Whitefish Scholarships Triple to $90K for Class of 2026

Whitefish High School seniors will celebrate something remarkable this month: nearly $90,000 in local scholarships, almost triple what students received just three years ago.

The Whitefish Education Foundation has grown its scholarship program from $32,500 in 2023 to nearly $90,000 this year. Including awards from other local sources, 32 seniors will receive 94 different awards totaling at least $140,000 at Monday's ceremony.

Four new scholarships launched this year show what the community values most. Retired foreign service officers Greg Adams and Colette Marcellin created an award for students interested in global affairs, foreign languages, or cultures beyond their own experience.

"Colette and I wanted to offer support and encouragement to students to raise awareness of the broader world outside of the borders here," Adams said. He finds value in connecting with younger generations as a retiree. "I learn a lot, just listening."

The high school's Student Outreach Committee, a club focused on mental health, created the Fund the Fish scholarship. It recognizes a senior who has positively impacted peers through mental health advocacy.

Bret and Ruth Luedke established an award for disadvantaged students or those with disabilities who understand education's power to improve lives. The Ann Marie Guenther Memorial Scholarship, created by her husband Mark, offers up to $10,000 to honor her passion for living life fully.

The Ripple Effect

Foundation Director Jesse Kuntz says the growth responds directly to rising costs of college and vocational schools. The organization provides two giving options: an invested fund or annual pass-through donations, making it easier for individuals, families, and businesses to participate.

The surge in scholarships means more Whitefish students can pursue higher education without crushing debt. Each new award reflects community members stepping forward to support specific causes they care about, from mental health to international understanding to supporting students facing extra challenges.

The awards celebration happens May 18 at 6 p.m. at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, where the community will gather to celebrate both the students and the neighbors who believe in them.