Youth center sale establishes funds for alumni scholarship

By Kathy Domgard

Thanks to Flatheadís 1972 graduating class, todayís college-bound students may have fewer financial worries. The $15,000 profit from the sale of the Valley Youth Recreation Association (Teen Center) 25 years ago gave the class of 1972 a chance to give something back to the community.

David ìMooseî Miller, former senior board member of the Flathead Youth Foundation, Inc., was notified that if the money wasnít used before 1987 it would be forfeited to the state. Miller suggested to the í72 alumni at their 10 year class reunion to use the money in the community, so they created the foundation 10 years ago.

ìBy using the money for a scholarship fund, we can give each year to students in need,î said Miller.  ìAlso, this way the money wouldnít have been wasted on another (unsuccessful) youth center.î

The class of 1972 received an estimated $15,000 from the sale of the Teen Center. When the scholarship foundation was created, the money totaled to about $60,000, said Miller.

Any student living in the Flathead Valley is eligible for the scholarship. The amount of scholarships is based upon each schoolís student population. Scholarship given range from $150-$500 each.

ìAll Flathead Valley students are eligible to prevent exclusion from a nonprofit community-based fund,î said Miller. ìOne of the only requirements is that the students must be attending a Montana college.î

The money is not limited to use for scholarships. It also can be used to help young children in financial need to attend summer activities, including classes held at The Hockaday Center of the Arts.

An application can obtained by contacting a member of the Flathead Youth Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors. The scholarship deadline is May 1998 however, the exact date is still uncertain. Also, tax-deductible donations to the fund can be made at any time during the year by also contacting a board member.

FHS Assistant-Principal, Gene Boyle, a member of the Board of Directors, said:

ìThe more donations made to the foundation, the more money there will be for Flatheadís youth.î