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The Matthew S. VanderSalm Memorial Scholarship Fund was first given at the conclusion of the 1989-90 season. The award is named after a 1988 graduate of Gull Lake High School and an excellent 3-year defenseman for the Kalamazoo Eagles who was tragically killed in 1989, a victim of a drunk driver. His parents directed that a scholarship fund be established in his memory to be awarded to a senior defenseman who has been accepted to a two or four year college. Donations are gratefully accepted through the Kalamazoo Community Foundation for the fund. The award goes to the defensive player who displays the highest degree of sportsmanship, skill and team play during their high school hockey career. The selection is made by a panel consisting of the League president, League head referee, commissioner, members and friends of the VanderSalm family, and other board members of the SWMHSHL. Applicants must fill out an online scholarship application no later than January 20.

 

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The applicant for the Matthew VanderSalm Memorial Scholarship:

• Must be a graduating senior playing hockey on a team in the Southwest Michigan High School Hockey League.

• Must be a defenseman (not including goaltender).

• Applicant must be a player who plays the game of hockey not only with intensity, but with intelligence; one who understands the physical aspect of the game without feeling the need to retaliate; one who plays the game well AND with good sportsmanship.

• Must be planning to attend a two- or four-year accredited college or university within fifteen months of graduation from high school.
   

APPLICATION INFORMATION
The online eGrant Scholarship Application is available on the Kalamazoo Community Foundation web site at www.kalfound.org. The following must be submitted online to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation by midnight of January 20:

• Scholarship application (completed and submitted online at www.kalfound.org/scholarships)

• Essay: Address why you merit consideration for this scholarship. Include how extra-curricular activities, volunteer experiences and leadership roles have helped to prepare you for your choice of study. If you have overcome challenges or improved in motivation and achievement during high school and/or college, please provide this information also. In addition, include the name of your hockey team. (Attach the essay to the eGrant application electronically.)

I
f you have any questions, please contact Brittany or Nancy at 269-381-4416.

Kalamazoo Community Foundation
402 East Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Phone: 269-381-4416

Visit www.kalfound.org for more information.

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