The Munson scholarship fund was established in June of 2012, by long-time Sturgis High School guidance counselor, tennis coach, and all-around Sturgis High School supporter Budd Munson and his wife Helen. The Fund was named in memory of Budd’s son Michael who passed away.
Munson dedicated more than 40 years to Michigan High School athletics and Sturgis Public Schools. He coached football, baseball, basketball, and boys’ and girls' tennis. In 1972 he established the first girls' tennis team which he built into a dominant program. Budd coached the Sturgis girls' tennis team for 27 years with a record of 311-15 and the boys' tennis team for 3 years with a record of 85-16. His coaching accomplishments included numerous championships, six undefeated seasons, and three state runner-up teams. Budd was inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1992, the Sturgis Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011, the Constantine Coaches Hall of Fame, in 2019, and was awarded the Michigan High School Coach of the Year in 1980. When not coaching he could be found manning the scoreboard or keeping the books for many sporting events and always found time to watch his favorite teams.
Budd spent his working life (and retirement) actively involved in a wide variety of Sturgis High School activities: his enthusiasm and dedication to the school and its students benefitted many through the years. He served Sturgis Public Schools as a Guidance Counsellor, and driver’s education instructor, and was a school bus driver for out-of-town events for many years. Budd had a passion for sports and even when not coaching he could be found manning the scoreboard or keeping the books for many sporting events and always found time to watch his favorite teams. Coach Munson passed away on September 29, 2022, at the age of 86 following a courageous battle with cancer.
Budd earned a Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education and General Administration from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. The Munson Scholarship recognizes Sturgis High School seniors as well as college students, pursuing a degree in business or accounting.
Graduating seniors and current college students who graduated from high schools in St. Joseph County, Michigan, can apply for this and over 40 other scholarships with just one application by visiting:https://www.sturgisfoundation.org/scholarships.