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IRON MOUNTAIN -- The new John and Frances Zanardi Memorial Scholarship has been established at Iron Mountain High School, made possible by the generous gift provided by their trust after the passing of their son, Francis.
The first scholarship will be awarded at the IMHS Commencement ceremony on May 24 in the amount of $20,000.
To be eligible for the John and Frances Zanardi Memorial Scholarship, applicants must be a graduating senior of Iron Mountain High School who will be attending an accredited two- or four-year college/university or other educational/technical institution, pursuing a degree in the field of their choice. Applicants must have averaged a 2.5 GPA or above during their high school career.
John and Frances Zanardi lived in Iron Mountain, when they started their family. John earned his undergraduate degree from Ferris State University and completed his law degree from the University of Detroit. During his time in Iron Mountain, John opened his private law practice and eventually also served as the Dickinson County prosecutor.
Having the same passion for people and education as her husband, Frances earned her degree in business education from Ferris State University. All three of the Zanardi's children graduated from Iron Mountain schools, John (Jack) in 1946, Francis in 1951 and Marilyn in 1957.
The oldest son, John (Jack), served in the U.S. Army, spending time in Japan before returning home and graduating from Notre Dame University with a degree in business administration. He worked for Chicago & Northwestern Railroad for 45 years.
Francis also graduated from Notre Dame with a law degree, and returned home and worked with his father in the family's private law practice. He also worked for the Federal Anti-Poverty program for the State of Michigan, helping others around the state.
Marilyn earned a degree in biology and chemistry from Northern Michigan University as well as her master's and Ph.D in the fields of microbiology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Marilyn was a researcher and professor at the university level for the next 51 years.
It is very apparent that faith, family and community were the pillars by which the Zanardi family built their legacy. The humble nature of the Zanardi family was evident to all who knew them. Francis passed on his parent's legacy with his unbelievably generous gift to Iron Mountain Public Schools and the scholarship program. The Zanardis unwavering commitment to education has the capacity to make a huge difference to many students pursuing higher education.
Per the request of the family, a family crest was designed to accompany the scholarship, with mountains representing Iron Mountain and strength; pine trees representing the local area as well as beauty and strength; doves representing peace and beauty; and five-petaled flowers representing the five immediate members of the Zanardi family. IMHS student Emelia Miles designed the final crest using a background of shades of coral.