For 25 years, Pease (Minn.) Christian Reformed Church has been making its support of higher Christian education personal—recognizing high school graduates and continuing college students with scholarship money to put toward Christian college tuition. The church awarded two different scholarships to five students this spring.
The Christian Reformed Church of Pease scholarship began in 1993 and is awarded to students attending a Christian college of their choice. This scholarship is $500 and is funded by money raised from two offerings per year. The Gerrit Kiel Memorial scholarship, in memory of a Pease CRC member, is $1,000 and is funded by the family. It started in 2002 and is given to students who are enrolling or continuing at either Calvin College, Dordt College, or Trinity Christian College.
Four high school graduates receiving both scholarships this year were presented with the scholarships at an awards banquet at Milaca (Minn.) High School. Dylan Ash, Zachary Ten Haken, and Marissa Peel will each be attending Dordt in September. Ellie Banks will be attending Trinity. Molly Banks, entering her fourth and final year at Dordt, is the fifth student to receive both scholarships this year, a blessing she has received each year of her college career.
“It is overwhelming to look at the price tag of college each year, but having both the Pease CRC and Gerrit Kiel Memorial scholarships helps make attending Dordt more attainable,” Banks said. “As I look forward to my final year at Dordt, I understand more clearly the value and importance of receiving a scholarship to attend a Christian college. I am very grateful and hope one day to support and give back to other students who desire to attend a Christian college.”
About the Author
Kyle Hoogendoorn is a freelance news correspondent for The Banner. He lives in Rock Valley, Iowa.
