Matthew S. VanderSalm Memorial Scholarship Fund


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 a two or four year college. Donations are gratefully accepted through the Kalamazoo 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 a scholarship application obtainable from their coach, the Kalamazoo Foundation, or the VanderSalm family and should be given to the Kalamazoo Foundation 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 scholarship application will be available on the Kalamazoo Community Foundation website at www.kalfound.org on or before January 1, 2008. The following must be submitted to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation no later than 5:00 pm Monday, January 21, 2008:

  • Scholarship application (completed and submitted online at www.kalfound.org)
  • An essay (not to exceed one type-written page) explaining why, based on the eligibility criteria above, you feel you should be considered for this scholarship, and include the name of the team of which you are a member.

If you have any questions, please contact Carol or Nancy at 269-381-4416.

Kalamazoo Community Foundation
151 South Rose Street, Suite 332
Kalamazoo, MI 49007-4775
Phone: 269-381-4416 | Fax: 269-381-3146

Visit www.kalfound.org for more information.

 

Previous winners of this award have been
NAME
SEASON
SCHOOL
Ned VanderSalm
1989-1990
Kalamazoo Eagles
Trevor Nanninga
1990-1991
Portage Central
Mike Swanson
1991-1992
Portage Northern
Scott Stevenson
1992-1993
Portage Northern
Ian Kendall
1993-1994
Portage Central
Jamie Benedict
1994-1995
Kalamazoo Eagles
Paul Dunphy
1995-1996
Portage Northern
Andy Winkel
1996-1997
Portage Northern
Shaun Williams
1997-1998
Kalamazoo Eagles
Chad Tarpley
1998-1999
Portage Central
Josh Cole
1999-2000
Kalamazoo Blades
Ben Poucher
2000-2001
Portage Northern
Brett Gerstner
2001-2002
Portage Central
Nino Garofola
2002-2003
Kalamazoo Eagles
Jeff Miller
2003-2004
Portage Central
Jordan Keller
2004-2005
Kalamazoo Blades
Alan Finder
2005-2006
Portage Northern
Brad Grossa
2006-2007
Kalamazoo United



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