Michigan Family Creates Scholarship Honoring Veteran Dad

A new scholarship at Kingsford High School will keep one veteran's legacy of service alive for generations of students to come.

The Jeffrey L. Church Memorial Scholarship honors Church, a 1972 Kingsford graduate who dedicated his life to serving others. After leading his senior class as president, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and later spent 36 years helping fellow veterans at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center until his retirement in 2012.

Church passed away in October 2025, but his family partnered with his alma mater to create something meaningful from their loss. The scholarship will support students who mirror his commitment to both their school community and their country.

The award specifically seeks well-rounded students who participate in military programs like ROTC or the National Guard. Applicants must also be active in football, girls basketball, or the school band, reflecting Church's own athletic spirit and love for teamwork.

The first scholarship will be awarded to a member of the Class of 2026. Applications opened this month through the school's universal scholarship system and will close on February 26.

Why This Inspires

This scholarship does more than provide financial support. It connects today's students with the values Church lived every day: leadership, camaraderie, and dedication to serving those who served.

The Church family chose criteria that honor his whole life, not just one aspect. By requiring both military involvement and school activities, they're encouraging the same balance Church demonstrated throughout his years in the Air Force and at the VA hospital.

Kingsford High School's administration embraced the opportunity to coordinate the scholarship. For a small Michigan community, keeping local heroes' stories alive matters deeply.

Anyone who knew Church from his beloved "Church Camp" in Wisconsin or the local Elks Lodge understood his commitment to bringing people together. Now that spirit will help students pursue their own paths of service.

Families interested in contributing to the scholarship fund can contact the school's scholarship coordinator directly, ensuring Church's impact continues growing year after year.