Important Information for Briggsdale High School Alumni
FROM: The Briggsdale High School Alumni Scholarship Committee
DATE: April 9, 2026
Dear Briggsdale High School Alumni:
As you may know, the BHS alumni association administers an ambitious and impressive scholarship program. You may not have realized that some of these awards go to graduates of BHS who are continuing their education.
We have two questions for you: Are you considering continuing your education at a college or university? Are you pursuing training or education to work within a specific trade industry such as cosmetology, welding, truck driving, or medical technician?
If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, there are scholarships available for you, and we hope you will submit an application.
As you complete your application materials, please focus on your experiences after graduating from BHS. What are you learning? How are you growing personally and professionally? How are your courses contributing to your career goals? How will you become a contributing member of society as a result of your educational experiences? How are you participating as a student in your academic community? What are your successes and challenges? Are you volunteering? Are you working?
Please include at least one letter of recommendation from a current professor, post-secondary instructor, or academic advisor. The second letter can be submitted by a current employer, supervisor, or coach. Letters must be submitted on letterhead and signed.
Application packets must be received by Mrs. Cathi Fulton, by 4:00pm on Friday, May 8, 2026. The recipient(s) will be announced at BHS graduation in May and at the BHS Alumni banquet in June. You will also be notified by email and by letter.
Application Instructions
By completing a single application packet, you will be considered for multiple scholarships. Please begin by filling out the Application Packet Cover Page, indicating which scholarship(s) you wish to apply for:
-
91 Red Bluens!
-
Anonymous Family Fund
-
Dorothy, Whitey, Andy and Merietta West Memorial
-
Evelyn Mae (Schmidt) Schwisow Memorial
-
Teresa Baxter Fassler Memorial
Your application packet must include the following elements:
1.
Application Cover Page (page 5 of this document).
2.
A formal letter reviewing your accomplishments since graduating from BHS, and your goals for the future. Please include:
a.
School activities
b.
Honors or special recognition
c.
Community activities/work experience
d.
Briefly discuss future aspirations/goals for your education and career
e.
State briefly your need for financial assistance
3. Two (2) letters of recommendation from current references, such as professors, instructors, advisors, employers, or others who know you as a college/trade school student.
4.
Official transcript(s) from all institutions of higher education, showing current grade point average and expected graduation date
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please use the checklist provided on the Application Cover Page to verify all elements are included. Note that the privately funded awards have specific application requirements.
Please scan your entire application packet and save it as a PDF file. Submit the PDF file by email to mrsfulton@briggsdaleschool.org. Applications must be received no later than 4:00pm on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Scholarship Guidelines
The following information pertains to each scholarship:
91 RED BLUENS! SCHOLARSHIPS Sponsored by an Alum of the BHS Class of 1991
1.
Two (2) $500.00 scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors or past graduates of Briggsdale High School. This scholarship money is to be used for education or training programs that lead to certification, licensure, or standard preparation to work within a specific trade industry.
2.
Consideration will be made to:
a.
Students who have demonstrated talent consistent with a career in a trade industry.
b.
Students who have evidence of good citizenship.
c.
Students who document extracurricular activities.
d.
Students who have shown passion for endeavors in which they have engaged.
e.
Students who provide evidence of financial need to pursue preparation for a trade industry.
ANONYMOUS FAMILY FUND SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA
One (1) $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a Briggsdale High School graduating senior or an alum who is enrolled in an institution of higher education.
Consideration will be given to BHS alumni enrolled in university or college programs who provide the following application requirements:
1. A formal cover letter that includes:
a. a review of your activities and accomplishments during the current academic year
b. a discussion of how your current educational experiences connect to your career goals
c. reflection about ways you have changed or grown through your university/college
experiences
d. consideration of what you have learned as you negotiated challenges
2. Two current professional letters of recommendation (on letterhead) from the following:
a. At least one letter from a university professor, advisor, supervisor, or coach
b. A second letter from a university-based reference (preferred), employer, or supervisor
3. Post-Secondary transcript
DOROTHY, WHITEY, ANDY AND MERIETTA WEST MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS
1.
Two (2) $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to current (2026) or past graduates of Briggsdale High School who are enrolled, or will be enrolled, in an institute of higher education for the 2026-2027 academic year.
2.
Consideration will be made to:
a. Students maintaining a consistently high grade point average and in good academic standing.
b. Those involved in extracurricular activities in school and/or in the community.
c. Students with good citizenship and potential to make a contribution to society.
d. Those who have a financial need, but this is not the primary factor.
TERESA BAXTER FASSLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
1.
One (1) $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a Briggsdale High School graduating senior or alumni who is enrolled, or will be enrolled in a college, university or vocational school for the 2026-2027 academic year.
2.
Consideration will be given to:
a. Applicants who are pursuing careers in education or family/consumer science.
b. Those involved in extracurricular activities in school and/or in the community.
EVELYN MAE SCHMIDT SCHWISOW MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
1
One (1) $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a Briggsdale High School graduating senior or alum who is enrolled in an institution of higher education for the 2026-2027 academic year.
2
Consideration will be given to:
a. Applicants who are pursuing careers in agri-business, music, or education.
b. Applicants who document evidence of commitment to their education and work ethic.
c. Applicants involved in sports, 4-H, FFA, or music.
d. Students with GOOD CITIZENSHIP and history of CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIETY.
e. Those who have a NEED, but this is not the primary factor.
This is a quote from the family of Mrs. Schwisow, who are donating this scholarship in her memory:
“We are delighted to announce the Evelyn Mae Schmidt Schwisow Memorial Scholarship. Ms. Schwisow was a life-long learner. She graduated from Briggsdale High School in 1952, and later received two degrees from Aims Community College after her children were grown. She loved sharing stories about adventures she encountered as she grew up in the dryland, including a bit of the mischief she created.
Ms. Schwisow was passionate about education in general, sports, music, and agriculture. Thus, graduating seniors or alums pursuing careers in those areas are encouraged to apply for this memorial scholarship. Prioritization will be given to applicants who document evidence of work ethic, commitment to learning, and need. “
Payment Rules
1.
Scholarship monies will be paid directly to the institution with one half paid prior to the first term and the second payment the following term. If the recipient of any scholarship drops out, the institution will return the unused portion of the funds to the BHS Alumni Scholarship Committee to be awarded to future recipients.
2.
If, for any reason, the recipient of a scholarship does not attend an institution of higher education for the 2026-2027 academic year, the awarded scholarship will be forfeited.
APPLICATION PACKET COVER PAGE FOR BRIGGSDALE HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI
Applicant Name: _______________________________________________
Mailing Address: _______________________________________________
Email Address: _________________________________________________
I wish to be considered for the following scholarships:
□
91 Red Bluens!
□
Anonymous Family Fund
□
Dorothy, Whitey, Andy and Merietta West Memorial
□
Teresa Baxter Fassler Memorial
□
Evelyn Mae Schmidt Schwisow Memorial
Application Requirements Checklist Please note: Incomplete applications will not be considered
□
Application letter summarizing your accomplishments after graduating from BHS, including:
□
School activities
□
Honors, special recognitions
□
Community activities
□
Work experience
□
Aspirations/goals for your education and career
□
State briefly your need for financial assistance
□
Why you feel you should be selected for this scholarship
□
Signature
□ Two letters of recommendation from current references (such as such as professors, instructors, advisors, employers, or others who know you as a college/trade school student)
□
Official transcript from any college/training program you have already attended, showing your current grade point average, and anticipated graduation date
□
If you are not currently enrolled, provide a letter of acceptance or proof of enrollment in your chosen university/college/trade school/training program