News and Events

What's New With Dollars for Scholars?

The Redwood Area Dollars for Scholars Chapter® is always working on behalf of local students. Check out this page for an ongoing look at student, chapter and community news -- plus events and other ways you can get involved!

New scholarship opportunities for students in 2025-2026:

  • The family of Janice (Petersen) Jacobsen established the Janice Petersen Jacobsen Memorial Scholarship.  This $1,000 scholarship is undesignated and open to all graduating seniors.

New scholarship opportunities for students in 2024-2025:

  • Richard & Julie Bodensteiner established the Richard & Julie Bodensteiner Scholarship.  This $500 scholarship is undesignated and available to all graduating seniors.
  • Thanks to a generous gift from the Orrin S. Estebo Foundation, $1,000 is available for students entering their 2nd-4th year of college. This scholarship may be awarded as two $500 scholarships. 
  • The family of Brian Ahrens established the Brian Ahrens Memorial Scholarship in his memory.  This $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student who shares a passion for the outdoors, just as Brian did.  Preference will be given to students pursuing degrees in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Fish, Wildlife, etc., or those who have been an active participant in those areas through FFA.
  • Redwood Falls Public Utilities/SMMPA established a $1,000 scholarship for a student whose family is a current customer of Redwood Falls Public Utilities!  Preference will be given to those entering a utility related field, however, all students are encouraged to apply!
  • Members of the Redwood Falls Senior Center established the Donald Frank Memorial Scholarship in memory of Don Frank.  Students must submit a short essay, answering: "Describe your career goals and how you plan to use your education to make a difference in the lives of others." 
  • Brad & Jeanne Limoges established the Limoges Family Scholarship to support students pursuing a degree in the building trades: construction, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry, etc.,. at a two-year technical or trade school.  
  • Michael Vollmer established the Michael R. Vollmer Legacy in Agriculture Scholarship which supports a student entering the field of Ag Business or Ag Education.  If no student enters those specific fields, all other ag related fields will be considered.
  • The Redwood Area Hockey Association has pledged to award a $500 scholarship for each eligible active member of the Redwood Valley Hockey team, or active members through the co-op with the New Ulm Girls Hockey team, during their senior year.  Students must be in good standing with the RAHA and MSHSL. 


​New scholarship opportunities for students in 2023-2024:

  • Barbara Hoepner established the Barbara Hoepner Medical Scholarship.  This scholarship will be available to high school seniors pursuing a medical degree.
  • The family of Joyce McKay contributed an additional $5,000 towards the Joyce McKay Nursing Scholarship fund.  This scholarship will now be a standalone scholarship for a student pursuing Nursing.
  • Helen & Ruth Peterson College Scholarship was established for a Redwood Valley alumni entering their junior or senior year of college. Requirements include full time status (12+ credits), college GPA of 2.5 or higher and have a rural background.  
  • Rose (Schottenbauer) Andersen established the Rose Schottenbauer Andersen Scholarship.  This scholarship will be available to female Redwood Valley graduates currently in college. 
  • Dr. Jacob Stricherz established the Redwood Family Dental Scholarship.  This $500 scholarship will be awarded to a student pursuing a degree in Dentistry or related field.
  • Michael Vollmer established the Michael & Patricia Vollmer Scholarship.  This $750 scholarship will be awarded to a student pursuing small animal care or veterinary sciences. 
  • Cedar Heart Homes Assisted Living of Franklin established a $1,000 scholarship intended for a student entering an allied health field.

New scholarship opportunities for students in 2022-2023:

  • Eugene & Charles Nelson established two pass through scholarships in memory of their mother, Lucille (Watkins) Nelson ('51).  Lucille cofounded Nelson Salvage & Towing.  These scholarships will be awarded to students attending technical/trade school, that portray characteristics of drive and desire for future employment. 
  • Joyce McKay's bequest of $5,000 established the Joyce McKay Nursing Scholarship. This scholarship will be available to high school seniors pursuing a nursing degree.
  • Nick Stanton, Judie Fox & David Peterson donated an additional $10,000 towards the Nick Stanton Scholarship fund.  This scholarship will now be $1,000 and is awarded to a RV cross country participant.
  • Michael Vollmer donated $30,000 to establish three endowed scholarships in memory of his wife, Patty Burgemeister Vollmer.  Patty was a graduate of RFHS, class of 1969, who cared deeply for the children in her life.  These scholarships will be awarded to students with intent to work with children in the educational setting.  Michael also donated $1,000 to the Cardinals Care program.
  • The Class of 1982 Scholarship was established in 2022 after classmates raised funds at their 40th class reunion!  Funds donated are in memory of their classmates who have passed away. 
  • Thomas & Mary Gross contributed $200,000, for a total pledge of $400,000 towards the Thomas & Mary Gross Scholarship. This scholarship is now a $4,000 scholarship, renewable three times, for a total of $16,000.
  • Smetak Family Scholarship was established by Ted Smetak, in memory of Ted's sister Joyce Sommers ('68) and her son Corey, as well as their brother David Smetak ('74).  This scholarship will be awarded to a student pursuing secondary education at either a technical/trade school or conventional college.  Applicants shall display good character and work habits.