The Louise Catherine Lawson scholarship honors the life and legacy of a woman whose values of education, hard work, service, and lifelong learning continue to inspire future generations.
Louise was born in 1917 and moved from St. Paul to a small family farm in Lampson, near Spooner, Wisconsin, after her mother passed away in 1918 from influenza. From an early age, Louise learned the importance of perseverance, responsibility, and a strong work ethic while helping on the farm with her twin brother and younger siblings. She deeply valued education, as she and her twin brother would walk two miles each way to a one-room schoolhouse, and believed learning was both a privilege and a lifelong pursuit.
As a young adult, Louise moved to Duluth, Minnesota, where she first worked as a nanny and later was married and was involved in civic life, serving as a leader and volunteer in schools, community clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, President of the PTA, and the Duluth Office of Civil Defense. Later, she served her community through her work of 20 years at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Known for her love of learning, laughter, and ability to build friendships, Louise found joy in raising her three children, gardening, games, and playing the piano. This scholarship reflects Louise's belief that character, service, and dedication—combined with education—can shape a meaningful and impactful life.
Louise's daughter, Betty, and husband, Dale Sola, the donors of this scholarship, encourage all Northwestern High School seniors to apply. Please visit LouiseLawsonScholarship.com to complete the online application before the deadline of April 5, 2027. The recipient of the Louise Catherine Lawson scholarship will receive a $3,000 (per year) renewable scholarship after the successful completion of their freshman year. This renewable scholarship is available for up to 3 years for a total of $9,000 per student, when they maintain their eligibility. Funds will be paid directly to their college, university, or technical school before the beginning of their fall semester of their sophomore, junior, and senior years.
To be eligible for renewal, the recipient of the scholarship will need to maintain a 2.75 GPA while in college, submit documentation of ten hours of volunteering per school year in their community, and provide an academic update.
The scholarship recipient will be announced at the NHS graduation ceremony on May 21, 2027.
Please direct questions to louiselawsonscholarship@gmail.com
The deadline to submit application is April 5, 2027.