Scholarship Funds
As of June 2008, $341,466.27 has been awarded in Foundation scholarships. 119 students from West Iron County High School have received Foundation scholarships as of that date. During the 2007-2008 academic year, $46,650.00 in scholarships were awarded.
Foundation scholarships are in three categories: (1) Continuous Endowments, (2) Limited Endowments, and (3) Future Endowments.
Scholarship funds with accrued dividends, income, and interest sustaining awards indefinitely.
1. Joseph and Betty Andreski Scholarship
Established and First Awarded in 1995
Mr. Andreski graduated from Iron River High School in 1929 and attended the University of Michigan. He was employed by the Civilian Conservation Corp as an educational adviser and served his nation in World War II. Upon discharge from the Army, Mr. Andreski was employed by the U.S. Forest Service for 31 years. He was a forest consultant following his retirement. Mr. and Mrs. Andreski established this scholarship for a graduating senior of West Iron County High School attending an accredited school of higher education majoring in forestry or environmental sciences.
Since 1995, 13 students have received the Andreski Scholarship.
2. Dr. Robert Artwich Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1998 and First Awarded in 2005
A 1970 graduate from West Iron County High School, Robert Artwich continued his education at Northern Michigan University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and then a Master of Arts degree in Biophysics. At the University of Minnesota he received a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1980. Dr. Artwich completed his residency at the Marshfield Clinic and St Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, Wisconsin.
In 1983 he moved to Oconto Falls to begin his internal medicine practice and by 1985 he established the clinic which bears his name. Dr. Artwich believed in education as the vehicle for helping others and found his purpose in treating his patients with sincere care. This scholarship is for a graduating senior of West Iron County High School attending an accredited school of higher education with a medical field major.
Since 2005, four (4) students have received the Artwich Scholarship.
3. Paula and Andrew Barton Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1999 and First Awarded in 2000
Paula Rachey Barton was born in Stambaugh, Michigan and graduated from Stambaugh High School in 1926. She and her six sisters and five brothers lived on a small farm outside of town where their father worked as a night watchman for a mining company. Paula was influenced by her teachers to complete high school and pursue a teaching career. After graduation from high school, she moved to Milwaukee to attend Milwaukee State Teachers’ College (now the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee), becoming the only person in her family to earn a college degree.
Paula took her first teaching job in 1927 in a one room school in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. Three years later, she began teaching in Muskego where she remained for four years. In 1934 she married Andrew Barton who owned a diary farm in the Prospect Hill area of New Berlin. Though they never had a family of their own, they were often visited by Paula’s former students. Their farm prospered and Andrew was selected by the federal government in 1961 to represent Wisconsin farmers on a national delegation that visited a number of European countries.
The Bartons farmed until 1967, when they retired to Waukesha. Mr. and Mrs. Barton wanted to assist young people in developing a trade and in receiving training for an occupation that would enable them to lead a fulfilling and financially self sufficient life for themselves and their family. Therefore, the purpose of the scholarship is to advance the education of a graduating senior from West Iron County High School in the field of technical or vocational training.
Since 2000, seven (7) students have received the Barton Scholarship.
4. Mildred DeWald Memorial Scholarship
Established and First Awarded in 2000
This scholarship is named as a memorial to Mildred DeWald, a resident of Iron County. This scholarship is to advance the education of a graduating senior from West Iron County High School in the field of special education. It is the intent of the DeWald scholarship to inspire promising teachers to rise and meet the instructional and support needs of students with cognitive and emotional impairments.
Since 2000, five (5) students have received the DeWald Scholarship.
5. George and Edla Erickson Memorial Scholarship
Established and First Awarded in 2004
George and Edla Erickson were lifelong residents of Iron County and strong advocates of the importance of education. This scholarship in their name is to advance the education of a graduating senior from West Iron County High School interested in pursuing a vocational skill or technology related occupation.
Since 2004, five (5) students have received the Erickson Scholarship.
6. Leslie and Aileen Fisher Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1999 and First Awarded in 2005
Leslie and Aileen Fisher were brother and sister born to Nelson and Lucia (Milker) Fisher of Iron River, Michigan. The Fishers graduated from Iron River High School: Leslie in 1921 and Aileen in 1923. Both were well educated. Leslie graduated from the University of Chicago and then from law school at Harvard. Aileen also attended the University of Chicago, but later transferred to the University of Missouri, where she graduated with a degree in journalism.
Leslie Fisher became a well respected attorney in Iron River and Aileen became a nationally recognized author and an award-winning poet residing in Colorado. Since the early 1930s, she has reached and touched thousands upon thousands of children with her writing. Her numerous books for children include All On a Mountain Day; The Story of Easter; The Best Little House; and Feathered Ones and Furry. Over fifty of her books have been Junior Library Guild selections.
The Fishers touched many lives and gave so much to the community of Iron River, which they loved. This scholarship annually presented to the valedictorian of the graduating class of West Iron County High School honors their memory and their commitment to their hometown.
Since 2005, three (3) students have received the Fisher Scholarship.
7. Lenore Moore Gibson Scholarship
Established and First Awarded in 2000
Established by M. Thoburn Gibson and Lenore E. Gibson, this scholarship is to advance the education of a graduating senior from West Iron County High School attending an institute of higher education with the intent to pursue a four year or an associate degree.
Since 2001, one (1) student has received the Gibson Scholarship. The Gibson Scholarship is renewable for up to three (3) years.
8. Iron River Alumnus Number One Scholarship
Established in 2001 and First Awarded in 2005
Established by an anonymous donor and alumnus of Iron River High School, this scholarship is for a graduating senior of West Iron County High School attending an accredited school of higher education majoring in secondary education.
Since 2005, four (4) students have received the Iron River Alumnus Number One Scholarship.
9. Robert Johnson Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2002 and First Awarded in 2004
Mr. Johnson was a 1943 graduate of Iron River High School and he was a civil engineer graduate from Michigan Technological University. He dedicated himself to learning and to improving the education of others in his community. Mr. Johnson served as president of the West Iron County School Board, as a trustee of the Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School Board, as a director of the Upper Peninsula Community Foundation, and as president of the West Iron County Education Foundation. His commitment to education continues through this scholarship. The purpose of the scholarship is to advance the education of a graduating senior from West Iron County High School in the field of civil engineering or, in the absence of a civil engineering applicant, another major in the field of engineering.
Since 2004, four (4) students have received the Johnson Scholarship.
10. Pauline Westman-Johnson Memorial Scholarship
Established and First Awarded in 1991
A graduate of West Iron County High School in 1969, Pauline-Westman Johnson continued her education and became a teacher. Miss Westman, as she was called by her students at the time, taught for many years at Bates Elementary prior to her marriage and relocation to Minnesota. This scholarship is for students interested in pursuing a career in elementary education.
Since 1991, 17 students have received the Westman-Johnson Scholarship.
11. Marian Hendrickson-Oliva Band Camp Scholarship
Established in 1999 with the Foundation and First Awarded in 2002 by the Foundation
Established by her family in the 1980's under the direction of the former 20th Century Club of Iron County, the Marian Hendrickson-Oliva Band Camp Scholarship Fund is now administered by the WIC Education Foundation. The scholarship continues to this day honoring the wishes of the Oliva family to advance the music education of a West Iron County High School student attending the Iron County Band Camp.
Since 2002, four (4) students have received the Oliva Band Camp Scholarship.
12. William D. Ross Family Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1995 and First Awarded in 1996
William D. Ross taught at Stambaugh High School for twenty years in Stambaugh, Michigan. His family established the scholarship to commemorate their long history in Stambaugh and to give back to the community in a meaningful way. The scholarship, which is renewable for a total of four years, is awarded to two graduating seniors of West Iron County High School who have demonstrated acceptable scholastic performance, reasonable participation in extra-curricular activities, financial need, and good personal behavior.
Since 1996, 22 students have received the Ross Scholarship.
13. Kim (Johnson) Shamion Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2006 and First Awarded in 2007
Kim Shamion was a 1984 graduate of West Iron County High School. Mrs. Shamion attended Northern Michigan University where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Marygrove College where she earned a Master’s degree. Mrs. Shamion was a third grade teacher in the Forest Park School District. Mrs. Shamion is remembered for having a zest for life, a delightful sense of humor, and she was a ray of sunshine to everyone who knew her. This scholarship is for a graduating senior of West Iron County High School that has been active in at least two (2) extracurricular activities, active in at least one (1) service organization, and personifies the "sunshine" characteristic of Mrs. Shamion in their life.
Since 2007, two (2) students have received the Kim Shamion Scholarship.
14. Curtis Vezzetti Scholarship
Established and First Awarded in 1996
Curtis Vezzetti was a pharmacist of 21 years employed by the Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Vezzetti was born in Stambaugh, Michigan and graduated from West Iron County High School in 1968. He received a bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy from the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 1973. Curtis Vezzetti was an avid sportsman and his faith was an inspiration to all who shared his last days with him. This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Curtis Vezzetti and is established to advance the education of a graduating senior from West Iron County High School in the field of pharmacy.
Since 1996, eight (8) students have received the Vezzetti Scholarship.
Scholarship funds based on an annual contribution or consuming the initial principal and accrued dividends, income, and interest to generate an award within a fixed or limited amount of time, usually until the fund is expired.
1. Willard Anderson Athletic Scholarship
Established in 2000 and Awarded in 2000
Willard "Coach" Anderson began his teaching and coaching career at Stambaugh High School in 1931 and by 1938 he was the head football and basketball coach. Under his leadership, the 1949 Stambaugh Hilltoppers became the first Barber Trophy winners as the Upper Peninsula Championship Football Team. He retired from coaching in 1961 and from teaching in 1971. Over 35 of his athletes became successful coaches and in 1974 he was elected to the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame. This scholarship honors Coach Anderson and was awarded to West Iron County graduating senior who participated in athletics at West Iron County High School.
Awarded in 2000 to one (1) student as a one-time scholarship.
2. Ethel A. Eusebio Nursing Scholarship
Established and First Awarded in 2004
Ethel Eusebio served her nation in a distinguished military career as a nurse. The calling of the medical field, and in particular nursing, is a noble service to humanity. Miss Eusebio hopes to inspire care and compassion in future nurses. The purpose of the scholarship is to advance the education of a graduating senior from West Iron County High School in the field of nursing.
Since 2004, five (5) students have received the Eusebio Scholarship.
3. Robert ("Bob") H. Loo Scholarship
Established in 2002 and Awarded in 2004
Bob Loo was a long-time resident of Iron County and a strong advocate of educational opportunities for students. Mr. Loo's provided a substantial donation for the construction of the Robert H. Loo Vocational Building, which now serves students of West Iron County High School. Bob Loo was also noted for his community service as a pilot for emergency air transport and animal tracking for the Department of Natural Resources. His commitment to education and service continues through this scholarship, which is to advance the education of a graduating senior from West Iron County High School attending a community college.
Awarded in 2004 to one (1) student as a one-time scholarship.
4. Elizabeth "Geeda" Kezerle Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2004 and First Awarded in 2005
Born of Italian immigrant parents, Elizabeth, "Geeda" to her friends and family, began school in Caspian, Michigan unable to speak English. She entered Stambaugh High School in 1929 in Stambaugh, Michigan. It was at this time that her parents moved from the city of Caspian into the country. As a result of Geeda’s interest in playing sports and taking an active role in her class, she opted to stay in Caspian and work at a "boarding house" (bus service to school did not exist at the time).
She successfully balanced school and working at the "boarding house" cleaning for room and board. She was an excellent student, an outstanding basketball player, and a born leader. She graduated in 1933, during the Great Depression and was never able to realize her ultimate goal which was to attend college. Therefore, it was her wish to help a hard working, athletic, young woman reach her goals. This scholarship is to advance the education of a graduating female senior from West Iron County High School, which through established scholastic performance and as a member of the West Iron County High School Girls Basketball Team, will continue her education at an accredited school.
Since 2005, three (3) students have received the Kezerle Scholarship.
5. Margaret "Maggie" Peterson Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2002 and First Awarded in 2003
Mrs. Peterson owned Scott’s Smartwear, which later became known as Maggie’s, an apparel shop in Iron River. This scholarship is to advance the education of a graduating female senior from West Iron County High School interested in the field of business.
From 2003 through it conclusion in 2007, five (5) students received the Peterson Scholarship.
6. Trummer Scholarship
Established in 2004 and First Awarded in 2005
Frank and Barbara Trummer deeply value and appreciate the benefits of higher education. As summer residents of Iron County they have enjoyed our community and they have established a scholarship fund to help graduates of West Iron County High School continue their education. This scholarship is for students attending an accredited public 4-year college or university.
Since 2005, four (4) students have received the Trummer Scholarship.
7. Diane Scalcucci Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2007
Diane "Dina" Scalcucci was born on April 13, 1925, in Iron River, the daughter of the late Frank and Zelinda (Paolucci) Silvestrini. She was a lifelong resident of the area and attended the Iron River Schools, graduating with the Class of 1943. She married Leonard “Bob” Scalcucci on June 10, 1947. The couple made their home in Iron River, celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary in 1996.
Dina worked with her husband at their business “Riverside Bar and Pizzeria.” They served footlong hot dogs, Friday fish fry, and their own famous pizza. In 1971, Dina and Bob started and pioneered the first “frozen” pizza. They owned and operated “Dina Mia Kitchens” in Iron River and restaurants in Rhinelander and Florence, Wisconsin. Dina was secretary/treasurer of the business until the couple retired in 1991.
The purpose of the Diane Scalcucci Memorial Scholarship is to advance the education of a graduating West Iron County High School senior at a four-year accredited college or university with a major in music, or in the absence of a music applicant, a culinary arts major.
Since 2008, one (1) student has received the Diane Scalcucci Scholarship.
Scholarship funds pending award and disbursements.
This page was last updated July 27, 2008.
Copyright © 2001-2008 by The Foundation for
Educational Opportunity
at West Iron County Schools. All Rights Reserved.