The Sweet Home Alumni Foundation has the goal to give every graduating senior, who wants help, a scholarship to an accredited school. Scholarships encourage and help students improve their social and economic value. These awards create an investment in our future citizenry and country as a whole. The Sweet Home area is recognized as economically depressed. Many students and their families will need financial assistance for school. Students, who receive financial assistance, feel that the community has helped them in their goals. They most likely will give back to the community.
One such scholarship award, through the Alumni Foundation, is the Norm Davis Memorial Scholarship. This is an annual scholarship in memory of Coach Norm Davis. Jennifer Davis has this to say about the fund and what it means to their family.
“Norm was a giver. He gave of his talents while coaching football, wrestling and teaching. He gave of his love while fathering and grandfathering, and he gave of his time to all for whom he cared. The scholarship means that Norm can keep on giving. The people that contributed to the fund were probably deeply touched by Norm and want to give back or ‘pay forward’ for his influence on their lives. Norm’s family feels deep pride in this award. Two young men have received the award and we were proud to have chosen them because of their character. The first time it was awarded Larry Johnson read a bio about Norm. The tears were flowing on everyone’s faces not because of sadness, but because of beaming pride. We all loved Norm and the award just makes his gifts, his spirit, and his love of wrestling last longer.”
Keegan Burnett and Kyle Temple are both recipients of the Norm Davis Scholarship. Keegan has attended LBCC and OSU through the dual enrollment program. Presently he attends Lane Community College, studying chemical engineering. While Kyle attends Southern Oregon University, he is wrestling and pursuing a career in teaching history. Both Kyle and Keegan would like to live in the area around Sweet Home. Kyle, in particular would like to return to Sweet Home High School to teach history and to coach. When asked about receiving the Norm Davis Scholarship, both expressed how it has helped them financially. They someday hope to give back to the Sweet Home Alumni Foundation.
These two young men have already given back to their community by their volunteer efforts in the Oregon Jamboree, Matt Club, Coaching, and other service related endeavors.
Sweet Home Alumni Foundation has developed several opportunities for families or individuals to give towards scholarships.
One time donations—any amounts
Annual donations—-any amounts
Memorials—in memory of others
Perpetual endowments—scholarships given annually
Estate planning—money or property upon death
These opportunities can be reviewed with out obligation, with any Sweet Home Alumni Board member. Contact Ben Dahlenburg 367-4677 or Coreen Melcher 367-6235.