Scholarships

In Memoriam Scholarships

What makes Whitmore Lake Public Schools and the Whitmore Lake community what it is, is the people who are dedicated to the Trojan community. Families of the incredible people below have chosen to invest in our young people as a way to honor their love ones and honor their impactful legacy. Each year when a Memorial Scholarship is awarded, we have a chance to share their stories, honor their memory, and inspire a WLHS graduate to follow their dreams and passions to make a positive contribution to their world--follow in the footsteps of those we remember.

Bonnie Henry Carpenter Memorial Scholarship

Bonnie Henry

Bonnie was a valued member of the Whitmore Lake Community who is fondly remembered for her countless hours volunteering in our community.

Many people and organizations benefited from her time including Whitmore Lake Public Schools, the Dramatic Arts and the Whitmore Lake Community Scholarship Fund where she served as a member of the Board.

Georgene Theresa Dignan Memorial Scholarship

Georgene Theresa Dignan

Georgene Theresa Dignan absolutely loved Whitmore Lake, and in her early years in the community she was a preschool teacher at Whitmore Lake Public Schools. Having taught well over 800 children in her tenure, she absolutely loved early childhood development.

That love that she shared with her children was evident every day and was returned to her whenever she would see kids she had in preschool, now in their 20s or 30s. They would come up to her and want a big hug. Her impact on this community and the many families is still felt to this day

Her family could think of no better way to honor her work and her life in Whitmore Lake than to develop a scholarship for a deserving Whitmore Lake graduate, preferably one who is pursuing an education in early childhood development.

Sue Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Sue Johnson

Sue Johnson was a devoted and valued member of the Whitmore Lake High School community.

After spending many years volunteering in the elementary, middle, and high school, Sue became the high school library secretary and media technician.

She also served many years on the Whitmore Lake Community Scholarship Fund Board. Sue's keen sense of technology, understated humor, and quiet way of supporting the needs of WLHS students and staff was greatly appreciated by all.

Donna Ball Memorial Scholarship

Donna Ball

For 27 years Donna taught elementary students in the Whitmore Lake Public Schools. She enjoyed her work there, and is fondly remembered by many of her former students who still kept in touch even though decades have passed since they were in her classroom. One of those students sent this message when he learned she had died: "While she may have left us today, she will always remain with all of us who loved and had our lives touched by her. To this day, I remember the poems she taught me as a child, and keep close to my heart a love and appreciation for words that was nurtured in her small classroom at Spencer Elementary. I know that I would not be where I am today without her guidance and her opening of a new world for me. I will miss her greatly."

Anna Belle Hunt Comins Memorial Scholarship

Anna Belle Hunt Comins

Anna Belle was an amazing person who married young, had children, put herself through school and became a teacher.

She worked at Whitmore Lake High School for 34 years as a teacher and then a guidance counselor. Anna Belle loved working with her "kids" at Whitmore Lake, even when those kids became the parents of the kids she was currently working with.

The Whitmore Lake family was an extension of her own family. She loved her time there and the people that she worked with. Anna Belle left a legacy of love that will not be forgotten by anyone whose life she touched.

Larry Steeb Memorial Scholarship

Larry Steeb

Larry Steeb is remembered by many Whitmore Lake alumni, staff and members of the community as one of the truly great teachers to have walked the halls of WLPS.

A teacher and coach for 35 years, he retired from Whitmore Lake Public Schools in 2006, shortly before his passing in February 2007. Those who took his classes remember a fiercely dedicated teacher who told the stories of history, economics and government that had lessons for today, and his mischievous grin followed by startling consequences for anyone who fell asleep in his class.

Mr. Steeb was also a legendary track and cross country coach, with generations of successful Whitmore Lake athletes telling stories of it being "a great day to be young and alive." He cared deeply about his students, athletes and colleagues, and gave the attention, hard work, discipline and respect that he asked from students, his teams and colleagues.

James B. Monroe Memorial Scholarship

James B. Monroe

James B. Monroe moved to Whitmore Lake in March of 1988. He was in fifth grade at the time. He was a wonderful young man who developed into a friendly, helpful, goofy guy. He had a little sister 11 years his junior that he adored. Jimmy had a great sense of humor and was helpful in mentoring new students when they came to Whitmore Lake. He loved video games, Detroit Piston basketball, Chicago White Sox baseball and much to his mother’s chagrin, Michigan State.

His death, from an auto accident, just before starting his Junior year in High School left a tremendous void in his mother’s heart. However, the class of 1996 were gracious enough to allow her to participate in float building, chaperoning dances, and assisting with the Senior all night party. The class of 1996 even dedicated the senior slideshow at their commencement to him! Jimmy’s mom, Carol, attempts to pay back a small part of the love and support the community showed her with these two scholarships in his memory.

Julianna M. Brown Memorial Scholarship

Julianna M. Brown was a strong believer in education. She is fondly remembered by her niece Laura Schwennesen and her family who award two scholarships in Aunt Julianna's memory each year.

Glenn Bachman Memorial Scholarship

Glenn Bachman

Glenn Robert Bachman was a well loved Superintendent of Whitmore Lake Public Schools for many years.

He is remembered as an effective administrator who hired many very effective school teachers and staff who still are with Whitmore Lake Schools today.

Glenn was a kind and thoughtful leader of our school district, who remains fondly remembered by people across the Whitmore Lake Community.

John A. Rorabacher (1963) Memorial Scholarship

John A. Rorabacher

Having come from a family who lived in Whitmore Lake since 1906, John was a proud Trojan. This 1963 WLHS graduate had an amazing sense of humor and a lightening speed come-back to any and all subjects. During his time at WLHS he participated in football, track, basketball and wrestling. He stared in school plays, served as president of the Varsity Club and on Student Council. He went on to be a university professor, published author, husband and father to two sons. His quick wit and ready smile drew people to him. The community of Whitmore Lake and the schools were very important to John. It is only natural that investing in WLHS graduates is part of his legacy.

Build Your Future Scholarships

Our Build Your Future scholarships are made up of individuals, businesses and nonprofits wanting to support WLHS graduates as they pursue study in a particular field--as they build their future. We are honored each year as our organization is given the opportunity to help gives our students a solid foundation with the support of the donors below.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Scholarship

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation's stated mission is to make the world a better place by being part of the building and strengthening of those in need of assistance.

The Foundation sponsors an annual scholarship in support of a young person going into the trades.

Dr. Jessica LaForest Achievement in Science Scholarship

Dr. Jessica LaForest

Jessica LaForest, MD graduated from Whitmore Lake High School in 1998.

She attended Eastern Michigan University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Honor’s Degrees in both Biology and General Studies in 2002. She then went on to receive her Doctor of Medicine Degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in 2006. Jessica then completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The University Hospital, an affiliate of The University of Cincinnati Medical School, in 2010.

After graduation, she returned to Michigan and took a position at Memorial Healthcare in Owosso, Michigan. She is currently the Chairperson for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has recently joined a private practice group in Owosso. As a past recipient of the community scholarship, she is wishing to aid other students on their scholastic journey into the exciting field of science!

John Reutter Public Service Scholarship

John went to WLPS up to 8th grade because at that time there wasn't a high school located in our town. (I don't want to give away his age, but the first graduating WL high school class was in the 1960's). John's family owned the peninsula and the property across from it that has now been developed. John served on the Northfield Township Fire Department and worked in public service for 30 years until he moved to Florida. This scholarship is to honor his family and his love for this community. The intent is to support a student who is pursuing law enforcement or fire science.

The RheTech Scholarship

RheTech LLC is a Whitmore Lake based company who sponsors a full $1,000 scholarship each year. The company has been in business for over 50 years and strongly believes in giving back to the local community through supporting scholarships and education in our Whitmore Lake community.

RheTech Vice President Jim Preston is a member of the Whitmore Lake Community Scholarship Fund Board and an active member of our community.

Ethical Exteriors Scholarship

Ethical Exteriors is a custom, residential shingle roofing company out of South Lyon, MI. The owner, Todd Wilson, has been in business for 18 years and recognizes the power of investing in the future generation of students pursuing the trades. In addition to awarding a full scholarship to a student pursuing the trades, Ethical Exteriors provides an apprenticeship program to students with a strong work ethic and desire to master a trade. You can learn more by contacting toddwilson@ethicalexteriors.com.

Griffith Veterinary Hospital Scholarship

Griffith Veterinary Hospital has been serving the community of Whitmore Lake for decades. Griffith's is family owned and operated by Dr. Barb Griffith-Watkins, who is very active in our community and has been a long time supporter of the Community Scholarship Fund. This is their first year providing a full scholarship. Their scholarship invests in a student that is focused on the sciences, and we are so grateful for their continued support.

People's Express

People’s Express is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located right in Whitmore Lake. We are dedicated to providing or assisting in finding
safe and reliable public transportation to empower individuals to maintain their independence and enhance their quality of life.

People's Express would like to express our support to the community as they have supported us for many years.
The People's Express scholarship aims to support graduates of Whitmore Lake High School as they pursue their post-secondary plans.

Trojan Pride Scholarships

The intangible quality that unites all WLPS students, staff, alumni, parents and Whitmore Lake community members together can be broadly described as Trojan Pride. Some students say it means family. Some staff members say it mean supporting one another in every way possible. We just know it is a powerful force that binds us together for life, inspiring everyone who is a part of the Whitmore Lake community to do what they can to see fellow Trojans succeed. The scholarships below are set up to celebrate and honor all things Trojan Pride.

Trojan Pride Battle of the Decades Scholarship

Starting in fall of 2020 during the COVID-pandemic, we challenged each decade of alumni to raise as much money as they could in one week to be crowned the Trojan Pride Battle of the Decades winner. By winning, that decade would have a scholarship awarded in their honor, get their name of a trophy and have bragging rights for an entire year. These scholarships are traditionally awarded to a student who exemplifies Trojan Pride--whether that is demonstrated with how they contribute to their community, if they come from a multi-generational Trojan family, and the list goes on.
2020 Battle of the Decades Winner: 1980s
2021 Battle of the Decades Winner: 2000s

Trojans Rise Up (TRU) Scholarship

The Trojans Rise Up Scholarship was created in 2021 by WLHS Class of 2007 graduate, Lawrence Savoy, and is awarded every other year. It seeks to award one WLHS graduate who has exceptional talent and natural intellectual potential but faces barriers that could prevent them from realizing their potential and preclude them from pursuing higher education (i.e. lack of funds to pay for school, low self-belief, or low GPA.) Candidates for this scholarship are nominated by their educators. The top three students who receive the most nominations are invited to apply. The WL Community Scholarship Fund Board, WLHS administration, and scholarship founder, Lawrence Savoy, choose the recipient based on their applications. The recipient will receive a two-year full-ride scholarship to Washtenaw Community College (valued at $6,000/year). The second-year will be awarded pending a GPA of 3.25 or higher.

"I’ve decided to create this scholarship to give back to the institution that made the most impact on my life and shaped the way I have become an adult. When attending WLHS, I acted out, got into trouble with the staff, tried to be a class clown at times, and did what I could to pass the class with the least amount of work as possible. In doing so, the one thing I accomplished correctly was listening. I listened to the teachers speak on advice, life lessons, the laughter and encouragement of what I could become, and even some that told me what I would never be if I didn't make a change." --Lawrence Savoy

Sponsored & Memorial Scholarships