Whitefish Education Foundation’s scholarships have soared to nearly $90,000 this year as new opportunities arise for disadvantaged students, international experiences and mental health advocates.  

The 2026 Whitefish High School scholarship awards celebration will be on Monday, May 18 at 6 p.m. at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.  

According to Education Foundation Director Jesse Kuntz, the organization continues to work toward growing scholarship options as the cost of higher education and vocational schools continues to rise.  

In 2023, the foundation distributed $32,500. This year’s expected distribution of just under $90,000 includes current year awards and renewable scholarships. Including awards outside of the foundation, the total number of local awards to be given at the ceremony is at least about $140,000. A total of 94 awards to 32 seniors will be given out at the awards celebration on Monday. *

Community members have stepped forward to provide four new awards this year.  

A new international interest scholarship established by Greg Adams and Colette Marcellin will aid students who are interested in global affairs, foreign languages or cultures outside of their own lived experiences. Adams and Marcellin are retired foreign service offices with the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development.  

“Colette and I wanted to offer support and encouragement to students to raise awareness of the broader world outside of the borders here, and to provide financial support,” Adams said.  

As a retiree, Adams said he values interacting with impressive younger generations. 

“It’s all part of being involved in the community,” he said. “I learn a lot, just listening.”  

The Whitefish High School Student Outreach Committee has spearheaded a new scholarship called Fund the Fish. The student club focused on mental health looks to recognize their peers that are doing important work to uplift others. The award will recognize a senior who has had a positive impact by showing exceptional community involvement through mental health advocacy. 

A new award from Bret and Ruth Luedke will support students who are disadvantaged or have a disability, who understand the importance of education in improving lives.  

The new Ann Marie Guenther Memorial Scholarship honors Guenther’s passion for living life to the fullest. Established by her husband, Mark Guenther, the award of up to $10,000 will support students in a celebration of education’s ability to open new doors.  

There are two giving options for scholarships, including an option to provide a fund for the Education Foundation to invest and a pass-through option in which donors can give on an annual basis.  

Individuals, families, groups, or businesses who are interested in learning about creating a scholarship can contact Jesse Kuntz at [email protected].

*Story updated with total number of awards and funding.