TCAPS Scholarships Guide

The Abby Mahan Gartland Memorial Scholarship is available to a female graduating senior from Traverse City Central High School that has achieved at least a 3.0 GPA and plans to pursue a major related to Environmental Science. Preference will be given to applicants that have volunteer experience with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and that are student athletes.

One $500 scholarship is awarded annually.

Available to a graduating senior who has distinguished him/herself through academic achievement, leadership, and proven skills in the adult roles of: Citizen, Healthy & Fit Individual, Family Life Member, Life-Long Learner, and Worker. To be considered, students must have a GPA of at least 3.75 and submit a portfolio (in addition to their online application).

Scholarships are awarded annually at Central and West. The scholarship award amount and number of awards vary annually.

The Arthur F. Lederle Scholarship supports a student from Traverse City Central High School who has demonstrated leadership skills and financial need. The award is intended for one student to be provided for all four years at an accredited educational institution, and then any post graduate work the student decides to pursue.

One $1,500 scholarship is awarded.

Established in 2022, this scholarship recognizes students that attended Blair Elementary for a minimum of two years.

One scholarship of at least $1,000 is awarded annually.

Available to students at TC High. Recipients are selected based on heart and character with a priority for at-risk students with high financial need. Priority for students attending NMC pursuing a trade or medical career.

One $500- $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually

The Safronoff Scholarship was established in 2001 and is awarded to a worthy Athlete/ Scholar in memory of Brock Safronoff. Baseball players will have priority.

One $500 scholarship awarded annually and alternates each year between Central and West.

The Carson Needham Memorial Scholarship was established in 2024 in Carson’s memory. Scholarships are awarded to percussionists graduating from Traverse City Central. Preference for an applicant that is involved in drumline or jazz band and considering pursuing a music related major or career. 

One $2,000 scholarship is awarded annually.

The Chase Newton O’Black Titan School Culture Scholarship was established in 2010 and is awarded annually to students who are most supportive in building a positive and inclusive school culture for all students at Traverse City West.

Two $250 scholarships are awarded annually.

The Coach Wayne Hintz Scholarship was established in 2007 and is awarded annually to a graduating senior of Traverse City Central High School. To qualify an applicant must have participated in athletics during their high school years.

One $400 scholarship is awarded annually.

Available to a graduating senior that is a varsity athlete and plans to pursue a career in the trades (at a trade school or apprenticeship).

One $500 scholarship awarded annually.

Established in 2008 in memory of Dave Walker, this scholarship is awarded to seniors from West Senior High that demonstrate excellent citizenship, are involved in school activities, demonstrate they serve others and are interested in a career that serves others, and are contributing monetarily to their own education.

One $500 scholarship awarded annually.

This scholarship is awarded to the students who pursue their goals with passion and determination while displaying encouragement and kindness towards their fellow students.

Ten $1,000 scholarships awarded annually at Central.

The Earl Chambers Scholarship was established in 2005 and is available to graduating seniors from Traverse City High School. Applicants must exhibit a high degree of humanitarianism through their behaviors, actions, and ideals.

One $500 scholarship awarded Annually.

The Gordon and Margaret Moores Scholarship was established in 2000. This scholarship is awarded to a student who has excelled in in academics, extra-curricular activities and community service. Special attention will be given to those who plan to pursue a career in education, medicine or other careers which serves others.

One $500 scholarship is awarded annually.

The Harold C. Johnson Scholarship was created to support scholarship awards for graduating seniors at Central High School. Scholarship recipients are chosen based on achievements in music, community service, and leadership.

One $1,000 awarded annually.

The Interlochen Women’s Club Scholarship was established in 2008 and is awarded to a female Interlochen-area resident who attends West Senior High.

The annual scholarship varies between $500 and $700.

When Jim Ooley retired in 1993 after 39 years of teaching and coaching, it was his desire to establish a scholarship fund to recognize an outstanding senior student athlete whose dedication and leadership exemplifies the ideals for which Jim Ooley stood.

One $500 scholarship is awarded annually at each Central and West.

This scholarship was established in loving memory of John W. Rennie who lived his own vision each and every day by contributing his energy, love, and commitment to his family, friends, and community. He lived a long, full and happy life because he gave infinitely more than he received. John believed that each person develops their own vision and purpose in life through education and experience. The award goes to a student who has excelled in academics and has had active participation in school or community activities.

One $200-$250 scholarship awarded annually at each Central and West.

The Kenneth M. Koch Memorial Scholarship was established in 1988 and will be awarded to a worthy senior of the Traverse City Central High graduating class. Eligible seniors must have a 3.0 GPA or better.

One $400 scholarship is awarded annually.

Established in 2024, the Traverse City Central Baseball Scholarship is available for studentathletes at TC Central who have participated in the baseball program for four years. A 3.0 minimum GPA is required.

One $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually.

This scholarship was established in 2009 in memory of Kyle Sonnemann.

One $500 scholarship awarded annually.

This scholarship will be awarded to a female graduate in memory of Laura Rennie, daughter of John and Harriet Rennie. The John Rennie family has established a scholarship in 1994 in memory of Laura, who would have been a member of the Class of 1992. She died December 18, 1986 when she was 12 years old. The selection will be based on scholastic achievement and active participation in school or community activities.

One $200-$250 scholarship awarded annually at each Central and West.

In keeping with the visions and determinations that were held by the late Les Biederman, this scholarship is available to students who endeavor to pursue careers in nursing or business.

One $1,000 scholarship awarded annually at each Central and West for a student pursuing a career in business and one $1,000 scholarship awarded annually at each Central and West for a student pursuing a career in nursing.

Established in 2014 and in memory of Lola M. Zaremba, a career public school teacher. Annual scholarship awarded to a graduating senior from Central High School that has demonstrated interest in teaching and history, with a preference for a student who indicates interest in a career in public education.

One $1,000 scholarship awarded annually.

Thomas Menzel, in memory of his parents Irving and Emmaleen Menzel, who were both teachers in the Traverse City Public Schools District, established the scholarship in 1988. A 3.0 or better grade point average is required and the recipient must be pursuing a career in education and also demonstrate financial need.

One $400 scholarship is awarded annually.

Awarded to a male and female student athlete from West Senior High who represent the ideals that Coach Wilde strove for in his players.

Two $500 scholarships awarded annually.

The National Honors Society supports scholarships from funds raised during the year at TC Central and TC West. Scholarships are awarded to worthy seniors on the basis of scholarship (3.5 or better), leadership, character, and service.

The scholarship award amount and number of awards vary annually.

The Old Mission Peninsula Scholarship was established in 1995 to recognize an outstanding graduating senior who attended Old Mission Peninsula Elementary School.

One $250 scholarship is awarded annually at each Central and West. If there is only one eligible recipient, they may receive the full $500 available.

Established in 2013, in memory of Owen Williamson, this scholarship will support a Traverse City West Senior High graduating senior each year. Eligible students will demonstrate participation in music theater activities during their high school career, as well as a continuing interest in music theater involvement.

One $400 scholarship awarded annually.

The Patrick J. Carroll Memorial Scholarship exists to further Patrick’s legacy of loving without reservation, courageously facing challenges without complaint, and appreciating the beauty of the present moment. The scholarship is available for graduating seniors pursuing music or multi-media arts education.

One $500 scholarship is awarded annually.

The Robert Bursian Memorial Scholarship was established in 2011 to recognize an outstanding graduating senior from Traverse City High School.

One $500 scholarship is awarded annually.

Established in 2011 in memory of Scott Miller, this scholarship is available to a member of the TC Central hockey team that; practices as hard as he plays and always gives his best effort; has a strong camaraderie with his teammates and helps his teammates do their best; and that passes on to others his love of the sport and his love of his teammates.

One $750 scholarship is awarded annually.

Established in 2006 by the Beaton family to honor their father and grandfather Available to a Traverse City West Senior High graduating senior. Applicants will have a 2.5 GPA or higher and the scholarship is meant for a student who is on the rise academically and who has demonstrated financial need.

One $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually.

The Susan Ruth Pavelka Scholarship was established in 2002 to award a scholarship primarily to students of the TC High School who will be attending an accredited post-secondary educational institution and have demonstrated financial need.

One $900- $1,200 scholarship is awarded annually.

Available to a worthy senior who is pursuing a career in education.

One $500 scholarship is awarded annually at each Central, West, and Traverse City High School.

The Central Senior Class Scholarship was established in 2006 and is based upon funds donated by each Senior Class. It recognizes achievements during school in a variety of programs and encourages continuing education.

$500 scholarships awarded annually (number of recipients varies).

The TC Central High School Student Senate Scholarship was established in 2023. Available to graduating seniors at TC Central who excel in student leadership as a member of the student senate for at least two years.

Three $1,000 scholarships awarded annually.

The TCHS Classes of 1944/ 1945 Scholarship Endowment was established by the Traverse City High School graduating classes of 1944 and 1945.

One $1,000 scholarship awarded annually at each Central and West.

The WSH Academic Boosters Scholarship was established in 2008. Recipients must earn a minimum 3.25 GPA.

The scholarship award amount and number of awards vary annually.

The West Senior High Key Club Scholarship was established in 2011. This scholarship is given based on involvement in Key Club and an essay.

One scholarship awarded annually. The scholarship award amount varies.

The Traverse City West High Staff Scholarship was established in 2006. The WSH staff raises funds to honor students who have shown academic diligence and service to their school.

The scholarship award amount and number of awards vary annually.

Established in 2007 and awarded in memory of Carol Bowman, former West Senior High staff member. The Student Senate funds this memorial award to benefit a senator that has shown care and concern for community service and their school.

One $500 scholarship is awarded annually.

The Senior Class Scholarship is supported annually by the graduating class with the intent of recognizing achievements during school in a variety of programs and to encourage continuing education.

The scholarship award amount and number of awards vary annually.

The WSH Student Senate Scholarship was established in 2008. This scholarship will recognize a senior in Student Senate who has excelled in student government for at least two years.

Two $500 scholarships awarded annually.

The Tompkins Scholarship Endowment was established be to provide scholarship awards to benefit graduates from Traverse City Area Public Schools. Awards will be based primarily on academic achievement without consideration of financial need. Individual scholarship awards are intended to be significant in nature and may be renewable for future years.

The Trojan Legacy Scholarship is made possible through donations from the local Traverse City community and is open to any Central High School senior who is going on with their education after high school. Students must be in good standing and engaged throughout their time at Central. These scholarship winners are representatives of both Central HS and the Traverse City area.

At least $2,000 in scholarships is expected to be awarded annually.