The Kris Fontaine

Memorial Scholarship


RedLakeFalls Education Fund

Kris Fontaine Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility, Application and Review Criteria

The Kris Fontaine Memorial Scholarship Fund (Fund) has been established through the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) as a restricted fund of the Red Lake Falls Education Fund to honor Kris Fontaine’s memory by furthering the educational opportunities for young people.

Through this Fund, annual scholarships will be awarded to qualified students from the Red Lake Falls (ISD #630) Lafayette High School, or its successor, who are pursuing post-secondary educationthrough a college, university, trade school, tech school, or other accredited non-profit technical or vocational education/training institution or program.

Eligibility Requirements

The students must have or will graduate from RedLakeFalls (ISD #630) LafayetteHigh School or its successors.

The student must indicate their intention to pursue post secondary education through a college, university, trade school, tech school, or other accredited non-profit technical or vocational education/training institution or program within six months of the award.

Successful candidates will have some participation, involvement, or demonstrated positive leadership qualities in the following types of activities:

  • School organized extra-curricular and/or volunteer activities
  • Community, church or non-school volunteer activities
  • Non-school work position

Grades will be considered but will not be a top priority; a high grade point average is not an eligibility requirement.

Financial need may be considered in awarding the scholarship but is not an eligibility requirement.

Previous recipients may reapply for a second year scholarship. Scholarship renewals are not guaranteed, as priority will be given to graduating seniors who apply.

Application Process

The student applicant will provide the selection committee with the following information when applying for this scholarship:

A brief completed application form available from the high school counselor or NMF.

A record of grades and attendance for grades 9-12. Student transcript from school of graduation is acceptable.

A copy of the letter of acceptance or dated letter of application to the college the student has chosen to attend.

A record of school and community involvement including extra-curricular activities, work history, and mentoring and/or volunteer activities.

A 250 word essay, written by the student, that answers these questions:

  • What are your goals in life? In particular, how has your involvement in extra-curricular activities prepared you to meet your goals?
  • Why you are applying for this scholarship?
  • Other than the financial support that comes with this scholarship, what impact do you think this scholarship will have on you?

One letter of recommendation from teachers, employer, minister, or members of the community other than family members. These letters should point out personal attributes the student has that would make her/him a good candidate for this scholarship.

Previous recipients applying for a second year scholarship must provide proof of successful completion of the first year, and enrollment for the second year.

Review Criteria

  1. Financial need will not necessarily be a predominant factor in awarding this scholarship.
  2. Student’s commitment and interest education.
  3. Demonstration of fitness and readiness for college and a likelihood of succeeding.
  4. Student’s education/work experiences as they relate to preparation for post-secondary education.
  5. For previous recipients, proof of successful completion of the first year and enrollment for the second year.

Selection and Award Protocol:

  1. Announcement of the scholarship selection shall be made in a letter from NMF or Fund Advisory Committee to the successful applicant. Letters will also be sent to all candidates announcing the scholarship selection.
  2. The award(s) will be presented according to the award procedure at the respective schools.
  3. The recipient must give written permission to publicize the award in the local media.
  4. The recipient is strongly encouraged to send a written acknowledgement and note of gratitude to NMF within 30 days of the award of the scholarship. This letter will be forwarded to the Fontaine family.
  5. The award check will be issued to the educational institution for the student after the NMF has been presented with BOTH a transcript of first semester/quarter grades and a tuition bill or class schedule for second semester.
  6. If a scholarship recipient changes or transfers to another educational institution they are asked to notify NMF immediately.
  7. If the first choice of the selection committee fails to attend college as scheduled, the award may be transferred to a second candidate.

Questions regarding the scholarship or the application should be directed to:

Secondary School Counselor Northwest Minnesota Foundation

Lafayette High School (ISD #630) Peggy Crandall

Box 399 or 201 3rd St. NW

Red Lake Falls, MN56750 Bemidji, MN56601

(218)253-2139 (800)659-7859


Northwest Minnesota Foundation

Kris Fontaine Memorial Scholarship Application

Applicant:

Address:

______

Phone: (218) ______e-mail ______

College you will attend:

(Attach a copy of letter of acceptance or dated letter of application.)

Recommended by:

& Relationship

to the student: (Please enclose one letter of recommendation in a sealed envelope.)

______Hockey participant______Golf participant

On an attached sheet of paper, please submit your 250 word essay addressing:

  • What are your goals in life? How has your involvement in extra-curricular activities prepared you to meet your goals?
  • Why you are applying for this scholarship?
  • Other than the financial support that comes with this scholarship, what impact do you think this scholarship will have on you?

By signing this application you acknowledge that you are the sole author of the submitted essay.

After reading the stipulations below, please initial each statement, sign and date this form.

*I agree to have my transcript, GPA, etc. examined by the selection committee._____

*I have provided a copy of my high school transcript._____

*I give permission to have the award publicized if I am selected._____

*I understand that I must provide NMF with proof of attendance (second semester/quarter class schedule or tuition bill) and successful completion (C average or better) of the first semester/quarter of college (transcript) before the scholarship will be distributed. _____

*I have enclosed a sealed letter of recommendation from a faculty member, minister, employer, or other member of the community. The letter of recommendation will include the writer’s name, address, and telephone number, should the selection committee have further questions they wish to ask that person. _____

Date: Signature: ______