2023 SCHOLARSHIP FUND AWARDS
2023 Scholarship Fund Award Winners and Committee Members
For 2023, our Class of 1980 Scholarship Fund gave out three scholarships instead of four because our donations have been falling since the last reunion. This will allow our class to have enough scholarship funds for at least a few more years.
This year's scholarship winners were three lovely young women.
Isabella: Will attend UW Madison to pursue a degree in Neurobiology.
Avery: Will attend Edgewood College starting this fall
Both wrote to thank the Class of 1980 for our generosity to assist them as they begin their college journey.
The Gretchen Freymiller Tompson Class of 1980 award winner was awarded to Lauren. In her thank you note she wrote, "I am so honored to receive this, Gretchen sounded like such a kind hearted human."
Please consider supporting our scholarship fund with your donation:
La Follette High Class of 1980 Scholarship Fund - Madison Public Schools Foundation
https://schoolsmakemadison.org/donate/funds/la-follette-high-class-1980-scholarship-fund/
Thank you so much!
Pam (Clark) Haley and the scholarship committee.
Note: The Foundation for Madison Public Schools (FMPS) administers the scholarship fund. All donations are tax deductible and qualify for matching fund donations from participating employers. You will receive a donation receipt from FMPS for your records.
The history behind The Gretchen Freymiller Tompson Class of 1980 award:
Gretchen was right — “our class is unique and special!” I know she is VERY proud of our class once again!
At the 2017 ceremony, Gretchen (Freymiller) Tompson introduced our scholarship with these inspirational thoughts:
“Every class likes to think their class is the best, that there is something that sets it apart from the rest. The Class of ’80 was no different. So, (for our 30th reunion) we decided as a class to fund annual scholarships that would be given to students that reflect the spirit of the Class of 1980.
We tried to nail down the elusive “it” that made our class unique, or special, or “golden.” Recently I came to find out what that elusive “it” really is--- I will call it the collective heart of the Class of 1980.
Three years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I told my classmates and friends when word spread. In no time, I was hearing from high school classmates offering support. I was pleasantly surprised -- but not shocked – as this was, after all, the Class of 1980 – and that’s what we’ve always done; support each other.
Last August, I found out the cancer was back. The news got out and, true to form, it was the Class of 1980 to the rescue – again. I was inundated with Facebook messages, cards, letters, calls, and all manner of messages of support. I was blown away by the response. But then I realized I shouldn’t be. THIS is what the Class of 1980 does. Regardless of who or what or where, the Class of ’80 is ALWAYS there to help out, and THAT’S what makes this class so special.
Our “elusive it” really isn’t so elusive. “It” is the caring, the compassion, the sharing, the commitment to one another. “It” is being there for each other – all of us – even years after graduation. And that is the “it” we look for in our scholarship recipients.”
Thank you for continuing to honor Gretchen and all the Class of 1980 with your donations.
Pam (Clark) Haley
Gretchen was right — “our class is unique and special!” I know she is VERY proud of our class once again!
At the 2017 ceremony, Gretchen (Freymiller) Tompson introduced our scholarship with these inspirational thoughts:
“Every class likes to think their class is the best, that there is something that sets it apart from the rest. The Class of ’80 was no different. So, (for our 30th reunion) we decided as a class to fund annual scholarships that would be given to students that reflect the spirit of the Class of 1980.
We tried to nail down the elusive “it” that made our class unique, or special, or “golden.” Recently I came to find out what that elusive “it” really is--- I will call it the collective heart of the Class of 1980.
Three years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I told my classmates and friends when word spread. In no time, I was hearing from high school classmates offering support. I was pleasantly surprised -- but not shocked – as this was, after all, the Class of 1980 – and that’s what we’ve always done; support each other.
Last August, I found out the cancer was back. The news got out and, true to form, it was the Class of 1980 to the rescue – again. I was inundated with Facebook messages, cards, letters, calls, and all manner of messages of support. I was blown away by the response. But then I realized I shouldn’t be. THIS is what the Class of 1980 does. Regardless of who or what or where, the Class of ’80 is ALWAYS there to help out, and THAT’S what makes this class so special.
Our “elusive it” really isn’t so elusive. “It” is the caring, the compassion, the sharing, the commitment to one another. “It” is being there for each other – all of us – even years after graduation. And that is the “it” we look for in our scholarship recipients.”
Thank you for continuing to honor Gretchen and all the Class of 1980 with your donations.
Pam (Clark) Haley
Some of our classmates who gathered for a photo at the 40th Reunion held September 2021.
