Through the generosity of the Vashon Presbyterian Church (VPC) community, we are able to support two annual scholarship programs: the Heindsmann Family Endowment Scholarship and the Vashon Community Scholarship Foundation. Applications, interviews, and awards are made in the spring. For information about next year’s scholarship opportunities and deadlines, check back in March 2024 and/or contact scholarships@vashonpreschurch.org.
Heindsmann Family Endowment Scholarship
The Heindsmann Scholarship was established in 1990 by a permanent endowment created by longtime VPC members Ted and Virginia Heindsmann.
2023 Winners
In 2023, two very worthy applicants for this scholarship were selected. Both are Vashon High School graduates and each was awarded $1,800. Deserved congratulations go to:
- Taegan Kicinski, who is studying for a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at Pacific Lutheran University; and
- Landon Summers, who will study at Carnegie Mellon University for a Master of Science degree in Public Policy and Management.
About the Scholarship
The scholarship is designed for persons continuing their education or seeking special training or retraining and is awarded on the basis of the following items:
- Financial need
- Academic promise
- Dependability
- Intent of the student to continue education at a college, university, or technical school. Must have completed 2 or more years of higher education or is seeking special training or retraining.
The following rules govern the award of the Heindsmann Family Endowment Scholarship:
- The scholarship is not limited to applicants attending any one college, university, or technical school nor those pursuing a particular course of study.
- The scholarship will usually be offered to a student affiliated with VPC, but this rule is not binding.
- The Scholarship Committee will determine annually the number of scholarships awarded and the amount of each award.
- Consideration will be given only to:
- students currently enrolled in a school of higher education who have completed two years and are planning to return to school in the Fall; or
- an individual who has the desire to return to a college, university, or technical school after an absence.
The scholarship is not open to high school seniors!
For more information, contact scholarships@vashonpreschurch.org.
Vashon Community Scholarship Foundation
To assist students not eligible for the Heindsmann scholarship, VPC has partnered with Vashon Community Scholarship Foundation (VCSF) to award a scholarship to a graduating Vashon High School (VHS) senior.
The Foundation annually invites VHS seniors to prepare applications and personal information to be provided to scholarship sponsors, such as VPC. The sponsor then reviews applications, looking for students whose interests and plans match the criteria that the sponsor has adopted, and recommends a recipient. VPC’s criteria were students planning an education and career in a mental health field or nursing.
2023 Winner
VPC’s 2023 scholarship of $1,500 was awarded to graduating VHS senior Beatrice Church. Bea plans to obtain a degree in counseling or psychology and become a therapist, preferably for troubled teens. Lance Morgan, teacher at Chautauqua Elementary School, presented Bea with the award and said, “Taking on life’s challenges with remarkable energy and insight, Bea is resilient and inspiring. She is committed to becoming her best self and credits the support of friends who have stayed with her through her journey.” Watch the presentation on YouTube.
