Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
Houghton, Michigan—In a continued effort to help students in need, a challenge has been issued to the community to help grow the Bernard F. Gaffney Memorial Scholarship fund at the Keweenaw Community Foundation. Ted Gaffney, the son of the late Bernard F. Gaffney, will match up to $5,000 in donations made to the endowment.
The Bernard F. Gaffney Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2000 to honor the memory of Mr. Bernard F. Gaffney who was the principal of Houghton High School from 1937 to 1961 and the Superintendent of Houghton-Portage Township Schools from 1961 to 1966.
Mr. Ted Gaffney, along with a group of alumni from the Class of 1947, has been instrumental in establishing and promoting the scholarship fund. The purpose of the fund is to help Houghton High School students or graduates who demonstrate character, need, and determination to achieve their specific educational or training goals.
“My father was always trying to help the little guy,” said Ted Gaffney. “In his memory, we are continuing his legacy by helping the people in need of help who are continuously working to grow personally and professionally.”
Two scholarships are currently being awarded each year. The deadline for applications is May 2nd, 2016, and applications can be found online at http://keweenawcommunityfoundation.org/grants-scholarships/scholarships/.
The two recipients of the scholarship for 2015 were Callie Aittama and Kayla Jacobson. Both of these outstanding students showed initiative and character as well as motivation to continue their education. Callie is attending Eastern Michigan University to pursue her degree in nursing or social work. Kayla is attending Michigan State University to pursue her degree in nursing.
Individuals looking to donate to the project can contribute to the Bernard F. Gaffney Memorial Scholarship endowment with the Keweenaw Community Foundation (KCF). Donations can be made online at www.keweenawgives.org.
