Scholarships
BEF AWARDS 21 SCHOLARSHIPS TO THE CLASS OF 2025!
The annual Senior Awards Ceremony was an impactful day of financial outreach! Together with BEF donors, friends, and family members, President Marilee Beins, Treasurer Jeff Hill, and Executive Director Kelley Bethell-Smith presented a total of 21 scholarships under the BEF funding/management umbrella. $23,500.00 in college scholarships were awarded for BHS graduates matriculating in the 2025-36 school year ($13,000.00 of that staying right here in Baldwin City for students attending Baker University)! Congrats to all Baldwin Education Foundation scholarship recipients!
List of 2024-2025 Scholarship Recipients
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BEF Leadership Scholarship
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Isaac Taylor
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BEF Leadership Scholarship
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Emily Howarter
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Venable Memorial Scholarship
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Caitlan Base
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Kyan Frost
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Adalyn Madl
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Timothy Newacheck Memorial Scholarship-NEW
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Nick Johnson
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Dewey Ehling Memorial Scholarship-NEW
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Isaac Taylor
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Brenda Shawley Memorial Scholarship
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Claire Baker
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Lauren Berg
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Saylor Currie
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Malin Harris
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Emily Paget
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Maecylynn Wolff
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Charles E. Hill Memorial Scholarship
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Lauren Berg
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Malin Harris
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Spielman Leadership Scholarship
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Hank Beard
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Saylor Currie
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Emily Howarter
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Isaac Taylor
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Baldwin Wrestling Club Scholarship
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Hank Beard
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Canyon Burtis
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* Photography by Lydia Payne, Madeline Massey, and BHS Journalism
Scholarships
BEF administers several scholarships annually for graduating seniors, many of which have been established in memory and/or in honor of local individuals/groups who continue to make a lasting impact by investing in the future of BHS!
For more information about BEF’s scholarship program, please email bef@usd348.com.
Available Scholarships for BHS Seniors
Baldwin Leadership Scholarship
Qualifying Criteria:
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Academics: 22.5%
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Achievement: 22.5%
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Leadership: 22.5%
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Character Qualities: 22.5%
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Financial Needs: 10%
A committee consisting of 2 high school teachers, a high school counselor and one high school administrator will choose 2 graduating seniors as recipients of this award.
The award will be $1000.
APPLICANTS:
Type a 500 word (or less) essay expressing why you believe you deserve this award. Attach this document as a cover page with your essay You may also attach a list of activities that support Achievement, Leadership and Character Qualities.
*Seniors are to contact BHS Counseling Department for full application materials.
Venable Memorial Scholarship
Coach Merle Venable came to BHS in 1966 and left in 1984, but came back as a substitute teacher for many years. During his 19-year tenure, he was head football and track coach every year. He led the Bulldogs to a state championship in 1981 and they were state runners-up in 1971 and 1978. He taught history. In addition to his coaching and teaching he also served a positive influence for many kids - championing the less fortunate. Mr. Venable's scholarship was greatly enhanced by memorial contributions given in honor of his son, Steve. Steve was a graduate of Baldwin High School in 1977. Steve later graduated from Texas Tech Technical College in Waco, TX. Steve's accomplishments were very noteworthy because he was deaf his entire life.
Qualifying Criteria:
1.) A senior boy or girl who participated in high school athletics with at least a 3.0 grade point average.
2.)The student will have financial need and attend a post-secondary program.
A committee consisting of 2 high school teachers, a high school counselor, one high school administrator and a member of the Venable family (if they so choose) will select the graduating senior as the recipient of this award.
The award will be no less than $500
Applicants will write a 500 word (or less) essay expressing why he/she is deserving of the scholarship.
*Seniors are to contact BHS Counseling Department for full application materials.
Timothy Newacheck Memorial Scholarship
The Timothy Newacheck Memorial Scholarship is a new program, effective for the 2024-2025 school year and administered through the Baldwin Education Foundation. BEF, in consultation with the Tim Newacheck care team, will assist with selection of the annual scholarship. In high school, Tim Newacheck participated in basketball, cross country, and track—with cross country and track being his favorites. He also participated in the Boy Scouts. After high school, he attended Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS for three years. Tim worked various jobs including dirt construction, dredge operator for the city of Olathe, eight years at Farmers COOP in Lawrence, ten years in the HVAC field, and worked as an equipment operator at Loma Vista Nursery until his passing. His hobbies included riding his antique Harley, fishing, plinking with his vintage firearms, history, checking out old stuff in general, gardening, specializing in peppers, onions, and tomatoes. He particularly enjoyed supporting Baldwin Bulldogs cross country and track teams. In addition to being a Baldwin Bulldog "Super Fan,” Tim was also an excellent writer, a deeply spiritual man, and a “silent servant.” He often helped in various ways behind the scenes with all the different organizations, kids, and people he cared about.
Qualifying Criteria:
1. Applicants must be a high school graduating senior in good standing of USD 348. Though it is not a requirement for applying, preference will be given to those applying candidates who participated in track and cross country in high school, along with those candidates who will be competing in track or cross country at the collegiate level.
2. Applicants must submit evidence of his/her academic record (school transcript, ACT or SAT score, etc.)
3. Applicants must include two letters of recommendation – one personal, and one who is knowledgeable about the athletic aspects of the applicant’s life.
4. Applicants must submit a paragraph response for each of the following: 1.) Describe what this scholarship would mean for your opportunity to obtain a college education. 2.) Address what being part of a team means to you and the lessons you’ve learned, even with the individualized nature of sports like cross county and track. 3.) Provide a brief explanation of community service you have participated in, or would like to be a part of in the future.
*Seniors are to contact BHS Counseling Department for full application materials.
Dewey Ehling Memorial Scholarship
The Friends of the Baldwin Academy of Dance and Voice Club established the Dewey Ehling Memorial Scholarship in 2017. Through this program, the Friends of BADV have been able to provide funds to high school seniors to support their pursuit of higher education in a performing arts field. As a result of the 7/31/24 dissolution of Friends of BADV, the Baldwin Education Foundation administers the scholarship, effective for the 2024-2025 school year. Representatives from the Friends of BADV will continue to be provided the opportunity for input regarding the selection of the recipient(s) of the scholarship. Dewey Ehling was a teacher, longtime conductor, and choir director. He conducted the Peninsula Singers and Port Townsend Community Orchestra in Port Angeles, Washington, was a volunteer conductor and/or director for many productions on the North Olympic Peninsula, and was named as one of the outstanding educators of the Pacific Northwest by the Washington Music Educators Association. He led an annual community sing-along to Handel’s Messiah as a fundraiser for Sequim Community Aid. Before moving to Port Angeles, he conducted community chorus, youth symphony and was a school music director in Anchorage, Alaska. Mr. Ehling grew up in Kansas and was the father of Dr. Deb Ehling-Gwin, retired USD 348 Primary Center principal.
Qualifying Criteria:
1. Applicants must be a high school graduating senior In good standing of USD 348 who is pursuing a major or minor in a field related to the performing arts.
2. Applicants must submit evidence of his/her academic record (school transcript, ACT or SAT score, etc.)
3. Applicants must include two letters of recommendation – one personal, and one who is knowledgeable about the performing arts aspects of applicant’s life
4. Applicants must submit an essay addressing at least one of the following topic ideas: How does participating in the performing arts impact your life and the lives of others? What is your goal in furthering your education in the area of performing arts.
*Seniors are to contact BHS Counseling Department for full application materials.
Brenda Shawley Memorial Scholarship
Coach Brenda Shawley “Shawley” was a long time P.E. teacher and coach at Baldwin Junior High School. Coach Shawley was known for her endearing smile and always making everyone feel included. She taught at BJHS for 20 years and coached girls volleyball, basketball, and track & field during those 20 years. Coach Shawley was so appreciative of the Baldwin community, students, parents, and staff. Coach Shawley was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016 and succumbed to the disease in March of 2020. She coached and taught up until the final months of her life. On behalf of Kala Loomis, Brenda’s mother, father, brother & his family, we would like to present a one-time $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior girl. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a well-rounded, female athlete that exemplifies the amazing characteristics of Coach Shawley - positive attitude, respect for self and others, hard work every day, and elevating others! A committee of community members and family will select the recipient of this scholarship.
Qualifying Criteria:
• Graduating senior girl from Baldwin High School, Baldwin City, KS
• Maintained a 3.0 grade point average
• Participated in high school athletics
• Planned enrollment at an accredited institution
*Seniors are to contact BHS Counseling Department for full application materials.
Charles E. Hill Memorial Scholarship
Charles grew up in Baldwin City, Kansas. The friends he made during his time in Baldwin schools remained his friends for life. Charles always had a positive attitude. He played & lettered in Football, Basketball and Track all four years. He also was in school plays, attended Boy’s State and was a candidate for Homecoming King at BHS. Charles started college at Baker University with $50 in his pocket when his friends from BHS talked him into giving college a try. He was the first person in his family who graduated from college. While at Baker, Charles met his future wife, Mary Ann Ireland. In Case Hall, a professor sat students alphabetically and the two were seated next to one another. Charles and Mary Ann shared 66 happy years of marriage. Theirs was a marriage of true love, kindness and deep respect. After graduation, Charles taught one semester at Gardner Elementary school before moving to teach at Pomona. He later served as principal at Lane, principal at Pomona, and vice-principal at Garden City High School. In 1968 Charles moved to Eudora where he served as superintendent of the Eudora School District for 10 years. His final job was as superintendent of the West Elk school district in Howard, where he served 13 years. After retiring, Charles and Mary Ann moved to Lawrence. He was State Chair for Retirement Planning for the Kansas Retired Teachers Association, Area Representative for the Salvation Army, was involved in numerous civic organizations and his church. He was always willing to help others with their difficulties or challenges and someone who never spoke unkindly about anyone. Charles and Mary Ann moved to the Pioneer Ridge Independent Living facility in 2017 where Charles quickly became a leader for fun and entertainment. Charles enjoyed men’s coffee on Thursdays and joked he only liked to participate in activities that started with “P”: poker, puzzles, pitch and pool! Even in his battle with cancer, he was optimistic every single day. Those lucky enough to be family or friends felt his love and kindness everyday. His family would like to offer this scholarship to help the next person from Baldwin High School attend Baker University and hopefully follow in Charles’ footsteps of creating a life filled with love and service to others.
A committee of Charles Hill’s family members will select the scholarship winner.
Qualifying Criteria:
1.) Graduating Senior from Baldwin High School, Baldwin City, Kansas
2.) Planned enrollment at Baker University, Baldwin City, Kansas
*Seniors are to contact BHS Counseling Department for full application materials.
Spielman Leadership Scholarship
Coaches Mike and Angie Spielman have served the Baldwin school district and community for many years. Through athletics, academics, and social gatherings, they have had a strong presence on those around them and they are beloved by all. Their dignity and wisdom have helped to shape the lives of many youths in the greater Baldwin City area and their impact will con>nue to lead to meaningful change for years to come. As impressive as the Spielman’s accomplishments were on the cross-country course and on the track, they will always be remembered as two of the greatest role models and leaders that young men and women could ask for. With Mike and Angie moving on to the next chapter in their life, we wanted to dedicate this scholarship in their name to honor their accomplishments and to thank them for their years of tireless service to their community. We are offering a one-time $250 scholarship to one male and one female graduating senior students. This is an annual scholarship for students who have shown leadership, hard work, drive, respect for others, and sportsmanship throughout their time at Baldwin High School both in and outside the classroom. A committee composed of Mike, Angie, and former Baldwin cross country alumni will select the scholarship recipient.
Qualifying Requirements:
1.) Graduating senior from Baldwin High School
2.)Planned enrollment at an accredited college or higher education
3.) 2.75 GPA or higher
4.)Participant in extracurricular activities during their time at BHS
*Seniors are to contact BHS Counseling Department for full application materials.
Baldwin City Wrestling Club Scholarship
Qualifying Requirements:
1.) Male or female wrestler in good standing with the Baldwin High School wrestling team
2.) Plan to attend a 2 or 4-year college, preferably planning to be a part of the wrestling team
3.) GPA of 2.0 or higher
4.) Proof of positive impacts made on the Baldwin City community
Two awards of $500 will be granted to one male and one female graduating senior per year.
*2025 is the final year for this scholarship offering.