MN. Her passion in life was raising her two
wonderful children and inspiring her kindergarten
students. Colleen and her family enjoyed lake living,
traveling, and being with friends and family. She
especially enjoyed watching her children’s sporting
events, shopping, and going for long walks with
Gus, the family dog. Colleen is remembered for
her loving, caring, and generous spirit. Her lovely
smile and warm calmness were enjoyed by all who
knew her, both in and out of the classroom. After
her courageous battle with cancer, Colleen passed
away on December 15, 2020. Colleen’s family
established this scholarship in her memory in 2021.
Lake Region Electric Cooperative Scholarship
Lake Region Electric Cooperative (LREC) is a
member-owned, member-controlled electric utility
serving more than 28,000 member-consumers in the
counties of Otter Tail, Wilkin, Grant, Douglas, Clay,
and Becker. Their mission is to provide members with
safe, reliable, and affordable electricity, while also
offering innovative services to grow the cooperative.
At LREC, they value safety, integrity, innovation,
accountability, open and honest communications,
and a commitment to their members, community,
and employees. LREC has been a sponsor of Dollars
for Scholars since 2018.
Lakeridge Dental Scholarship
“Making the World Brighter One Smile at a
Time” is our mission statement at Lakeridge
Dental, and encouraging students to enter
into a healthcare career definitely fits within
that framework! We are proud and honored to
support our local students and schools through
education, mentoring, charitable donation and
scholarship. Congratulations to all the graduates.
-Dr. Kristine Riewer and Dr. Ryan Manke
Laker Prep Early Childhood Scholarship
Operating since 2011, Laker Prep Early Childhood
is Becker County’s largest non-profit child care
center, enrolling children eight weeks to five years
old. Standing firm in the motto “Big Success Starts
Small,” Laker Prep provides nurturing and intentional
care for children as they grow and develop into kind,
successful and thoughtful community leaders. Laker
Prep is dedicated to cultivating early childhood
educators within their own programming, along
with partnering with Detroit Lakes High School, and
likeminded programs, to ensure a bright future of
prepared teachers for our children now and beyond.
Lakeshirts Scholarship
The Lakeshirts Scholarship, rooted in our core
value of community, demonstrates our commitment
to nurturing the next generation of business and
production leaders within our local community. As
a company deeply ingrained in the fabric of Detroit
Lakes, we recognize the importance of investing in
the education and development of our youth. This
scholarship is a testament to our dedication to giving
back and supporting local students, particularly
those who have worked with us or whose parents
contribute to our organization. By providing this
scholarship, Lakeshirts aims to empower deserving
students to pursue their academic and professional
aspirations, while also fostering a strong sense of
community and collaboration that lies at the heart
of our organization’s values.
Adolph & Elizabeth Larsen, Dr. O.O. & Nora
Harem Larsen & J.D. & Margaret Healy Memorial
Scholarship
Adolph Oscar Larsen graduated from Detroit Lakes
High School in 1930. He attended college and then
married Betty Healy in 1933. Adolph Larsen was an
air raid warden and pharmacist’s mate in the U.S.
Navy during World War II. After the war he was a
field executive for Hormel Foods in Austin, MN and
also worked in the Austin Post Office. After retiring,
he and his wife returned to Detroit Lakes. Adolph
Larsen established a scholarship endowment to
support Detroit Lakes’ graduates. The first Adolph
Larsen Memorial Scholarship was awarded in 2004.
Kathy Larson Music & Theater Scholarship
Kathy Larson was a vocal music teacher in the
Detroit Lakes Public Schools for 34 years. She also
directed 28 musical theater productions for the
district from “Damn Yankees” in 1994 to “Newsies” in
2021. When Kathy retired in 2022, former students
and friends organized a weekend of performances
to honor Kathy’s legacy which included a musical
theatre cabaret show called “A Career in Revue:
Celebrating Kathy Larson’s Retirement” and a choir
concert. Proceeds from both events were used to
help set up a scholarship endowment in Kathy’s
name. Organizers said, “We feel it is important that
the influence Kathy has had on her ‘kids’ and the
community will continue.” The first Kathy Larson
scholarship was awarded in 2023. Scholarship
recipients will have demonstrated involvement in,
dedication to, and success within vocal music and/
or musical theatre while students at DLHS.
Thornton & Marcella Lemmon Memorial
Scholarship
Thornton Lemmon was born in Pierpont, South
Dakota, on July 12, 1914, and graduated from Pierpont
High School in 1932. In 1934 he moved with his parents,
sister and brother to Detroit Lakes to escape the
extreme drought. He spent some months working
at a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC camp) north
of Detroit Lakes near Little Elbow Lake, and then
attended the St. Paul Agricultural School of The U of
PG 22
MN. There he met Marcella Moechnig from Lake City,
MN, and they were married in January, 1938. Marcella
and Thornton both led very active lives. They began
farming, raising turkeys until they retired in 1974.
For several years Thornton also taught agriculture
to GI’s who had returned from WWII. Thornton was
on many boards, including Holmesville Township,
Lakeland Turkey Growers, and the Detroit Lakes
School Board. Marcella enjoyed baking, cooking,
gardening, canoeing, and together they loved being
with friends and family, reading, traveling, camping,
playing cards, dancing and winters in Mesa, AZ.
They raised three children, Roger, Fargo, ND; Carol
Nord, Rochert, MN; and Julie Wolden, Pendleton, OR.
They also greatly enjoyed their eight grandchildren
and 14 great grandchildren. Marcella and Thornton
were both lifelong learners and passed that love of
learning on to family and acquaintances. They died
seven months apart in 2010 and 2011 at ages 96 and
95. The first scholarship in honor of Thornton and
Marcella was awarded in 2014.
Lorentzen Family Scholarship
Nelia and Ernest (“Doc”) Lorentzen called Detroit
Lakes their home for 38 years, and it was there
that they raised their five children, Lois, Ruthann,
Peter, Paul and Mark. Doc Lorentzen was one of the
founders of the Lakes Medical Center. The Lakes
Medical Center was formed in 1972 by a merger of
the Detroit Lakes Clinic, the Lake Region Clinic and
the Lake Park Clinic. In addition to raising their family,
Nelia was engaged in numerous civic activities.
Nelia served on the Detroit Lakes School Board
from 1960 to 1985, including many years as the
board’s president. Her most meaningful position was
serving as the president of the Gideons International
Auxiliary. Following Dr. Lorentzen’s retirement from
medical practice, Nelia and Doc made their home in
Sun City West, AZ. The Lorentzen Family Endowment
was established in 2004 to honor their family’s
commitment to education.
Terry & Michelle Maier Scholarship
Detroit Lakes is a wonderful community and we
have loved living here since 1991. We believe good
education fosters creativity, responsibility and
motivation to make your community and the world
better and better! We are happy to participate in
Dollars for Scholars and wish the very best to our
recipients. We only ask that you pay it forward one
day!
Mann Financial Scholarship
Dynamic communities like Detroit Lakes often share
three important traits: Strong businesses, strong
schools, and a philanthropic populace. The success
of many in our area has led to a strong business for
Mann Financial Group, and we are proud to be in a
position to support our community and our schools
through the Dollars for Scholars program.
Maplelag Resort Scholarship
Maplelag is a family owned and operated
destination Cross Country Ski Center. Their goal
is to offer outdoor-themed experiences that give
guests a sense of comfort and belonging, leaving
them feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. Jim and Mary
Richards (along with Jim’s brother and two other
couples) originally bought 56 acres of land on Little
Sugarbush Lake for use as recreational property. In
1973, they made the decision to move from Edina,
MN, with their two children, Debbie and Jay, with
the idea of making maple syrup, which they did
for twelve years. At one time, Maplelag was one of
the largest producers in Minnesota, producing over
400 gallons in one season. Maplelag’s maple syrup
business closed in 1988 in order to focus on their
cross country ski business. Maplelag Resort currently
encompasses close to 660 acres of land. Part of the
trail system is also on state, county, or privately
owned land which is either leased or through
which there is an easement. Maplelag donates a
DFS scholarship to students who are involved with
Nordic skiing.
Max & Judy Maxwell Music Scholarship
We feel very blessed to be able give back to Dollars
for Scholars, a scholarship program we’ve had
the privilege of seeing our grandkids benefit from.
Education is so important and we are grateful to be
able to provide a scholarship to a student pursuing
music. Congratulations Class of 2024 graduates!
Your future is an exciting time to learn and grow.
Dr. Elizabeth McCauley Memorial Scholarship
Elizabeth McCauley was born on April 3, 1956, in
Grand Rapids, MN. She graduated from St. Olaf
College and completed her Doctor of Dental
Surgery degree at the University of Minnesota in
1984. After graduation from dental school she and
her husband Tom moved to Detroit Lakes, where
she became a partner in Dental Associates. Dr.
McCauley practiced dentistry there for over 30
years. Beth was a wonderful dentist, loving mother
to 2 daughters, loving wife and friend. She was also
an active community member involved in DL Noon
Rotary, Lizzie chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, Pickerel
Lake Quilters, Trinity Lutheran Church and Camp
Kukamunga. She loved warm weather, being at the
lake and long boat rides. Beth was also very artistic
and used her unique sense of style & creativity to
start a painted wooden fish company, Hot Mess Fish
Company, LLC. Beth was a role model and mentor
to many in her life. After being diagnosed with ALS,
Beth retired from dentistry and enjoyed traveling
the world with her husband. Dr. Elizabeth McCauley
PG 23
died on January 20, 2016, after battling ALS. The Dr.
Elizabeth McCauley Endowment Fund was created
by family and friends in 2016 with the scholarship
designated for a female majoring in art or science.
Dr. Robert & Marian Melick Scholarship
Dr. Robert Melick served as Superintendent of the
Detroit Lakes School District from 1986-1998. His
leadership in communication and strategic planning
resulted in 4 successful bond votes for upgrading all
school buildings and maintaining financial stability.
Dr. Melick was very involved in the community.
He was involved in the United Way, Chamber of
Commerce, DL Rotary Club, and the Methodist
Church. Marian Melick was active in the community
in areas such as the American Cancer Society, adult
literacy, PEO, the Methodist Church and chaired the
DL Beautification Committee’s efforts to plant over
7,000 trees and shrubs in Detroit Lakes. The Dr.
Robert & Marian Melick Scholarship was established
in 1999 and is designated for a student interested in
a career in education. In Dr. Melick’s words, “Detroit
Lakes has been very good to us and we hope that
this is one small way for us to say ‘Thank You’”
Elaine Meyer Speech Scholarship
Elaine Meyer was a teacher at the Detroit Lakes High
School for 30 years. She taught English and Speech.
Elaine coached and judged debate and speech
activities and drama contests. She was an active
volunteer coach for the American Legion Oratory
contest for over 30 years and a volunteer coach for
the VFW Voice of Democracy contest. Elaine retired
from DLHS in 2000. After her passing in 2019, friends
and family established this scholarship in Elaine’s
honor. The recipient is to be a student who is active
in speech, thus continuing Elaine’s legacy.
MidMinnesota Federal Credit Union Scholarship
As part of MidMinnesota Federal Credit Union’s
continued efforts to support students and their
families in their education and financial journeys,
we are proud to support the Dollars For Scholars
program and the Detroit Lakes community. We
recognize that the future of our communities will be
led by our graduates and MMFCU is here to be a
part of providing a solid foundation for you to grow.
Congratulations to all 2024 recipients.
Midwest Bank Scholarship
The Detroit Lakes area continues to thrive and
one of the main reasons is because businesses
and individuals who have had financial success
believe it is their obligation to give back to the
community. Midwest Bank has been blessed
with the tremendous support we have received
and we are proud to be one of the many in our
community that feels it is important to give back.
The Dollars for Scholars program at Detroit Lakes
is another excellent example where our community
is exceptional. Midwest Bank is pleased to support
this great cause.
Minnesota Flyers Scholarship
Established in 1997, the Minnesota Flyers program
was created by a group of dedicated families and
community members who wanted a high quality
gymnastics program closer to Detroit Lakes. Their
mission is to provide a safe atmosphere where
fitness is fun and confidence grows. Their goal is
to provide children and individuals the opportunity
to achieve fitness at any level regardless of their
abilities. Over the past 2 decades, the Minnesota
Flyers Gymnastics has had thousands of children
participate in recreation classes, developed
state, regional and national JO competitors and is
home to the 5-time MN State High School League
Champions! The Minnesota Flyers provides annual
scholarships to graduating seniors who intend to
major in education or fitness.
MMCDC Scholarship
For more than 50 years, Midwest Minnesota
Community Development Corporation has been
providing capital resources & innovative ideas
to assist in successful business and community
development throughout Minnesota and the
Midwest. They provide financial assistance to
businesses for the creation of jobs, to communities
for new development, and to individuals for home
ownership or affordable rental opportunities. They
offer lending for new and existing businesses
and business expansions that serve to improve
the community. MMCDC has provided an annual
scholarship since 2016. This scholarship is presented
to a student who will be majoring in business,
finance, community development or economics.
Al Mohs Memorial Scholarship
The legacy Al Mohs left for his family, friends and
community is one of selfless service, a constant
desire to help the people he encountered and
support for a community that gave him so much.
Al was a member of the Detroit Lakes community
from 1975 until his death in 2015. Due to diabetes,
he lost his sight at the age of 29. Many would see
a disability as a hindrance to what one can do; Al
saw it not for a disability but a desire to focus his life
on what he could do. Raising his three kids, serving
in public office, and being active in the church and
civic causes. The Al Mohs Memorial Scholarship
seeks scholars who have faced all odds and come
out ahead to lead and serve.
M State Foundation and Alumni Scholarship
Our vision is “A success story for every student,”
and your success is our No. 1 priority. We are here
to serve you, no matter what stage you’re at in
PG 24
your educational journey. Our students come to
M State for a variety of reasons - for career and
technical training programs, for transfer education,
for enhancing their job skills to become a better
employee or for the pleasure of lifelong learning.
We recognize that every M State student has a
story and brings their life experiences and dreams
into our classrooms, and we are honored to have
the privilege of working with you to meet your
educational goals. Our faculty and staff are “all in” in
their dedication to the values of integrity, inclusion
and innovation reflected in our programs and in the
support we offer to our students. M State takes pride
in its beautiful campuses, and we invite you to visit
our buildings and classrooms to see our mission in
action: “We welcome all students and engage them
in shaping their futures and their communities.”
Howard B., Esther E. & Dr. John Myhre
Memorial Scholarship
Howard Myhre was born in 1913. He grew up in
Detroit Lakes and graduated from DLHS in 1930.
For most of his adult life he owned and operated
Jackson Wholesale. He also operated Hamm’s Sales
Company and Lakes Jobbing Company. Howard
married Esther Torbert in 1939. Howard was a
very community-minded individual. He served as
president of the DL Junior Chamber of Commerce,
the Chamber of Commerce Assoc., the Eagles Club,
DL Rotary Club, and the MN Beer Wholesalers
Assoc. Howard was active in the Jaycees and
became the first state president from Detroit Lakes.
Howard received the Jaycee Distinguished Service
Award and was also a national Jaycee director.
Howard served as a DL City Council member and
was also on the board of the DL Country Club. He
played with the Blue Jay hockey team in Detroit
Lakes and also played in the Old Timers’ hockey
group in his later years. Howard was one of the
promoters of the hockey arena we have today. He
was also interested in golf and worked on the Pine
to Palm Tournament Committee for thirty years. He
was an active Shriner and was Potentate of the El
Zagel Temple in Fargo. Howard Myhre died on July
28, 1986. Howard and Esther’s son, Dr. John Myhre,
established a scholarship endowment fund in the
family’s name in 2004.
Beatrice E. Nelson Memorial Scholarship
Beatrice Bergren was born on February 5, 1908 in
Lake Eunice Township. She graduated from DLHS
in 1928 and then attended Normal School to obtain
her training as a teacher. She and Carl Nelson were
married in 1933. They had 2 children, Carl Jr. and
Lois. Beatrice’s teaching career spanned 32 years
and was spent in various schools in Detroit Lakes. In
her early teaching years she had to ski to school in
order to open and heat the building in preparation
for the arrival of her students. Beatrice volunteered
in many community organizations including the
Senior Nutrition site, Meals on Wheels, DL Retired
Teachers, Rebekah’s and the Ding-a-lings, a musical
group. She enjoyed excellent health until the last
few months of her life and attributed her 94 years of
longevity to keeping busy and to the pleasure she
derived from helping others. Her motto was to “take
each day and live it to the fullest.” Her son Carl and
his wife Ruth created this endowment in 2007 for
students who reflect a love of children and a strong
belief in the value of a good education.
Nereson Automotive Scholarships
Congratulations Class of 2024! Nereson Automotive
has been your local Chevy dealership for the last 50
years. We have mechanics, sales consultants and
our general manager who are all Laker alumni that
have excelled in successful careers. Our scholarship
will be there to help support those who also see a
future in the automotive industry whether it be in a
body shop, service drive, or sales.
L. James & Mary Lou Norby Memorial
Scholarship
John G. Norby was a Norwegian farmer who
immigrated to the U.S. in 1867 and started a farm
in Lake Park in 1871. He had seven sons and three
daughters. Four sons opted to go into retail (general
mercantile stores back then) rather than farming,
and at various times had stores in Detroit Lakes,
Barnesville, Hitterdal, Fergus Falls, Grand Forks, St.
Cloud, and Willmar, all run by various generations
of those four Norby brothers. The L.J. Norby Co. in
Detroit Lakes (or Detroit, as it was called then) was
opened on St. Patrick’s Day in 1906 by the two oldest
Norby brothers, Gus and Lewis James (L.J.) after
L.J. decided to break off from the Blanding-Norby
Company he started with A.M. Blanding in 1898.
Gus turned out to be more of a public servant than
a retailer, serving as Becker County Sheriff, then
Mayor of Detroit, and later in the Minnesota House
of Representatives. But L.J. stayed on as president
until his death in 1941. His son, James E. Norby, took
over until his death in 1955. His son, the second L.J.
(Jim) Norby, took over at age 27 in 1955, changed
the name to Norby’s Department Store, and served
as president for 35 years– just like his grandfather.
Jim retired in 1990, handing the reins to the fourth
generation, his son Michael Norby, who ran the store
with his two sisters, Jean Anderson and Mary Beth
Gilsdorf, until they made the difficult decision to
close in 2018.
Norby’s Department Store was one of very
few independent, family owned and operated
department stores remaining in the U.S. when it
closed in 2018. They sold the building in 2019, and
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developers gave it a beautiful reincarnation as Norby
Flats. The Norby family started this scholarship in
1992 when their father, Jim, died from lung cancer
at age 63. They added to the scholarship five years
later when their mother, Mary Lou, died from lung
cancer at age 68. Both of them started smoking
in their teens, just like 95% of all tobacco users
today. Smoking robbed them of the years they
should have been enjoying their retirement and
grandkids. Because of this, their children present
this scholarship each year with a message about
the risks of tobacco use and nicotine addiction.
Rod Nord Memorial Scholarship
Rod Nord grew up in Duluth, MN, and attended the
University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he met his
future wife of 57 years, Carol Lemmon, of the Detroit
Lakes area. Rod graduated from UMD in 1965 and
then earned his master’s degree in social work from
the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1970. For
over three decades, he dedicated himself to social
work, serving communities in Reedsburg, Wisconsin
and Fergus Falls, MN, while raising two sons, Jeff
and Rand, with Carol. In his 50s, Rod transitioned
to education, discovering his passion for teaching
Sociology, Psychology, and related subjects. He
shared his expertise at various two-year post-
secondary institutions in west-central Minnesota,
continuing to inspire students well into his late 60s.
During his early adulthood, Rod was an avid runner
and even completed two marathons. Throughout
his entire adult life, and up until the day he passed
away, he found immense joy in long bike rides,
cross-country ski trips, and canoe rides. He always
shared these memorable journeys with Carol, and
often with close friends. Rod lived out his retirement
years with Carol at their home on Pickerel Lake,
several miles northeast of Detroit Lakes. Rod Nord
passed away in the summer of 2023 at the age
of 81. Rod believed strongly in the transformative
power of education, which is why he leaves behind
this endowment.
Oja Family Scholarship
The Oja Family Endowment Fund was established
in 2008 by George and Sally Oja. George and Sally
were teachers in Detroit Lakes for many years.
George was born in 1926 in Mountain Iron, MN.
George grew up in Ely, MN and graduated from
high school in 1940. He attended Ely Junior College
for two years. In 1942, he entered the US Army and
served as a medic for four years, most of which was
in the European Theater. He was discharged in 1946.
George graduated from the University of Minnesota
in 1948. He taught in a Military Academy for one
year before returning to the University of Minnesota
where he earned a Master’s Degree in 1951. A year
later, he joined the faculty in Detroit Lakes where
he taught science at the Detroit Lakes Junior High
School until his retirement in 1986.
George was a man of many interests. Hockey and
football were his favorite spectator sports. He ran
the time clock for the DL varsity hockey games for
25 years and for the DL varsity football games for
58 years. Sally was born in Little Falls, MN in 1932.
She graduated from Detroit Lakes High School
and received her degree in elementary education
from Moorhead State Teacher’s College. George
and Sally were married in 1954. They had one
son and one daughter. Sally was very involved in
community activities in Detroit Lakes. She served
on the Detroit Lakes City Council for 12 years. Sally
taught kindergarten and third grade in the Detroit
Lakes School District for 14 years. Managing many
kindergartners in her classroom was her specialty.
Her children said, “We realize that no one is perfect,
but we think she came pretty darn close!” George
and Sally felt strongly about the impact higher
education has on the lives of young people and
were pleased to establish their endowment fund to
benefit students in Detroit Lakes.
Lindy Olander Memorial Scholarship
Olander Bus Service, Inc. was founded in 1961 by
Lindy Olander and Lowell Arndt as a partnership.
Shortly thereafter Lindy Olander assumed full
interest in the company and continued to provide
charter service and operate school buses for the
Detroit Lakes School District. He worked for 34 years
alongside his children until his death in 1995. His
wife, Carol Olander, managed the company upon
Lindy’s passing and with the help of Lindy’s children
and grandchildren his legacy of safely transporting
Detroit Lakes’ most treasured assets continued.
Leadership of Olander Bus Service has now been
passed to the third generation with Nathan Olander
and family taking over in 2016. Motorcoach services
were introduced in 2017 with the addition of Olander
Coach. The call letters of the first motorcoaches pay
homage to Lindy and his son Steve Olander. Look
above the door and driver window to spot them!
The Olander family established an endowment
fund upon Lindy’s passing. The first scholarship was
awarded in 2000.
Edith Osterhout Memorial Scholarship
Edith Josephine Johnson was born on January 1, 1906,
in rural Audubon. She grew up and attended country
school there and then attended school in Detroit
Lakes. She graduated from DLHS and attended
Moorhead State Teachers College, graduating with
a teaching degree. Her first teaching job was in
Colorado, where she rode a horse to school each
day. During World War II she moved back to Audubon
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and taught school. In 1941 she purchased property
on Cotton Lake, a homestead she dearly loved. She
was married to Bradley Osterhout in 1955. Over the
years she helped in the care of her mother, brothers
and sisters during their ill health.Edith passed away
in 2003 and an endowment fund was established
in her honor. The first scholarship was awarded in
2005.
Julie Nettestad & John Pearson Memorial
Scholarship
Julie Ann Nettestad was born on Sept. 13, 1956, in
Pelican Rapids. She later moved to Moorhead,
MN, graduating from Moorhead High School in
1974. After moving to Detroit Lakes, Julie worked
at the Detroit Lakes High School for 21 years as
secretary to the DLHS principal, up until the summer
of 2005, when her illness forced her to retire.
Julie and her soulmate, John Pearson, resided at
their Hungry Lake Ranch by Frazee. Julie enjoyed
taking drives, her dog Lena, and spending time
at the lake with family and friends. After a tough
battle with cancer, Julie passed away in 2006.
John Thorval Pearson was born on May 6, 1961, in
Detroit Lakes, MN. He graduated from Detroit Lakes
High School in 1979, where he participated in band,
football, and hockey and earned his nickname,
Scrapper. He attended Concordia College in
Moorhead, MN for 2 years until a knee injury ended
his hockey playing career. John returned to Detroit
Lakes where he was involved in various business
ventures. John loved spending time with his family
and friends, and found peace in the great outdoors.
Hunting, fishing, skiing, tubing, snowmobiling,
kayaking, roasting brats and s’mores, and watching
the beautiful sunsets on Hungry Lake were just a
few of John’s favorite activities. John passed away
in 2018 after a long, courageous fight with cancer.
The Julie Nettestad & John Pearson Memorial
Scholarship is given to a DLHS graduate who intends
to pursue a career in education.
Phaser Marketing Trade School Scholarship
Phaser Marketing is a digital marketing agency
started by class of 2014 DLHS alumnus Luke
Eggebraaten. His agency specifically works with
excavation companies across North America and
helps them increase their online presence. Luke
and his wife Olivia started this scholarship for
DLHS students back in 2021 and it is awarded to a
student that is going to attend a trade school! Luke
has a deep passion for showcasing the incredible
opportunities and career paths that the trades can
offer. Whether you become a plumber, electrician,
carpenter, heavy equipment operator, or any of the
other trades, this scholarship is dedicated to you.
We need more people like you to continue building
America. Let’s go!
Dean Piche Memorial Scholarship
Dean Carlo Piche was born in 1933 in Mahnomen,
MN. After moving to Detroit Lakes and graduating
from Detroit Lakes High School in 1951, he attended
Concordia College. Dean was a very talented
vocalist who performed solos in the famed
Concordia Christmas Concert during each of his
college years. After college graduation, Dean was
a music teacher in the Fargo Public Schools and
then, seeking sunshine and warmer weather, he
relocated and taught music for many years in
Mesa, AZ. After a long career in music education,
Dean decided to pursue a degree in counseling. He
was then employed as a counselor with the Travis
Unified School District in Vacaville, California. In his
later years, Dean became a financial advisor. Dean
was a lifelong bachelor. Prior to his death in 2009 he
established a trust fund for the Detroit Lakes Dollars
for Scholars organization. In 2012 the first annual
scholarship was awarded to a DLHS graduate.
Pro Resources Scholarship
Pro Resources provides an outsourced human
resource department for your business. Our Detroit
Lakes-based HR professionals provide personalized
guidance and innovative solutions to streamline
your HR operations, ensure compliance, and position
your business for success. Most of our clients are
based in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South
Dakota; however, with remote work, some have
employees across the country. Pro Resources can
handle your company’s employee administration,
payroll administration, benefits administration,
workers’ compensation, and wellness programs. Pro
Resources supports our community’s youth. We have
been providing scholarships to DLHS graduates
since 2020.
RE/MAX Lakes Region Scholarship
At RE/MAX Lakes Region, we believe in investing in
our community, and there is no better investment
than supporting students in higher education.
We are proud to be a part of Dollars for Scholars.
Congratulations, graduates! The world is full of
endless opportunities with hard work and dedication.
Sanford Health Scholarship
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the
United States, is dedicated to transforming the health
care experience and providing access to world-
class health care in America’s heartland. Sanford
Health Detroit Lakes Clinic offers comprehensive
primary care, walk-in care, specialty care, and
surgical services. Sanford Health Detroit Lakes also
provide sports medicine services for the Detroit
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Lakes High School athletic teams with 2 full-time
certified athletic trainers. This partnership spans
over 30 years. Devoted to education advancement
and workforce development, Sanford Health Detroit
Lakes clinic is happy to contribute to the Dollars for
Scholars program to support continued growth and
development in our youth. Congratulations to the
2024 seniors, your futures are bright!
Tom Schmitz Memorial Scholarship for Mental
Health Awareness
Tom was the 3rd of 4 kids. We played cars together
when we were little, he let me play football (with
pads) with his friends, and he was my protector since
birth. Uncle Tom was our daughter’s godfather and
loved to watch our son play football. He worked hard
and fulfilled his dream of becoming a pharmacist.
He married and had 4 beautiful children. At the age
of 53, he lost his battle with mental health and died
by suicide. His kids were 4, 6, 9 and 11. He had so
much to live for. What could have possibly been so
bad that he felt there was no other way? Why did
he do this to his children, his parents, his siblings,
family and friends? This is a question many family
and friends ask that they will never have answers
to. Why?
July 15, 2021, was the worst day you can imagine
for my family. If only he would have reached out to
someone, if only we saw some signs, if only he knew
he was not alone. We’d like you all to know, that if
you are struggling or know someone who is, please
reach out to a parent or guardian, a family friend, a
teacher, your church, or any trusted adult. There are
so many people that love you even if you do not feel
it at the time. The world is a better place with you
in it and it’s ok to not be ok! It’s time to talk about it.
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. A
quote by Maya Angelou “No matter what happens,
or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will
be better tomorrow.” You are enough and you are
not alone. Tom will be forever missed by friends and
family. This scholarship is given to a student pursing
an education in a mental health related degree by
Jodi and Dave Pavek, in memory of Jodi’s brother
Tom Schmitz.
Walter Schweigart Memorial Scholarship
Walter W. Schweigart and Ardis H. Nelson were
married on May 31, 1942 and upon Walter’s discharge
from the service after World War II, they moved to
rural Detroit Lakes and purchased a small farm.
Walter had been in the signal corps during his tour
of duty and was hired by Northwestern Bell. He was
given the responsibility of being lineman for Height
of Land township and the surrounding area. In 1958,
Walter and Ardis had the opportunity to purchase
the Callaway Telephone Company, which they did.
 This ended his employment with Northwestern Bell,
but their friendship with the NW Bell people and
employees remained. Walter and Ardis owned and
operated the company until Walter’s death in 1995.
Their son, Edward, along with Ardis, continued to
run the company until the company was sold to
Arvig Communications in 1997. Edward remained
with Arvig for another 25 years until he retired in
2022. Walter and Ardis taught their family many
valuable lessons that could be passed along to
future generations. They earned their success
through hard work and determination. After the sale
of the company to Arvig, Ardis and their children Ed
and Linda established an endowment fund to help
make it possible for students in the Callaway and
surrounding area to further their education. Ardis
said that Walter and Ardis “shared their lives and
their dreams and worked hard.” She felt Walter
would be proud of the scholarship fund which would
give back to the community in which they lived and
worked. The Schweigart scholarship is designated
for students in the Callaway and surrounding area.
George & Margaret Seaworth Scholarship
The Seaworth scholarship is awarded to students
who will be attending UND preferably majoring
in Engineering. It honors George and Margaret
Seaworth whose 4 grandchildren graduated from
Detroit Lakes HS (Erin, Katie, Kelly and Michael).
George was a 1935 graduate of The University of
North Dakota with a degree in Civil Engineering and
served as a combat engineer with the US Army
in WW2. After WW2 they raised their family in
Bismarck, N.Dak. and emphasized the importance
of education and community service.
SJE Rhombus Foundation Scholarship
SJE is a Detroit Lakes-based company that offers
a complete line of sump, effluent and sewage
controls for residential and commercial applications.
The company was founded over 40 years ago.
Since 1975, SJE has grown to become a leading
manufacturer of reliable, trouble-free liquid level
controls for the water, wastewater, and sewage
industries throughout the United States and
Canada, as well as into global markets. The SJE
Foundation supports programs designed to improve
the quality of life in Detroit Lakes and surrounding
communities through education, personal growth,
community development, and health improvement.
The SJE Foundation has been providing scholarships
to DLHS graduates through the Dollars for Scholars
program since 2006. SJE wishes all the graduates
the best of luck and we are proud to support the
Dollars for Scholars program! Congratulations to the
graduating class!
P
PG 28
Kate West Emerson Spaeth Community Caring
Scholarship
Kate was born March 22, 1983, in Hallock, MN and
passed away at the age of 39. She grew up in
Detroit Lakes and graduated from Detroit Lakes
High School in 2001. She was an avid deer hunter
and enjoyed hanging out with family and friends.
Those who had the joy of knowing or meeting Kate
are quick to mention her smiling, cheerful demeanor,
her gentle spirit and her willingness to always offer
her help whenever needed. Kate was an organizer
from the time she was young.
Kate joined the DL Jaycees in 2015. This launched her
love to serve and volunteer. She was a passionate
leader whose many accomplishments included
being the Co-Admiral for the 82nd Water Carnival
in 2017, the Chapter President in 2019, and the
chairman for numerous other charitable fundraising
events, such as the Gifts for Kids Toy Drive and Rib
Fest competition. She was the 91st President of the
Minnesota Jaycees and received the Minnesota
Jaycee Statesman Award, which is awarded to
persons who display extraordinary dedication and
service to their community. Kate was also a board
member of the Detroit Lakes Area Community
Foundation. Her proudest moments were when
the organizations she was involved in were able
to donate funds or lend a hand to those in the
community who were most in need. Her generosity,
giving nature and willingness to serve with a smile
also extended to family and friends. The endowment
fund established in Kate’s memory was created by
family and friends of Kate to highlight her service
and enthusiasm in volunteering. The intention of the
scholarship is to inspire DLHS graduates to follow
the same selfless path that Kate did while making
their communities a better place. To quote one of
Kate’s many friends, “Kate’s torch is most certainly
not out- she has just passed it on to the next in line”.
Squires Family Scholarship
LeRoy “Bud” Squires was born in Mahnomen, MN, in
1938. He graduated from Detroit Lakes High School
in 1957. LeRoy served in the United States Air Force
from 1957-1962 as a firefighter and rescue crewman.
After the service, LeRoy returned to his hometown of
Detroit Lakes. LeRoy and Anita Smith were married in
1963. They resided and raised their children in Detroit
Lakes. With his father, LeRoy formed and organized
the Squires Body Shop. After the death of his father,
he operated and managed the business for almost
40 years. In 2001, he sold the body shop and retired.
Throughout his lifetime, LeRoy had a servant’s heart,
serving his community in numerous organizations
and positions. He served on the Detroit Lakes Fire
Department, where he helped organize and start
the Diving Team and Rescue Squad. He was actively
involved with Jaycees and was President of the
Minnesota Jaycees in 1973 & 74. He was one of the
original stockholders of the Industrial Development
Corporation where he served on the board and was
President during the purchase of the 640 acres for
the current Industrial Park. LeRoy was also very
active in the Detroit Lakes Noon Rotary Club until
his death. He had perfect attendance for 37+ years!
LeRoy was quick to lend a helping hand, served
up with a great big smile and a positive attitude.
LeRoy had many hobbies, such as: hunting,
fishing, gardening, collecting and cooking maple
syrup, smoking meats and dehydrating fruits and
vegetables. He enjoyed spending his time teaching
at the tech school and the Boys and Girls Club.
He was extremely involved with Lund Lutheran
Church. He enjoyed traveling across the U.S. to visit
classmates, service buddies, family and friends.
In 2016, LeRoy’s children, David, Ann and Alan
established the Squires Family Endowment to honor
their father’s commitment to education.
Von & Brian Stoen Scholarship
As Detroit Lakes High School alumni we have been
lucky to be a part of this generous community. Our
children and grandchildren were recipients of funds
from Detroit Lakes Dollars for Scholars and we’ve
seen the impact education had on their future.
We feel fortunate to be able to give a scholarship
and would encourage others to consider paying it
forward. Congratulations graduates! Follow your
dreams and remember what it means to be a Laker.
Les Strand Memorial Scholarship
Les Strand came from a newspaper family in North
Dakota. His parents owned a small hometown
newspaper. When it was sold they moved to Fargo,
North Dakota and his father began working for
the “Fargo Forum”. While Les attended college he
worked in the news business, eventually landing a
job after graduation with the newspaper in Detroit
Lakes. After working in that position for a time, Les
applied for the position of publicist for the newly
created WeFest Corporation. Les landed the job
and became a stockholder in the company. Les
was an outstanding journalist. He would think and
twirl the ends of his mustache at the same time. He
wanted things to be accurate and correct. He was
very careful how he used the power of journalism. In
1989 some of the WeFest employees went to dinner
in Dunvilla to celebrate the great festival that had
just ended. On the way home Les rolled his car on a
curve, was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from
the car and passed away shortly thereafter. This
scholarship endowment was begun by WeFest and
Jeff Krueger to honor Les and his love of journalism.
PG 29
TEAM Lab Scholarship
Laker Class of 2024, congratulations on your
upcoming graduation! We at Team Laboratory have
witnessed you excel at Detroit Lakes High School and
are proud of you! There’s no place like home and the
community support you will take from here into your
future! We are happy to be a part of this support
through the Dollars for Scholars program and your
scholarship award. Always remember: keep your
#SailsUp, and continue being #ChampionsInLife.
T.I.P. (Turn In Poachers) Gaming- Ottertail Chapter
Scholarship
Established in 1981 by a group of concerned
sportsmen, Turn In Poachers (TIP), Inc. is a 501(c)
(3) non-profit educational organization of citizens
dedicated to curbing the illegal taking of Minnesota’s
fish, wildlife and natural resources. It encourages
the public to report natural resource violations and
educates the public about the effects of poaching.
TIP does not receive any funding from the State of
Minnesota or the Department of Natural Resources.
The organization is entirely funded through gambling
proceeds, memberships, donations, and fundraisers.
TIP Gaming- Ottertail Chapter- has provided several
donations to our local communities for trap teams,
fire departments, Toys for Tots, high school sports,
and many more, as well as an annual scholarship
since 2010 for DLHS graduates pursuing majors in
law enforcement, wildlife management, forestry or
other related fields.
Wild Rice Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Wild Rice Electric Cooperative is a rural electric
cooperative located in Mahnomen, MN, that
proudly services 11,907 members in rural areas,
including Mahnomen County and parts of Becker,
Clay, Norman, Polk and Clearwater Counties. Wild
Rice Electric is dedicated to our youth in the area
and supports students pursuing post-secondary
education. They have elected to donate funds
from unclaimed capital credit checks to create
scholarships for higher education for graduating
seniors. Since the first scholarships were awarded
in 2001, a total of $291,500 in scholarships has been
awarded. This year, forty-two $750 scholarships will
be awarded to qualifying students in eleven local
school districts. Detroit Lakes High School graduates
will receive four of these scholarships.
Jill Wothe & Garth Cannon Family Memorial
Scholarship
Garth Cannon was born on January 18, 1974, in
Detroit Lakes. He attended Holy Rosary Elementary
School in Detroit Lakes through 6th grade. He then
attended the Detroit Lakes Public Schools. Garth
graduated with honors in 1992. He later enrolled in
Minnesota State University in Moorhead, MN. Garth
spent summers as a window washer and a cook at
 Perkins Restaurant and worked numerous odd jobs.
He helped neighbors and friends with yard and dock
work.
Jill Wothe was born on May 28, 1974, in Detroit
Lakes and attended Holy Rosary Elementary School
through 6th grade. She then attended the Detroit
Lakes Public Schools, graduating with honors in
1992. After graduation she attended the College of
St. Benedict in St Joseph, Minnesota, on an academic
scholarship. While at St. Ben’s she worked as a
classroom instructional intern with Michael Thomas,
a 3rd grade teacher at St. Joseph’s Elementary
School. Jill and Garth were members of the DLHS
choir and also the Holy Rosary Catholic Church choir,
where they participated in a televised Mass. Both
of them helped with Mr. Doebbert’s early morning
math tutoring groups before beginning their own
school day activities. They were also involved with
the wrestling program. Garth wrestled throughout
his high school years and was also on the football
team. Jill was a cheerleader and cheered for both
football and wrestling. It was Garth’s dream to
become a chemical engineer and Jill’s dream to
become an elementary school teacher.
Jill and Garth passed away in an automobile accident
on June 18, 1994. After their tragic deaths, friends
and family established two endowment funds in
Jill and Garth’s honor- the Wothe/Cannon Family
Endowment and the Eagles Club Endowment. While
Jill and Garth were unable to fulfill their dreams of
becoming an engineer and a teacher, their families
have been comforted knowing the annual Wothe/
Cannon scholarships have helped numerous DLHS
graduates realize their educational dreams.
Dr. Albert Zech Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Albert Zech, a 1925 graduate of Detroit Lakes
High School and a retired staff member at the
University of California, established a scholarship
endowment fund in 1992. Zech received the DL
Rotary Club’s outstanding athlete award for his
prowess in football, basketball and track following
his senior year in high school.Zech was an all-
conference football fullback at Moorhead State and
is a member of the Moorhead State Hall of Fame.
During World War II, Zech served with the U.S.
Navy and attained the rank of commander. He was
ranked #1 in the graduating class of 300 from the
U.S. Navy’s Physical Fitness program at Norfolk, VA.
ARSHIP
Zech served as Dean of Men at USC and also served
on the University Faculty Athletic Board. The Dr.
Albert Zech scholarships are awarded to students
who plan on attending a four-year Minnesota public
university.
PG 30
Dr. Albert Zech MSU-Moorhead Scholarship
Dr. Albert Zech, a 1925 graduate of Detroit Lakes High
School and a retired staff member at the University
of California, established a scholarship endowment
fund in 1992. After his senior year in high school, Zech
received the DL Rotary Club’s outstanding athlete
award for his prowess in football, basketball and
track. Zech was an all-conference football fullback
at Moorhead State College and is a member of the
Moorhead State Hall of Fame. The Dr. Albert Zech
MSU- Moorhead scholarships are in honor of Dr.
Zech’s affiliation with MSU. The annual scholarships
are awarded to students who plan on attending
Minnesota State University- Moorhead.
Joan Zeman’s Memorial Scholarships
Dollars for Scholars is a big night for our high
school seniors. It’s an even bigger night for me
because I get to give three $1,000 scholarships in
memory of my wife, Joan Zeman who was a special
education teacher at our Detroit Lakes High School.
In April of 2012 my wife Joan and I were six weeks away
from retiring on May 31, 2012. We were both excited
to start a new chapter in our lives, but in the last week
of April 2012, Joan was at school working and was
unable to walk. She was diagnosed with a cancerous
brain tumor that was inoperable. Joan fought the
good fight. She passed away on January 2, 2013.
Joan loved her family, church, and students at
Detroit Lakes High School. She would always tell
her students that they had more potential than
they could ever imagine and to chase their dreams.
Joan believed that all of her students would make a
difference in someone’s life by giving them a helping
hand! My wife looked for the best in everyone.
There is an old saying that says “the harder I
work the luckier I get,” With a good education and
work ethic you will be successful in anything you
choose to do. Joan would remind her students
to say “thank you” to their parents, teachers and
everyone who have helped them on their journey.
Joan had a heart of gold. She was a giving person
who always thought of others before herself.
 ROBERT &
JUNE PAULSON
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Robert H. Paulson was born in 1918 in Detroit
Lakes, MN. His wife June was also born in 1918.
The idea of a scholarship fund first came to Bob
Paulson when he was graduating from Detroit
Lakes High School. Although he himself enjoyed
all the advantages of living in town, in his words,
“Not a single rural kid from our school could afford
to go on to college.” Inspired by his mother’s
commitment to the community and education,
Bob put himself through college at Bowling Green
University, Ohio, and devoted his life to teaching in
rural high schools. He and his wife also spent time
renovating houses and running a small antique
shop. The Paulsons had no children of their own.
The Paulson Fund is managed by the Minneapolis
Foundation. The Detroit Lakes Dollars for Scholars
organization has the responsibility of facilitating
the local awards on the Foundation’s behalf.
Robert and June Paulson passed away in 2004
within three months of each other, both at the
age of 86. They were married for over 50 years.
Years from now, due to the kindness and
generosity of Robert and June Paulson, Detroit
Lakes High School graduates will have Bob’s
longstanding dream to thank for their incredible
gift.

After retiring, Bob and June began spending

HOLARSHIP
their winters in Arizona, where they collected
antiques to bring back to their antique shop and
also started a new business. At a time when
Arizona banks refused to finance houses for
out-of-towners, the Paulsons offered mortgage
financing to snowbirds like themselves. Both

ONSORS of these enterprises brought the Paulsons to

a point of financial security where they began
thinking about making their longtime dream of a
scholarship fund a reality. THANK YOU
In 1994 Robert and June Paulson created the Our congratulations go out to all of the
Robert and June Paulson Scholarship Fund. scholarship recipients, along with our best
or making a difference
This trust in our
fund for Detroit student’s
Lakes lives
High School wishes for the future.
graduates provides opportunity by way of
financial assistance for education in a substantial We would like to thank the many
and meaningful way. The recipient receives an businesses, organizations, and individuals
exceptional annually renewable scholarship. who made these scholarships possible!
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 BOARD MEMBERS
Our board and committee members are the heart of our chapter.
If you are interested in volunteering with us and becoming part of
the committee, please contact one of the individuals below:

President: Dr. Tom Seaworth

Vice-President: Karen Buboltz
Secretary: Brenda Muckenhirn
Treasurer: Nick Peterson

Wayne Benson Denise Kettner

Jessica Burhans Viva Lauinger
Edward Geffre Dr. Ryan Manke
Glenn Gifford Mike Norby
Mark Hagen Doreen Richter
Ruth King Angie Shoemaker

Donation Jessica Burhans

Inquiries jessica.burhans@midwestbank.net | 218.844.2995

Student Doreen Richter

Inquiries drichter@detlakes.k12.mn.us | 218.847.4491 x2324

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Printing and booklet composition compliments of Lakeshirts.
PG 32