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A new scholarship is available through the Keweenaw Community Foundation (KCF) in memory of Richard and Clara Fedewa, frequent visitors to the Copper Country. Clara moved to the area permanently after her husband’s death in 1988, where she became a member of the St. Ignatius church and lived at The Bluffs. The Richard and Clara Fedewa Scholarship pays tribute to the couple by providing financial assistance to female high school graduates who are members of the St. Ignatius parish, seeking to further their education at a college or trade school. Awards will be based on academic achievement, financial need, and parish/community involvement.
“When Richard and Clara met people who worked hard, and were trying to move ahead in life, they sought ways they could help,” said Deborah Fedewa, daughter of Richard and Clara, as well as founding contributor of the scholarship.
Clara Fedewa was born on a small, downstate farm, and at the age 13 moved in with a family in West Branch, MI so that she could receive a high school education. In return for room and board, Clara took care of the home owners’ children, cooked and cleaned. She later became a maid and waitress, but was always looking ahead to learn an employable skill that would help provide her a better life. When Clara and Dick Fedewa married, after WWII, they both established businesses in Saginaw, MI. When they approached retirement, they moved away from the city and joined in a combined barber and beauty shop.
The scholarship named for them is designed to assist a deserving woman with a never-give-up attitude so that she may start or continue her college or trade school education. Both Dick and Clara Fedewa believed in helping those who needed a boost.
This year’s scholarship will be available for $2,000. The deadline for applications is May 11th, 2018. Applications can be found online at the KCF website.
Individuals looking to donate to the project can contribute to the Richard and Clara Fedewa Scholarship endowment with the Keweenaw Community Foundation (KCF). Donations can be made online at www.keweenawgives.org.
