KINGSFORD — The family of Jeffrey L. Church, in partnership with Kingsford High School, has established the Jeffrey L. Church Memorial Scholarship.

This award honors the life of Church, a 1972 KHS graduate and dedicated veteran who passed away Oct. 28, 2025.

Church was a proud member of the Flivver community. During his time at Kingsford High School, he served as senior class president before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. After an honorable discharge in 1976, Church continued his commitment to his fellow service members through a long and distinguished career at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center until his retirement in 2012.

Known for his athletic spirit and love for the outdoors — from the “Church Camp” in Fence, Wis., to the Elks Lodge in Iron Mountain — his legacy is one of leadership, camaraderie, and service.

To honor Church’s military background and his love for school spirit and athletics, the scholarship will be awarded to students who demonstrate a well-rounded commitment to their school and country.

He loved his community and spent his life serving those who served.

The Church family looks forward to supporting a Flivver who shares his dedication to teamwork and country.

The first Jeffrey L. Church Memorial Scholarship will be offered to the KHS Class of 2026.

Students can apply through the KHS Universal Scholarship application, which is now open on the KHS Scholarship page through Thursday, Feb. 26. Preference will be given to students participating in military programs, including ROTC, NROTC, or the National Guard. Applicants must also be active participants in at least one of the following: Football, girls basketball or the KHS band.

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

Individuals interested in donating to the Jeffrey L. Church Memorial Scholarship can contact Jamie Lockhart, Scholarship Coordinator/KHS at 431 Hamilton Ave., Kingsford, MI 49802; call 906-779-2670, ext. 4; or email jlockhart@kingsford.org for more information.