MRHA Industry Scholarship Award

In March of 1995, Michigan Retail Hardware Association announced the Harold W. Schumacher Hardware Industry Scholarship Fund.  The scholarship was a tribute to Mr. Harold (Schooey) Schumacher who worked for, and managed MRHA for 30 years.  In July of that same year Schooey  presented the first scholarship to Kristin Boff of Paw Paw.

In 1998 the name of the scholarship was changed to the MRHA Industry Scholarship Award.  The number of scholarships has grown from the one awarded in 1995, to five being awarded each year for the past several years.  Funding for the scholarship is provided by the MRHA Annual Golf Outing and Scholarship Fundraiser and the sale of MRHA's Nostalgic Calendar.  The Annual Golf Outing is held on the second Tuesday each June, and the calendars become available in the fall of each year.  Over the past years in excess of $70,000 has been raised to fund scholarships given to 37 deserving young adults.

The MRHA Industry Scholarship Award is annually presented to high school seniors who have completed high school, or the equivalent, and are going to further their education by attending a Michigan college or university.

The amount awarded will be $2,000.00 per scholarship, and will be paid directly to the institution.  The scholarship is awarded only once to a qualified individual chosen by the committee.

Criteria includes:

• Resident of the state of Michigan

• Son, daughter or grandchild of owner, partner, or stockholder of a MRHA retail member firm

The following will be submitted for review:

• Transcript of credits earned with GPA at 3.0 or better (based on 4.0 scale) through the first semester of the senior year

• A written activity record and/or resume of accomplishments in high school

• Choice of a Michigan college or university noting field of study

The scholarships are not necessarily based on economic need.  Selection will be done by a committee comprised of members from the Board of Directors of the Michigan Retail Hardware Association, Inc.  The scholarship will be announced in May of each year.  Award presentation will take place at the MRHA Annual Golf Outing which is scheduled the second Tuesday in June.

The deadline for return of the completed scholarship application in March 31st of each year.

2007 Scholarship Recipients

Gregory Ellenberger is the son of Robert and Norma Ellenberger or Ellenberger Lumber in Onaway.  Gregory will be attending Michigan Technological University pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Kyle Kissoff is the son of Nicholas and Karen Kissoff of Lambertville Do it Best Hardware in Lambertville.  Kyle will be attending the University of Michigan pursuing a degree in Nuclear Engineering.

Kelsey Sopel in the daughter of Mark and Renee Sopel of Alma True Value Hardware in Alma.  Kelsey will be attending Michigan State University pursuing a degree in advertising.

Colleen White is the daughter of Gregory and Elaine White of ACE Hardware & Sports in Midland.  Colleen will be attending the University of Michigan pursuing a degree in business.

Alisha Wilkins is the daughter of Ron and Bonnie Wilkins of Wilkins Hardware in Saugatuck.  Alisha will be attending Michigan Technological University pursuing a degree in Environmental & Biological Science.