In 1986, the Fairview Park Education Foundation established its first scholarship. Since then, we have been awarding scholarships to outstanding Fairview High School seniors. The list of the scholarships available for the 2024 school year are:
Dr. John Babel Memorial Scholarship — Established in 2016 in honor of the 3rd Superintendent of the Fairview Park City Schools. Dr. Babel was born in upstate New York, and upon his high school graduation, he was intent on staying on the family farm. His father encouraged him to continue schooling, pursuing a teaching certificate and later a master’s degree. He was the first in his family to attain a college degree and continued to complete his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. He taught at Cleveland State University for 25 years and was a member of the Rotarian Club for over 35 years. Dr. Babel’s life was changed by those in education, and he believed in the value of lifelong learning.
The $1,000 scholarship is being awarded to a senior pursuing a career in education.
Frank W. Barr Memorial Scholarship — Established in 1990 in honor of the 2nd Superintendent of the Fairview Park City Schools who served from 1964 to 1979. Dr. Barr was a member of many professional educational organizations as well as many community groups.
The $500 scholarship is awarded to a senior pursuing a humanities or liberal arts major at a college or university.
Roger Canfield Baseball Scholarship – Established in 2024 through donations from Fairview High School Alumni baseball players wanting to recognize their coach. Roger worked at the Fairview Park City Schools for thirty-eight years as a social studies/economics teacher and JV/Varsity coach in multiple sports, one being baseball. He participated as a youth advisor with the Recreation Center providing youth coaching and summer sports clinics. He also managed the fields at Bohlken Park.
The $500 scholarship is to be awarded to an outstanding varsity baseball athlete showing great leadership, respect, and acknowledgment for outstanding sportsmanship during their sports career. A minimum of at least two years in the sport is required including senior year.
Mary Lou Chalfant Memorial Social Studies Scholarship — Mary Lou was a social studies teacher at Fairview High School for many years. She was an avid supporter of the Fairview High School arts programs, especially the theater department. She never missed the opportunity to attend a performance during her tenure at the high school. When she retired the scholarship was established.
The $500 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding social studies student pursuing a career in Social Sciences or Social Studies Education or someone active in the theater programs at Fairview High School.
Bruce Linden Cherkala Memorial Scholarship — Established in 1991 by the Cherkala Family in memory of their son, Bruce, who graduated from Fairview High School in 1968. While at FHS, Bruce was an honor student and a letterman in football and tennis. Bruce graduated from Denison University and then Case Western Reserve School of Medicine with an M.D. degree. Bruce passed away suddenly in 1982.
This $500 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who will pursue science or mathematics at a college or university.
Maureen Cundiff Memorial Scholarship — Established in 2007 through donations made by the Fairview Park community and friends for the Cundiff Family. Maureen was a very active person in the community, including an elected member of the Fairview Park City Schools Board of Education, president of PTA, member of the Gemini Committee, and many more organizations. Maureen coached many years of girls’ softball and was an avid softball player herself.
The $500 scholarship is to be awarded to an outstanding female varsity athlete showing great leadership, respect, and acknowledgments for outstanding sportsmanship during their sports career. Softball or Cross Country are preferred but not necessarily.
Laura Dean Memorial Scholarship — Established in March 2001 through a bequest of funding from the estate of a former Fairview Park teacher and former Fairview High principal, Laura Dean. Ms. Dean’s teaching and administrative career in the Fairview Park City Schools began in 1929 and lasted for 45 years. Her first assignment was teaching mathematics to elementary students and later served as the second principal of Fairview High School. It was at her request that scholarships be given to young women pursuing a career in math.
Two $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year to deserving graduating female seniors pursuing careers in mathematics or the field of applied mathematics.
Keith Devine Family Firefighting/Criminal Justice Scholarship – Established in 2024 by Keith Devine to encourage more people to commit to giving of themselves to protect the life and property of others. Both firefighting and criminal justice are very satisfying and rewarding careers. Keith was a thirty-year Cleveland Firefighter, and his dad was a twenty-five-year Cleveland Police Officer. He realizes firsthand the importance of public service in our communities, and he wants to assist in supporting these students to become successful after graduation.
The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student pursuing a career in firefighting or criminal justice.
Shirley Docherty Memorial Scholarship — Established in 2013 by her children, Denise Devine and David in memory of their mother. Shirley was a homemaker most of her life. Upon graduating from high school, she drew maps for the War Department. After the war, she was employed by NACA (a forerunner of NASA), where she worked as a graphic artist in the Aircraft Engine Research Lab.
The $500 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding art student pursuing a degree in Art/Graphic Arts at a college or university.
Fairview High School Class of 1973 Alumni Scholarship — Established in 2024, in honor of their 50th Fairview High School class reunion. The Alumni of the Class of 1973 generously donated the money for a scholarship to use towards the college education of future FHS graduates.
The $1,000 scholarship is being awarded to a senior pursuing a career in education.
Fairview High School Class of 1983 Alumni Scholarship – Established in 2024, in honor of their 40th Fairview High School class reunion. The Alumni of the Class of 1983 generously donated the money for a scholarship to use towards the college education of future FHS graduates.
The $1,000 scholarship is to be awarded to a student who has shown outstanding overall academic, community, and school achievement. The scholarship is available to a student who will be attending a four-year college or a two-year technical college.
Fairview High School Class of 2020 (COVID) Scholarship — Established in 2020 by the Fairview High School Class of 2020 After Prom Committee through a donation of funds that were set aside for the Class of 2020 to use towards their prom and after prom. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, students were unable to have the same prom and after-prom that previous graduates enjoyed. The After Prom Committee generously donated the money for a scholarship to use towards the college education of future FHS graduates.
The $500 scholarship is awarded to a student with a hardworking spirit who has persevered through obstacles, possibly COVID-19 related. This scholarship honors the many challenges the FHS 2020 graduates endured during their senior year. This scholarship is also for a student who demonstrates financial need.
Fairview High School Class of 2023 Scholarship — Established in 2024 by the Fairview High School Class of 2023 After Prom Committee through money that remained from their class fundraising. The Alumni of the Class of 2023 generously donated the money for a scholarship to use towards the college education of future FHS graduates.
The $500 scholarship is awarded to a hardworking student with a median GPA (2.5-3.0) who has been involved in at least one high school club or activity for at least two years of their high school career including their senior year. This scholarship is also for a student who demonstrates financial need.
Maxine Field Memorial Scholarship —Established in 2016 by the Field children in memory of their mother Maxine A. Field (nee Waack). Maxine was a proud resident of Fairview Park. She graduated from FHS in 1948 where she was head majorette for the marching band. In 1948 she represented Fairview Park and the State of Ohio as Miss Ohio in the Miss America pageant. In 1966, Maxine again represented Fairview Park and Ohio as Mrs. Ohio in the Mrs. America pageant. Maxine was a model and fashion coordinator for many local stores and malls. She also enjoyed singing, dancing, and the theater where she acted in many local little theater productions and musicals.
The $1,000 scholarship is to be awarded to a deserving graduating senior who will be pursuing a career in either the fashion industry or music (especially theater, singing, and/or dancing).
Dorothy Graab Memorial Scholarship — Established in 2013 by the children of Donald and Janet Graab Miller in memory of their mother Dorothy Graab. After high school graduation, she attended Northwestern University where she majored in chemistry. Dorothy continued to also study piano until college graduation in 1948. She then joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), a forerunner of NASA, as a chemist at the Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
Dorothy was an active volunteer in civic and community groups. She served as PTA president multiple times and was an elected Fairview Park City Schools Board of Education member, ultimately serving as president. A lifelong lover of music, Dorothy was an accomplished piano player who took great pleasure and pride over the years in supporting the Cleveland Orchestra.
The $750 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who is active in one or more music programs but is not necessarily pursuing that at a college or university.
Judson Graab Memorial Scholarship — Established in 2013 by the children of Donald and Janet Graab Miller in memory of their father Judson Graab. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University where he majored in chemistry. Judson’s time at Ohio Wesleyan was interrupted by his service in the US Army during World War II. Upon graduation from college in 1948, he joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), a forerunner of NASA, as a chemist at the Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Judson remained at NASA for his entire career, serving as the longtime head of the analytical chemistry department where he retired in 1978.
Judson was also part of the team of parents who created the Fairview Park Band Boosters and established the annual Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast. Upon his retirement, Judson worked in the Fairview High School auto shop as a volunteer. His continued support was acknowledged by the Fairview Park Education Association with their Friend of Education Award in 1992.
The $750 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who will pursue a degree in the sciences, preferably chemistry at a college or university.
Fred J. and Betty J. Helwig Memorial Scholarship — Established in 1999 and fully funded by the Helwig children to honor their parents. The scholarships are awarded to hard-working students who demonstrate initiative, self-motivation, and a desire to succeed even though they face life-changing obstacles they are presented with. In addition to the scholarship award, the scholarship recipient’s names will be added to a permanent plaque that hangs in the Fairview High School halls to commemorate this award.
Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded and are renewable for up to a maximum of four years of college.
Jeanne and Michael Holick Memorial Scholarship – Established originally as the Michael Holick Memorial Scholarship in 2008 by the Holick Family in memory of their father, Michael. The scholarship is also in memory of their mother Jeanne, who passed away on October 15, 2021.
Jeanne and Michael were married for 56 years and raised four children in Fairview Park. All their children were graduates of Fairview High School and Baldwin Wallace College.
Jeanne was a graduate of the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music and taught piano in Fairview Park until she was 86. She was a great advocate of music programs at Fairview High School and local venues and always enjoyed concerts and plays.
Michael’s talents as a master finish carpenter for 56 years are appreciated today as he is responsible for building his family home and homes for his children in Fairview Park. In addition, he rebuilt the corner of West 204th Street and Lorain Road. He was also involved with many buildings, renovating and remodeling projects in the Cleveland vicinity. Michael was an active member of the Carpenters Local Union 1108 and the memory of his talents, love and support of his family, and pride in his city will shine forever.
The $500 scholarship will be awarded to a student who will be going into the trades or has been active in one or more music programs in their high school career.
Harold L. Hom Memorial Scholarship —Established in 2022 by the Hom Family in memory of Harold L. Hom who passed away on September 5, 2022. Harold was a graduate of the FHS Class of 1980. He attended The Ohio State University and Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He was an active citizen in the Fairview Park community. He volunteered for and supported numerous organizations in Fairview including the Fairview Park Education Foundation, Fairview Park Youth Association, the Fairview Alumni Association, the Fairview Summerfest Committee, and the Fairview Park Senior Center. He was the 2023 Fairview Park Citizen of the Year. He was also active with Fairview High School by volunteering at career fairs, FHS After Prom Committee, coaching mock trials, hosting homecoming float building for his children’s high school classes, and volunteering at the Fairview Track and Field Relays. He firmly believed that an individual could make a positive impact on the community and always wanted to do what he could to help future generations.
The $1000 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding graduating senior who has academic achievement, as well as community and school participation, and will be attending higher education. They show the capacity to make an outstanding contribution and impact on their community.
Harold L. Hom Memorial Scholarship (Fairview Park Education Foundation) — Established in 2022 by the Fairview Park Education Foundation in memory of Harold L. Hom, a husband, father, and friend to many. Harold was a graduate of the FHS Class of 1980. He attended The Ohio State University and Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He was an active citizen in the Fairview Park community. He volunteered for and supported numerous organizations in Fairview including the Fairview Park Education Foundation, Fairview Park Youth Association, the Fairview Alumni Association, the Fairview Summerfest Committee, and the Fairview Park Senior Center. He was the 2023 Fairview Park Citizen of the Year. He was also active with Fairview High School by volunteering at career fairs, FHS After Prom Committee, coaching mock trials, hosting homecoming float building for his children’s high school classes, and volunteering at the Fairview Track and Field Relays. He firmly believed that an individual could make a positive impact on the community and always wanted to do what he could to help future generations.
The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a student who is active in contributing to the betterment of their community through volunteerism, acts of kindness, and participation in organizations or clubs that promote leadership, kindness, selflessness, and devotion to helping people.
Zuhair Jallad Memorial Scholarship — Established in 2019 in Zuhair’s name by his family to honor his memory. Zuhair passed away suddenly at the beginning of his senior year at Fairview High School in the fall of 2018. Zuhair was planning to pursue a career in computer science engineering and attend a four-year college. Zuhair’s biggest dream was to in some way make a difference in this world. Students applying for this scholarship should be enrolled in college credit plus courses and show financial need.
The $500 scholarship will be awarded to a student who has demonstrated initiative, self-motivation, and a desire to succeed.
Robert V. and Rose T. Kundmueller Memorial Scholarship — Established originally as the Robert V. Kundmueller Memorial Scholarship in 1990 by the Kundmueller Family in memory of their father, Bob. The scholarship is also in memory of their mother, Rose, who passed away on November 14, 2014.
Bob and Rose became residents of Fairview Park as newlyweds in 1955, raising six children who all graduated from Fairview High School. Bob was a local Fairview Park business owner for many years.
Bob was the Fairview Park Education Foundation’s founding treasurer and trustee, a member of numerous civic organizations, and the 1987 Fairview Park Citizen of the Year recipient. Rose was actively involved in the PTA, and both were strong advocates and supporters of the Fairview Park City Schools.
The scholarship is funded on behalf of the proceeds totaling $108,000 from the Robert V. Kundmueller Memorial Golf Tournament. This was the Foundation’s first annual fundraiser that occurred for 18 years.
The scholarship for $3,000 is awarded to a student showing outstanding academic achievement, as well as community and school participation.
Lewis F. Mayer Memorial Scholarship – Established in 1986 in memory of Lewis F. Mayer. He was the first superintendent of the Fairview Park City Schools, serving from 1921 to 1964. Mr. Mayer was a humanitarian of Fairview Park, an educator, and a principal in the Fairview Park City Schools.
The $500 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding senior who will be pursuing a career in the humanities.
Richard C. and Louise K. Nickerson Memorial Scholarship — Established in 2019 through a bequest of funding from the estate of Louise K. Nickerson. Ms. Nickerson worked her entire life and was successful at a job she loved even though she did not attend college. However, during her adult life, she realized the importance of higher education, thus her request to help provide financial aid to students attending college.
Two $1,000 scholarships are to be awarded to students who have shown outstanding overall academic/community and school achievement. These scholarships will be awarded to students attending either a two-year or four-year college.
Richard Stuewe Memorial Scholarship (Fairview Park Education Foundation) — Established in 2019 by the Fairview Park Education Foundation in memory of Richard Stuewe. He was a graduate of Fairview High School and a teacher, counselor, and coach in the Fairview Park City Schools. He was an honored member of the Fairview Park Education Foundation and many other Fairview Park organizations.
The scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to a student showing outstanding academic achievement, as well as community and school participation.
Richard Stuewe Memorial Scholarship (Alumni Hall of Fame) — Originally established in 2015 by the Alumni Hall of Fame and renamed in 2019 in memory of Richard Stuewe. He was a friend of many, a colleague, and Fairview High School alumni. The Alumni Hall of Fame committee every three years honors three groups from the Fairview Park City Schools – distinguished alumni, outstanding former athletes, and exceptional (retired) faculty members.
The $500 scholarship will be awarded to a senior who is pursuing a degree in the field of education.
Debbie Tidwell Memorial Scholarship (Fairview Park Education Foundation) — Established in 2022 by the Fairview Park Education Foundation in memory of Debbie Tidwell, a wife, mother, and friend to many. Debbie was a true education advocate for children in Fairview Park, as well as in the State of Ohio. She was an active PTA member in our local Fairview Park, as well as, at the State of Ohio and National PTA levels. She served as president of our Fairview Park PTA, and many other positions during her numerous PTA years. In addition, she served on the State and National PTA boards and was the Ohio PTA President. She also served as a member of the Fairview Park City Schools Board of Education. She was an honored member of the Fairview Park Education Foundation and many other Fairview Park organizations.
The $1,000 scholarship is to be awarded to an outstanding male/female varsity soccer athlete showing great leadership, respect, and acknowledgments for outstanding sportsmanship during their sports career. Community service and volunteerism are a plus when applying for this scholarship.
NEW PROGRAM FOR SENIORS GRADUATING FROM A TRADE PROGRAM
2024 Polaris FHS Senior Trade Students Grant Program – Established in 2024 by the Alumni of the Fairview High School Classes of 1971, 1973, and 1982. A grant opportunity was established to promote and support Fairview High School graduating seniors who are pursuing a career in Welding, Precision CNC Machining, HVAC/R, Construction, and Automotive work. This financial award will also encourage and stimulate interest in these careers as well as make an important contribution to the local economy. The money will be used to purchase a significant component of their career job that will aid in what is needed for them to be successful after graduation.
Forms for these grant opportunities are available at Polaris Career Center through Mr. Barnett, Guidance Counselor. The deadline for submission of the application forms to Mr. Barnett is the end of the day March 27, 2024.