Gretchen made a difference and so can WE!!!
Since May of 2011, La Follette seniors have received scholarships from the Class of 1980 Scholarship Fund. Through this year we gave about 40 scholarships totaling $20,000. We started this scholarship at our 30th reunion as a way to truly give back to the place that brought us together — LaFollette.
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 and 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.”
This Scholarship Fund was so important to Gretchen that upon her death she instructed her family to provide $2500--enough money for one scholarship for 5 years. As we approach our 40th reunion, I am asking my classmates to accept Gretchen’s individual donation as a class challenge—let’s meet or beat it with our fundraising this year! Let’s live up to the words this special classmate said of our class! Let’s make her proud of us!
The Foundation for Madison Public Schools oversees the administration of the scholarship fund. www.fmps.org
All donations are tax deductible and qualify for matching fund donations from participating employers.
Please Donate:
Tax Deductible contributions can be donated on-line using the link below.
https://fmps.org/donate/la-follette-high-class-1980-scholarship-fund/
Or, write your donation checks payable to: "Foundation for Madison's Public Schools"
Please mail your donation to:
La Follette Class of 1980
c/o Pam (Clark) Haley
1205 Dorchester Drive
Mundelein, IL 60060
You will receive a donation receipt for your financial records.
Thank you!
Pam (Clark) Haley
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 and 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.”
This Scholarship Fund was so important to Gretchen that upon her death she instructed her family to provide $2500--enough money for one scholarship for 5 years. As we approach our 40th reunion, I am asking my classmates to accept Gretchen’s individual donation as a class challenge—let’s meet or beat it with our fundraising this year! Let’s live up to the words this special classmate said of our class! Let’s make her proud of us!
The Foundation for Madison Public Schools oversees the administration of the scholarship fund. www.fmps.org
All donations are tax deductible and qualify for matching fund donations from participating employers.
Please Donate:
Tax Deductible contributions can be donated on-line using the link below.
https://fmps.org/donate/la-follette-high-class-1980-scholarship-fund/
Or, write your donation checks payable to: "Foundation for Madison's Public Schools"
Please mail your donation to:
La Follette Class of 1980
c/o Pam (Clark) Haley
1205 Dorchester Drive
Mundelein, IL 60060
You will receive a donation receipt for your financial records.
Thank you!
Pam (Clark) Haley
