JOAN HOFFMAN

KINGSFORD — The family of Joan Hoffman has established a new scholarship in her memory.

Hoffman worked for Breitung Township Schools for 24 years, wearing many hats during this time, before becoming librarian at Kingsford High School.

As an avid reader, she spent her summers hunting for new books and reading nearly all of them before shelving them at the high school. She liked to joke that she was going to be the 80-year-old librarian because she never wanted to retire.

Hoffman made the library feel like home to all who entered — offering a listening and supportive ear alongside the books. For many students, she was more than the librarian; she was a friend, confidant, and cheerleader.

The students at Kingsford High School were very important to her. The family would like to continue her legacy and support the graduating seniors of KHS by offering an annual scholarship through the year that she would have become the “80-year-old librarian.”

Scholarship applicants must be pursuing a degree at any two- or four-year college, university or technical school. Applicants must also have a cumulative 2.5-plus grade-point average.

The first Joan Hoffman Memorial Scholarship of $500 will be awarded this spring to the graduating Class of 2022. Each year a student will be chosen based on a special love for books and reading.

The Breitung Township Schools Board and the administration at Kingsford High School are pleased to accept the opportunity to coordinate such a meaningful scholarship for the Hoffman family and the graduates of Kingsford High School.

Individuals interested in donating to the scholarship can contact Jamie Lockhart, scholarship coordinator/KHS; or David Lindbeck, principal, at 431 Hamilton Ave., Kingsford, MI 49802; by calling 906-779-2670, ext.5; or by emailing jlockhart@kingsford.org for more information.