The 2020 NASF Alumni Scholarship Fund Drive is underway, as letters were mailed to NHS alumni across the nation. In the front row from left, are Anne Nanninga, Olivia Brasure and Logan Carlson; back: High School Principal Scott Trevillian, seniors Lexie Maycunich, Brady Steinbrecher, Cassie Gill and NASF secretary Julie Butler.

NIAGARA, Wis. — The Niagara Area Scholarship Foundation has announced that its 26th annual Alumni Fund Scholarship Drive has gotten underway.

Special solicitation letters were recently distributed by school staff members assisted by high school students.

This year donors are able to make their contributions online using Donor Box and a credit card. Go to the school website niagara.k12.wi.us and select Scholarship Donations on the top left side of the page. This will be a secure link where alumni may make single or recurring donations.

Since it was founded in 1993, NASF has awarded $120,000 in scholarships through funds it has raised primarily through its annual Alumni Fund Drive while it has also overseen the awarding of more than an additional $483,000 in scholarships through other scholarship sources they administer on behalf of the Niagara School District and many families who sponsor scholarships.

Since its inception, the NASF has led efforts that have resulted in the number of local scholarship dollars available to grow every year. As a result of the efforts of the NASF and the support of alumni, current and former teachers and staff members, local businesses and civic organizations, the number of scholarships and funds has increased annually to the benefit of each graduating class.

Last year the Niagara Area Scholarship Foundation made it possible for 11 students to receive scholarships directly from funds raised from the NASF Fund Drive and from other scholarships administered by NASF. ì

All students who applied,î Petschar continued, received one or more scholarships and recipients included those who are currently attending technical colleges, community colleges, as well as four-year universities and colleges, both public and private.î

The NASF is a tax-exempt community-based charitable foundation whose primary purpose is to raise funds to provide scholarships to students annually.

In addition, NASF is in the process of creating an endowment fund that will continue to provide scholarships to future graduates of Niagara High School as they further their education at universities and technical colleges. NASF also has administered the scholarship portfolio for the Niagara School District for many years.

Current members of the organization include President Jim Dunnick, Vice President Kerry Grippen, Secretary Julie Butler, Treasurer Brenda Swanson, and trustees Chris Bougie, Darcy Brown, Nathan Burklund, Renae Colenso, John Fox, Sherri Petschar, Kim Schuster, Scott Trevillian, and Elizabeth Youren.

Meetings are on the second Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. at Forward Financial Credit Union in Niagara in the basement conference room.

Guests and new members are welcome to attend.