The Blaske-Hill Foundation has announced that applications are now available for its scholarship. They are available to high school seniors at Niles High School, Battle Creek Central and St. Philip Catholic Central.

The $2,000 scholarship, renewable for each of the four years of undergraduate study to the college of the recipient’s choice, is awarded on merit. This will be determined by the student’s answers on the application and in part by a personal interview. The selection committee will also review the student’s prior academic performance, citizenship, extracurricular activities, employment, community activities and recommendations from instructors, as well as motivation, character, ability and potential. The selection committee is looking for highly motivated students who are high achievers and willing to work hard to make a contribution to society as a whole.

Applications for 2010 scholarships are available at the counselor’s office at participating high schools. They are due to the foundation office by noon March 12. All scholarships will be awarded regardless of race, sex, creed, color, religion, country or origin or financial need.

Previous Niles High School recipients include:
Lauren Hanson – 1984
Lisa Cripps – 1985
Tracy Wright – 1986
Lucius Vassar – 1987
Patrick Muessig – 1988
Jerry Harroff – 1989
Donald Fleischman – 1990
Elizabeth Morton – 1991
Brian Malone – 1992
Karen Wolownik – 1993
Amanda Morgan – 1994
David Listenberger – 1995
Jerome Gathright – 1996
Hanh Tran – 1997
Cherie Wilson – 1998
Jennifer Zaher – 1999
Justin D. Sebasta – 2000
Jonathan Leazenby – 2001
Laura Miars – 2002
Michelle Seppala – 2003
Sarah Barth – 2004
Christine Hadley – 2005
John van der Linden – 2006
Rita Umuriza – 2007
Gabriella Martin – 2008
Tiffany Rogers – 2009

The Blaske-Hill Foundation was founded in memory of Edmund R. Blaske by his late wife, Jayne Blaske and their children, Patricia Jayne Blaske Mcleod, E. Robert Blaske and Thomas H. Blake.

In 1934, Edmund R. Blaske received the Coolidge Scholarship awarded through Niles High School, where he was a senior. He attended the University of Michigan for undergraduate and law school. He was a recipient of the highest scholastic honors and accolades at both schools. Blaske began his legal career as an assistant prosecutor in Calhoun County, Mich.; then as a special assistant attorney general; and followed that with a career as a probate and juvenile court judge. He completed his professional career in private law practice.

The principle mission of Blaske’s professional and personal life was to work on behalf of children and families.