The Guthrie Family Scholarship (GFS) Fund was established to honor the legacy of Mary and Willie Guthrie. Raised in Lithonia, GA, they moved north in 1953 to escape racism and settled in Gary, IN where they and their five children spawned an extended family of achievers. For more than sixty years, Guthrie family members have exemplified scholarship, excellence, citizenship, generosity, community, courage, faith, and family throughout this country. All five of Mary and WiIlie’s children benefitted greatly from the education and inspiration they received from attending public schools in Gary, IN.
The GFS Fund awards $2,000 GFS scholarship awards to three 2024 graduating West Side Leadership Academy Seniors. In addition, mentoring and counsel will be provided to GFS Scholars by the Guthrie Family Collective, comprised of the descendants of Mary and Willie Guthrie, whose collective wisdom and relevance -- gleaned from our widely divergent college, career, and life experiences -- span the spectrum and the globe.
Applicants must:
1. Graduate by spring 2024 with plans to enroll full-time in a two-year or four-year higher education program in the fall of 2024
2. Have a GPA of 3.0 or above.
3. Provide an official copy of your high school transcript.
4. Document honors, community service, and employment
5. Provide three letters of recommendation. (At least one should come from a school representative. Also suggested is a member of the clergy or a community or civic representative.)
6. Describe the financial need.
7. Complete the application form.
The application should be submitted online. The form is appended to this document. If you have any questions, please contact Carlton Guthrie at cguthrie@detroitchassis.com.