Caryl Kirsch Thompson established the Frank Tufts Scholarship Fund in memory of her daughter Vicki Poffenberger who was tragically taken from her family in a car crash in 1968.
Vicki was remembered as a well-mannered, well-behaved young lady. Her favorite teacher was Frank Tufts, and the scholarship was named in his honor. Caryl set the first scholarship to award the year Vicki would have graduated -1972. She took great pleasure in reviewing the applications and selecting the recipients until she died in 2002.
Upon Caryl’s passing, the scholarship fund became part of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation to continue her tradition of awarding scholarships to assist worthy students with their post-high school education. The scholarships are awarded for four years, provided the student maintains the required credit load and grade point average.
The Sturgis Public Schools Endowment Fund Advisory Board oversees the selection of recipients.
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.