Friends of Big Sky Education organize over $100,000 in community-donated scholarships for 25 students
By Jen Clancey DIGITAL PRODUCER
On April 2, Lone Peak High School awarded 25 seniors with community scholarships. Organized by Friends of Big Sky Education, 51 scholarships from Big Sky community members, businesses and organizations brought the total value of post-secondary support to over $100,000.
Two Johns emceed the event, and alternated welcoming students to the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center stage on Tuesday morning, April 2. John Zirkle, the founding director of the WMPAC and music and theater teacher, and John Hannahs, the district’s athletic director, offered brief descriptions of each student’s involvements and passions in front of a crowd of parents, scholarship donors and Big Sky students.
To be selected for a scholarship, students must submit a transcript, essay and letter of recommendation. Melissa McKeithen, the vice president of Big Sky Youth Empowerment and president of the Arts Council of Big Sky board, appreciates that scholarships can be any type of post-secondary education, whether that be a four-year university or trade and technical schools.
“I think to communicate as a community that we value education, and encourage post secondary education … if you decide to do something after high school, there are lots of opportunities, and we as a community want to support you,” McKeithen said.
“I think it’s just a really great message.”
Behind the scenes, Friends of Big Sky Education takes months to collect and organize scholarship donations, and review applications from high school students. Community donors range from local businesses like the Hungry Moose Market and Deli and nonprofits like Big Sky Thrift.
The retirees who dreamt of supporting high school seniors
In the FOBSE program’s first year awarding scholarships, Lone Peak High School seniors received $32,000 in scholarships. Anne Marie Mistretta and Jerry Mistretta dreamt up the idea of supporting Big Sky students in their post-high school education. The couple had worked in schools before moving to Big Sky, Anne Marie as district superintendent and Jerry as a high school principal.
The Mistrettas moved to Big Sky for their retirement, but found roles in the community that delayed those plans. Anne Marie worked as the school superintendent for Big Sky from 2005 until 2010, and Jerry worked as a fly fish guide. After a true retirement in 2010, Anne Marie continued volunteering time toward Big Sky education by writing grants for the school and helping build the FOBSE scholarship program.
To see the program thrive after its first year in 2015 has made it all worth it for Anne Marie.
“It’s very satisfying. It’s heartening to me to know that I really made the right decision and came out of retirement and went back to work at Big Sky,” Anne Marie said on the phone with EBS.
“And it tells me that I made the right decision to help that community.”
From textbooks, technology and all the costs that go into attending college and paying tuition, McKeithen believes the tradition uplifts families in Big Sky.
“The kids and their families, really, really appreciate the level of support in this community for education,” McKeithen said. And when it comes to who donates and participates, it’s clear that in supporting Big Sky students, the community comes together.
“It’s a really great mix of different, you know, community members and organizations that are supporting that.”
