High School Scholarships Available
A total of sixteen scholarships are available. Selection for scholarships will be determined by PSEF through review of your application. Up to $1,000 per scholarship will be awarded to Polson High School graduating seniors planning on attending any accredited post secondary college, university, or technical/vocational school. We invite you to read each scholarship below for any further eligibility requirements. All scholarship money will be paid directly to the school, college, or university indicated in you application. Money is equally divided over the academic terms of the school year. Applicants need to fill out only ONE application for all scholarships. The committee will determine which scholarship best fits each student.
Ken Avison Scholarship
Ken was a man of many talents. He had a long career and an interest in education as a school administrator both as a principal and a superintendent. He was a business man, who owned the Cove Deli for 17 years, and a magician. He loved to perform magic for kid’s birthday parties at the Cove. Ken was also a valued member of the Polson business community and a board member of Polson Scholarship and Education Foundation.
Robert Depoe III Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is offered in memory of Robert DePoe III, a past president of Salish Kootenai College. His strong beliefs in education were very important to him and for the students of SKC. He was committed to a high quality of excellence and education. He believed in students. He also believed in helping them understand their potential and knowing how to overcome obstacles so they become strengths. This scholarship is offered to a senior who plans to attend Salish Kootenai College.
Travis Dolphin Scholarship
Travis Dolphin, PHS 1987, believed that sports are the other half of education. He learned to be a team player from 6th grade through the collegiate level. He believed that furthering one’s education, learning to be a team player and supporting community and family are important aspects of life. The scholarship, in memory of Travis, for a PHS senior attending an accredited 2 year, 4 year, or vocational Montana school.
Mildred and Hib Hanson Memorial Scholarship
Born in Polson Hib Hanson, PHS 1936 and UM 1940, owned and was president of Security State Bank. During World War II Hib served in the Army Air Corps where he flew 157 missions in the European Theater and survived five crashes induced by enemy fire. Hib was deeply and quietly involved in many community activities, projects and charitable endeavors. He assisted with the creation of Sandpiper Art Gallery, was instrumental in the expansion of the Polson Public Library, spearheaded the drive to light the Polson Bridge, and arranged financing for many community improvement districts and school bond issues. Mildred supported him in his community endeavors. This is a scholarship in their memory.
Chris Hoyt Memorial Scholarship
The Polson community and Lake County lost one of its “good guys,” with the passing of Chris Hoyt, a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper. Chris, a PHS graduate, had a desire to help people, and he saw his role of trooper as that of an educator. To honor his memory the family has created the Chris Hoyt Memorial Scholarship for a PHS senior desiring education in the area of criminal justice, law or public service.
The Montecahto Club Scholarship
Montecahto Club is a Finley Point women’s social service club. Members work at various fund raising activities to provide a scholarship for area youth.
Polson School District #23 Employee’s Scholarship
Donations from the employees of Polson School District #23, Polson fund this scholarship. A student who plans to attend an accredited post-secondary 4 or 2 year college with the intent of attaining a Bachelor’s Degree is eligible for the Employee Scholarship.
Emma Sager – Women of Rollins Club Scholarship
This scholarship was established to celebrate, encourage and advance Women of Rollins’s objectives: “to assist our community in any way deemed essential by the members and to improve relations with all people within the community.” This scholarship is funded by donations from the WOR. Any PHS senior planning to attend an institution of higher learning may apply.
Trusler Family Vocational Scholarship
This scholarship is designed for students who plan to attend an accredited post-secondary community college or technical school with the intent of attaining a Certificate of Completion or Associates Degree.
Class of 1959 Scholarship
Polson High School Class of 1959 offers a scholarship to a Polson High School graduating senior planning to attend an accredited college, university, technical school, junior college or vocational school.
Polson Beta Sigma Phi Scholarship
Polson Beta Sigma Phi is providing a scholarship to recognize a deserving student who intends to enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning. Donations are from Beta members. Polson Beta Sigma Phi is part of a international women’s organization and has been active in the Mission Valley for over fifty years.
Larry Holman Family Scholarship
The Holman family wishes to provide a scholarship to a Polson High School senior who is in need of financial assistance. Several members of the family either attended PHS of graduated from PHS.
Jessie Clemans Memorial Scholarship
Jessie Clemans was an innovative nurse that enjoyed a 25 year career at St. Joseph Hospital. She was also recognized as a talented cardiac nurse. Jessie graduated from Polson High School in 1943 and completed her nurse’s training at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula before entering the Nursing Cadet Training Program in Fort Lewis, Washington. She valued the medical community and wanted others to be able to further their education in the medical field. This scholarship was created in her honor. this scholarship is for students interested in the medical field.
George Mahoney Memorial Scholarship
In 2002 Mr. Mahoney and several community members started the non-profit organization, Polson Dollars for Scholars, later re-named Polson Scholarship and Education Foundation. George was elected Vice President at that time and held the office for seventeen years. He was the main force behind PSEF being the sponsor of the Lake City Open Golf Tournament held the first weekend in May. This event is one of our major fundraising functions to provide money for scholarships. George was a wonderful supporter, board member and devoted to providing scholarships for Polson High School graduates. He was also a very active member of the Polson business community as he owned and operated Polson Bay Grocery for thirty-five years. This scholarship is offered in memory of George Mahoney.
Roger McClure Scholarship
Roger’s life’s work was centered around education but he also believed in lifting people up whenever and however he could. Comments from a friend and faculty mate were “He was Polson High School (PHS) Guidance Counselor for 27 years; Roger was a life-long advocate for kids". While serving as a counselor and friend at PHS, he was responsible for the academic and social successes of the many students he mentored. Former students, fellow faculty members, and friends will forever retain fond memories they were able to share with Roger. His keen sense of humor, depreciating style, love for others and caring spirit made knowing him a true blessing. He was a loyal, true friend.
Janis Jette Scholarship
Janis Jette, 30-year Polson High School English teacher, loved students dearly and held them accountable. Her tireless energy, commitment and dedication also led her to deep involvement in her profession. She helped institute Senior Portfolios/Presentations, spent countless hours coaching Polson’s award winning Speech and Drama Team members, coordinated the Job Shadowing Program, and assisted and presented in the state and throughout the Northwest with Polson’s nationally award winning SAILS Portfolio/Pathways program. This scholarship is offered to any PHS senior planning to attend an institution of higher learning.