• Thunderhawk Scholarship Application

    2026 GRHS & ALC Graduating Seniors

     

    One application for GRHS managed local scholarships 

    DEADLINE:

    Friday Feb 20, 2026

     

    Heidi Clairmont, GRHS Scholarship Coordinator

    218-327-5760 x41544

    hclairmont@isd318.org

    Eligibility: All graduating Seniors of Grand Rapids High School or Area Learning Center who are continuing their education after high school are eligible to apply.
     Students may be planning to attend any public or private technical college, community college, or
    four-year college or university.

  •  Application Instructions

    Tabs at the top of the application will direct you to the following sections of the application:

    • Home/Brochure - Application home page with info and brochure to download or print it OR pick up a copy in the counseling office.
    • Instructions: Read the directions below and Frequently Asked Questions section!
    • Student Data - Enter your personal data in this section. Student isd318.org accounts may not receive the link to make changes, so USE A PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS. You cannot save more than one submission for the same email address, so don’t make another account; instead contact Heidi Clairmont to get a copy of your personal application link to the first email address you input.
    • Future Plans -Schools attending, field of study, references. This section also asks about your plans of study. If you are undecided, that is ok, just talk about the fields of study that interest you.
    • Personal Statements: This section is how the scholarship committees get to know you! Write information about yourself for those determining the award winners. All scholarships you mark Yes to in the following section will receive these statements. 
    • Scholarships - Each scholarship has its own dropdown collapsable menu. Mark “YES” to be considered for each individual scholarship. YOU MUST complete any requirements that are associated to be considered for that scholarship.
    • LOR: Letters of Recommendation are sometimes abbreviated LOR. Check out this section for more information on how to get one IF you need one. Most scholarships do not require one!
    • Save Form:  Whenever you work on the application, you must click Save Form on the last page to save your work and go back later. The form will send a link to your answers and you can make changes up until the deadline. You can also write down the ID# after submission to go back to your app.

    **Be sure to use proper spelling, capitalization, and punctuation in ALL sections/tabs as the committees DO notice and DO use this to separate the applications with errors when making their recipient choice.

    **Recipients will be announced on Weds May 6th at the scholarship night ceremony. 

  •  FAQ's: 

    What do I do if I don't receive a link to change my answers? Email Heidi Clairmont if you don't receive the link.

    I'm having trouble saving on the last page. What might the problem be? 1) If you have already saved the application once with the email address, you will not be able to save another new application with the same address. You MUST go into the edit submission link to make changes to the original application. OR 2) you might need to fill in a red * that has required fields in the Student Personal Data or Future Plans Sections.

    How do I decide what scholarships to apply for?
    Review the Brochure for criteria that your situation meets or they are listed in the Scholarships Section under each scholarship name.  

    How do I apply for one of the scholarships?
    In Scholarships tab at the top, click on the scholarship name and mark the Yes box in that scholarship's collapsable menu. This will show you the criteria & requirements. These requirements can be completed at any time prior to the deadline.

    Do I have to complete the application at one time?
    No, you do NOT have to finish the application at one time! To save your application, go to the Save Form tab and click on the "Save Form" button at the end of the application. You will get an email with a copy of your answers and you can return as many times as you want.

    Does the form automatically save my responses?
    No! You must click the Save Form on the last page of the application.

    Do I need to worry about spelling and punctuation?
    YES! BE SURE TO PROOFREAD FOR ACCURACY AND COMPLETENESS. Have a parent or adult proofread your final product. 

    Should I type my responses on the form directly?
    You can type directly in the form and it will let you know if you have spelling errors (but not punctuation errors). HOWEVER, I suggest typing all the essays, personal statements, etc into a Google Doc and then cut and paste the answers. This will ensure saving your responses as you go and you'll also have the information you typed available as you apply for other scholarships. 

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  • Student Personal Data:

    Required fields are indicated by an asterisk (*) If you get an error saving, it might be because one of them was missed.

  • Current GPA, Class Rank & ACT/SAT score

    GPA & Class rank will be added to the application by scholarship coordinator and given to all scholarships you apply for. If you would like your ACT or SAT score on your application, indicate that below with your score. This will be verified with ACT or College Board.

  • Future Plans

    List the schools you plan on attending and mark if you’ve been accepted or not. You can list up to 5 total schools.
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  • Personal Statements

    Make your answers memorable. This is your opportunity to stand out!

  • This section is your time to shine! It is how the scholarship committees get to know you! 

    Any scholarship you mark "Yes" to in the Scholarships section will receive these answers. Make your answers memorable!

    Proofread, proofread, proofread! Proofread and have a parent or other adult proofread your final draft before your final submission. I am also available so ask if you need help! Some english teachers will do this as well if you ask them early enough.

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  • AVAILABLE SCHOLARSHIPS

    To apply for a specific scholarship, you must mark YES and complete all requirements by the deadline. Some requirements will only pop up once you mark YES. You can complete the requirements anytime prior to the deadline.
    • Aitkin Rebekah Lodge #151  

    • Aitkin Rebekah Lodge #151 Scholarship

      CRITERIA: Attending a 2 year college or technical school or trade program.

      REQUIREMENTS: GPA between 2.0 - 3.4; Short Statement

    • Allan Hafeman "True Grit" FFA 

    • Allan Hafeman "True Grit" FFA Scholarship

      CRITERIA: Active FFA Member; Min GPA 2.0 

      REQUIREMENTS: Essay, 2 Letters of Recommendation and a Résumé!! 

    • Info for Letters of Recommendation:

      Go to the LOR tab of this application or click Sample Request for a Letter of Recommendation for more information.

      Info for Résumé:

      1. How to create a Résumé in Google Docs.
      2. Submit Résumé through GRHS Resume Submission
      3. Email Heidi Clairmont to verify receipt  hclairmont@isd318.org 
    • American Legion Auxiliary Citizenship 
    • AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT #60 CITIZENSHIP AWARD

      CRITERIA: Female; good citizenship, extracurricular activities and financial need (Preference to relative of a veteran)

    • American Legion Post #60 

    •  AMERICAN LEGION POST #60 SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Must be the relative of a veteran

      REQUIREMENT: Essay

    • Anderson Family 

    • Anderson Family Scholarship

      CRITERIA:  Attending a 4 year college or university; Min GPA 3.0

      REQUIREMENTS: Brief Essay 

    • Brookstone Manor 

    • BROOKSTONE MANOR SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Minimum GPA 3.0; pursuing a healthcare related career.

      REQUIREMENT: Brief Essay describing why this scholarship would be helpful

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    • Carquest Auto Parts of Grand Rapids 

    • CARQUEST AUTO PARTS OF GRAND RAPIDS SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Minimum GPA 2.0, Pursuing a certificate/degree in automotive aftermarket; including technician, heavy duty, diesel, auto body, parts sales or similar industry career.

      REQUIREMENT: Short Statement

    • 0/250
    • Carsrud Lightning Hockey 

    • Carsrud Lightning Hockey Scholarship

      CRITERIA: GRHS senior female GRG hockey player (must be a current player and can be on JV or Varsity)

      REQUIREMENT: Brief Essay: What have you learned from being on the hockey team and how has it impacted your life?

    • Clairmont & McBride Financial 

    • Clairmont & McBride Financial Scholarship

      CRITERIA: Senior Athletes who are attending a MIAC school to pursue their sport in college. (Any MN or WI D3 school in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference* or the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference**

      REQUIREMENTS: Must have played a varsity sport their senior year and plan on continuing their sport at a MIAC* or WIAC**school; GPA 3.25 or higher

      *Augsburg University, Bethel University, Carleton College, Concordia College, Gustavus Adolphus College, Hamline University, Macalester College, College of Saint Benedict, St. Catherine University, Saint John's University, Saint Mary's University, St. Olaf College, The College of St. Scholastica

      **UW Eau Claire, UW La Crosse, UW Oshkosh, UW Platteville, UW River Falls, UW Stevens Point, UW Stout, UW White Water

       

    • Deer Lake Association 

    • DEER LAKE ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Majoring in a field of Conservation or Environmental Science

    • Deerwood Bank  

    • DEERWOOD BANK SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Minimum GPA 2.5, Pursuing a degree in a Business related field at a 4 year college or university 

    • Deerwood Bank Technical  

    • DEERWOOD BANK TECHNICAL SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Min GPA 2.5, Attending a vocational or tech school (any career path)

    • Delta Waterfowl  

    •  DELTA WATERFOWL SCHOLARSHIP 

      CRITERIA: Majoring in a career in Natural Resources

    • Dorothy Goeden Nursing 

    • DOROTHY GOEDEN NURSING SCHOLARSHIP

       CRITERIA: Pursuing a degree in Nursing

       

    • Education MN #1314 

    • EDUCATION MN #1314 SCHOLARSHIP 

      CRITERIA: Child of an Education MN #1314 Member

      Requirement: Answer the question: “How has a 318 educator affected your life and your future plans?”

    • GR Chamber of Commerce (4 year)  

    • GR Chamber of Commerce (4 year) scholarship

      CRITERIA: Attending a 4 year college/university to get a B.S. OR B.A. Degree

      REQUIREMENTS: Essay (and possible interview)

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    • GR Chamber of Commerce (Vocational/Technical)  

    • GR Chamber of Commerce (Vocational/Technical) Scholarship

      CRITERIA: Attending a vocational/technical school

      REQUIREMENTS: Short summary (and possible interview)

    • Grand Rapids Cap Baker Lions Club 

    • GRAND RAPIDS CAP BAKER LIONS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Minimum GPA 2.5

      REQUIREMENTS: Questions and Statements
      For more information about Lions Club International, go to their website: https://www.lionsclubs.org/en

       

    • Grand Rapids Centennial Rotary 

    • GRAND RAPIDS CENTENNIAL ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP

      For more information, you can visit the Rotary International website at:
      https://www.rotary.org/

      CRITERIA: ALL ARE ELIGIBLE!

      REQUIREMENTS: Essay and Letter of Recommendation

    • **This Scholarship requires a Letter of Recommendation!

      Info for Letters of Recommendation:

      Go to the LOR tab of this application or view a Sample Request for a Letter of Recommendation

    • Grand Rapids Eagles Auxiliary 

    • GRAND RAPIDS EAGLES AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: ALL ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY!

      REQUIREMENTS: Essay and Letter of Recommendation

    • **This Scholarship requires 2 LORs (Letters of Recommendation)!

       

      Info for Letters of Recommendation:

      Go to the LOR tab of this application or view a Sample Request for a Letter of Recommendation

       

    • Grand Rapids Eagles  

    • GRAND RAPIDS EAGLES SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Planning on getting a 4 year degree from a college/university (can start a 2 year, but plan on transfering to a 4 year school)

      REQUIREMENT: Essay

    • Grand Rapids Eagles Technical  

    • GRAND RAPIDS EAGLES TECHNICAL SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Enrolled in technical training  or vocational certificate program

      REQUIREMENT: Personal Statement

    • Grand Rapids Evening Rotary 

    • GRAND RAPIDS EVENING ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Awarded to a senior going into a vocational career path

       

    • Grand Rapids VFW Post 1720 

    • GRAND RAPIDS VFW POST 1720 SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Male, academic acheivement and school/community involvement

      REQUIREMENT: Essay

    • Grand Rapids VFW POST 1720 Auxiliary 

    • GRAND RAPIDS VFW POST 1720 AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Female, academic achievement and school/community involvement

      REQUIREMENT: Essay

    • Grand Rapids Yellow Ribbon Citizens 

    • Grand Rapids Yellow Ribbon Citizens Committee Scholarship

      CRITERIA: Direct dependent of a currently serving service member OR veteran; Minimum GPA 2.3

      REQUIREMENT: Essay: 

      Provide a response for the following questions in 1000 words or less.

      1. Tell us about your service member. We’re interested in knowing details like when and  why they joined the military, what military jobs and duty stations they held, and any special training or honors they received. Feel free to share a story or memory.  

      2. What did you learn from growing up in a military family and how did it mold you into the  person you are today? Tell us what makes you proud of your service member and what  traits you learned from them.  

      3. List specific ways this scholarship award would impact you and/or your family and help in achieving your academic goals. 

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    • GRHS Art 

    • GRHS ART SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Awarded to a GRHS senior who has demonstrated excellence in art and pursuing a career in the visual arts

      REQUIREMENT:  List of art classes taken at school, in the community or pursued at home. Submit 3 pieces of art work (2D and/or 3D) that you created during your high school career. These will be given to art teacher, Christy Rybak. 

    • GRHS Art work submission directions:

      Contact art teacher, Christy Rybak to coordinate the submission of your 3 pieces of art work (2D and/or 3D) that you created during your high school career.

    • GRHS Business Student  

    • GRHS BUSINESS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Excellence in Business classes at GRHS and pursuing a Business-related career

      REQUIREMENT: List of Business courses taken at GRHS other than Money Matters (this is required for all students)

      • Your transcript will be given to the Business Dept on your behalf to be considered for this scholarship.
    • GRHS English 

    • GRHS ENGLISH SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Excellence in English courses at GRHS, Preference to student pursuing a Language Arts related field

    • GRHS Science 

    • GRHS SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Excellence in Science classes at GRHS and pursuing a Science related degree

      REQUIREMENT: Essay of 3 Questions

    • GRHS Social Studies 

    • GRHS SOCIAL STUDIES SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Excellence in Social Studies classes at GRHS and pursuing a field related to Social Studies

    • GRHS Technical Center 

    • GRHS TECHNICAL CENTER SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Excellence in Tech classes at GRHS and pursuing a degree in a Technical field of study that GRHS Tech Center offers

    • Itasca Co (DAV MN #13) Disabled American Veterans 

    • ITASCA CO (DAV MN #13) DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: none

      REQUIREMENTS: Question and Handwritten comments

    •  Itasca Co DAV Hand Written Comments: In your own handwriting, write 100 words or less describe the duties of a US Citizen.

      Turn them into Heidi Clairmont in the counseling office or mail by the deadline to:

      GRHS
      Attn: Heidi Clairmont
      800 Conifer Dr
      Grand Rapids, MN 55744

    • Julia Pernsteiner Memorial 

    • Julia Pernsteiner Memorial Scholarship

      CRITERIA: No specific criteria; anyone can apply. Preference to someone with ADHD, learning disability or someone who has overcome a challenge in their life. 

      REQUIREMENTS: Personal Statement

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    • Leo T. Burley Music  

    • LEO T. BURLEY MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Current Band or Choir student at GRHS; Minimum GPA 3.0; Purusing a degree in Education, Music Performance or Music Education.

    • Monarch Healthcare Management 

    • Monarch Healthcare Management Scholarship

      CRITERIA: Must be going into a healthcare profession

    • Nelson Wood Shims 

    • Nelson Wood Shims Scholarship

      REQUIREMENTS: Personal Statement

      Awarded to a senior who demonstrates financial need.

      •Essay about why you display financial need and how this scholarship would benefit you
      •Letter of recommendation from a GRHS teacher
      [Family members of Nelson Wood Shims employees are not eligible]

    • Northland Counseling 

    • Northland Counseling Scholarships

      CRITERIA: Going into Nursing or Social Work/Psychology

      REQUIREMENTS: Answer the question depending on your chosen profession

    • P.E.O. Chapter DB of Grand Rapids 

    • P.E.O. Chapter DB of Grand Rapids SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Female students; going into non-traditional studies: Audio Engineer, Carpenter Construction and Building Inspector, Cosmetology, Dental Assistant, Engineering Technician, Firefighter, Hair Stylist, LPN Nurse, Machinist, Makeup Artist, Pilot, Railroad Conductor or Truck Driver

    • Paul Bunyan Communications 

    • PAUL BUNYAN COMMUNICATIONS SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Student or Parent/Legal Guardian must be a member of Paul Bunyan Communications

      REQUIREMENT: Paul Bunyan Communications Account info

    • Robert & Virginia Wickman Michigan Tech Engineering 

    • ROBERT & VIRGINIA WICKMAN MICHIGAN TECH ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Minimum GPA 2.75 and attending Michigan Tech for Engineering

    • Waste Management 

    • WASTE MANAGEMENT SCHOLARSHIP

      CRITERIA: Strong interest in environmental preservation; Preference for majoring in Conservation or Environmental Science

      REQUIREMENT: Personal Statement

  • Letter of Recommendation

    Directions if a scholarship requires a Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

  • What is a Letter of Recommendation? A Letter of Recommendation or LOR is a letter that speaks about your positive character traits and is written by a teacher, school counselor, coach, employer or other non-related adult who knows you personally, academically or professionally. 

    LORs are only needed for: 

    • Allan Hafeman "True Grit" FFA Scholarship (2)
    • GR Centennial Rotary (1)
    • GR Eagles Auxiliary (2)

    Students may use the same LOR for multiple scholarships in the Thunderhawk Scholarship application. If you are applying to more than one, have the writer address it  to the "Thunderhawk Scholarship Committee" and it will be given to any committee that requires an LOR. 1) Determine who knows you well enough to write an excellent letter for you.

    2) Fill out the Letter of Recommendation Worksheet (open link here to make your own copy of the form) This will help the recommender get detailed information about you that they might not know about your life history.

    3) Ask the recommender if they are willing to write you a letter, ask them when they can get it done by & give them a copy of the worksheet. You should plan at least 2 weeks in advance to receive a good letter. 

    4) Instruct them to upload it to GRHS LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION SUBMISSION

    5) Follow up close to the deadline to see if they have finished it and send them a THANK YOU NOTE to show how much you appreciate them helping you out.

    You can find a sample email with instructions here 

  •  

    By clicking on the SAVE FORM button, you will save your answers and receive a link to make changes to the email address provided. If you don't get this email, check with Heidi Clairmont at hclairmont@isd318.org

    DEADLINE: 
    Friday, Feb 20, 2026. 

     

    **Most of these scholarship recipients will be announced on Weds May 6th at the scholarship night ceremony.

  • Trouble saving the form? Check each Tab at the top of the application to see if there are any boxes in RED with missing required information!

  • Should be Empty: