$500 Scholarship Announced

The Friends of the Graafschap Fire Department have announced a $500 scholarship to be awarded to a high school senior residing in the Graafschap Fire coverage area. FOGFD is a 501c non-profit that raises funds through the July 4th pancake breakfast and from private donors. This is the first-ever scholarship to be awarded. Other ways the group disperses funds is through Hungry for Christ, Toys for Tots, Shields of Hope, Great Lakes Children’s Burn Camp, Girls on the Run, Firefighter Cancer Support Network and Tunnels to Towers.

Details are listed below:

• Must be a high school senior
• Must graduate high school
• Must live in Graafschap Fire Department response area (see map above)
• Must be enrolled in some type of further education
  • Tech school
  • Trade school
  • College
  • Other post-high school education
• Must write and submit a 500-750 word essay
  • Possible topic ideas 
    • What do they plan to do to further their education?
    • How will they use the scholarship award?
      • Books, tuition, rooming, gas money, etc.
    • What was it like growing up in our area? 
• Essays will be evaluated and a winner chosen by a committee of (former) educators and/or others.

Please submit essays to davegrumney@graafschapfire.org before close of business on May 1, 2026.

All applicants will receive notification on their status on/about May 30. Winner will be notified June 1, 2026.

Any questions regarding the scholarship can be sent to Capt. Dave Grumney at the email link above or call the station at 616-396-4060 ext. 703.