Scholarship Funds

The Adam J. Schaefer Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the loving memory of a vibrant young man, whose passion for wrestling, helping others, and giving back to his community touched the lives of many. Adam Schaefer graduated from Salem High School in 2002, and was a dedicated wrestler during his time there. His lifelong love of wrestling was evident, as he enjoyed spending many hours mentoring and volunteering with the Salem wrestling team after graduation. He fostered many close relationships with his teammates, coaches, and student mentees. Adam was also passionate about helping people in need, which he did in various ways throughout his life. This scholarship aims to honor Adam’s legacy by supporting aspiring wrestlers who exemplify his incredible spirit and contribution to their community.

Adam passed away on February 2, 2024 leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Adam had a gift when it came to developing relationships and helping others. He was always looking for ways to help family, friends, and work relationships.

The Adam J. Schaefer Scholarship will provide financial assistance to deserving high school wrestlers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to wrestling, both on and off the mat. Recipients of this award will not only exhibit outstanding athletic ability, but also display passion, leadership, work ethic, and citizenship. Through this scholarship, we hope to carry forward Adam’s values, and inspire future generations of athletes to pursue their dreams with the same work ethic and enthusiasm that he displayed throughout his life.

Use the link below to make contributions using a credit card.

If you prefer to mail a check, please make your check payable to the Canton Community Foundation, include "The Adam Schaefer Memorial Scholarship Fund" in the memo line and mail to:

If making a contribution through your IRA, donor-advised fund, etc., contact your financial advisor and provide them with the following information:

Questions?  Contact Beth Meade at the Foundation office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 734-495-1200.

This scholarship was created in memory of Barbara Ann Romano, a devoted mother and grandmother known by all for her generous spirit.  Barbara greatly valued education and had a keen interest in writing, particularily journaling her battle with bipolar disorder in hopes of one day sharing her story with the world.  

This scholarship is open to graduating seniors from Canton High School with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.  Student applicants will be asked to write a short essay to a prompt inspired by Barbara's life dream.  Applicants must have been accepted at or applied to any college, university, or trade school (either full or part time) for the upcoming fall semester.

The Church and Rodenberg families created this scholarship fund in memory of former Plymouth-Canton Community Schools educator and principal, Barbara Church Rodenberg. The scholarship is open to high school seniors graduating from Plymouth-Canton Community Schools with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and planning to attend any college or university with a STEM or Education major.

To honor Bonnie's love of her community, this scholarship is open to a female high school senior graduating from the Plymouth/Canton Community School District or a current college student who is an alumni of PCCS.  The applicant may attend any college or university either full or part time.  Applicants must be majoring in business or a history-related field.  Financial need will be a consideration.

This scholarship is open to all senior high school students currently participating in a recognized Police Explorer program at a police department within Wayne County or planning to major in Criminal Justice.  Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a letter of recommendation from their agency adviser.

The Canton Soccer Club created this scholarship fund to support current and past Canton Soccer Club participants. The scholarship is open to any Michigan resident that has played with the Canton Soccer Club for at least four years. They must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or coach.

Frank Schupra, a resident of Waltonwood - Cherry Hill in Canton, Michigan, created a scholarship for employees of this senior-living residence as a way to thank these young people for the service and kindness that they provide the residents of Waltonwood. The scholarship is open to graduating seniors and current college students who are employed by Waltonwood - Cherry Hill.

Clients First Realtors has created this scholarship for the children, stepchildren or legal dependents of Clients First agents.  Applicant must be either a graduating high school senior or a current college or trade school student with a minimum GPA of 2.0.  Applicant may attend any college, university or trade school either full or past time with any major.

Long-time Canton resident, Dennis Noricks was a proud skilled tradesman and accomplished woodworker.  He liked working with both his hands and his mind.  Dennis lived his life by the Golden Rule - "In everything do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  Therefore, this scholarship will be awarded annually to a student who shares Dennis' passion for working with their hands and mind, and is working toward certification in a skilled trade through an apprenticeship or school.  Preference will be given to those pursuing a skilled trade in any of the following: bricklayer, carpenter, electrician, pipe fitter, or plumber.  This scholarship must be used at a community college or an accredited nonprofit vocational or trade school. It cannot be used at a for-profit institution.  Applicant must be a resident of Wayne county.   

The Denski daughters were both active as cheerleaders when they attended Plymouth-Canton Schools. During their four years of dedication to the sport, the family was given a full perspective of the commitment of cheerleading in balancing practice and games with maintaining studies to prepare for college. This scholarship is open to all senior cheerleaders graduating from the Plymouth/Canton Community School District who are planning to attend any college or university as a full-time student. Applicants must have a minimum of 40 hours of documented community service. Applicants must also provide a letter of recommendation from their cheerleading coach.

The DTE Foundation established this scholarship to benefit students within their service area.  This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors, current college students, students attending an accredited technical/trade school, as well as nontraditional students (those returning to school after an extended absence).  Applicant must reside in one of the locations listed within this document.  No minimum GPA is required, however, applicant must be a student in good standing at their school/program and making academic progress.  Applicant must provide evidence of service to others.  Applicant must be planning to major or currently majoring in a STEM-related field or be entering or currently enrolled in a trade school.  Applicants may attend any college/university or accredited trade school.  Preference will be given to students attending or planning to attend an HBCU (Historically Black College/University) or students planning to or currently enrolled in a skilled trades program.  This scholarship is not available to graduate students.  Financial need is not a consideration for this scholarship.  DTE employees are not eligible to apply.  Furthermore, immediate family members of DTE employees who are Director level and above are not eligible to apply.

The creators of this scholarship fund wanted to memorialize Dustin Piepsney. This scholarship is available to all Plymouth-Canton Community School student athletes involved in wrestling, football, or baseball. Applicants may attend any college or university as a full-time student. Applicants must have a letter of recommendation from their coach.

The Durack family created this scholarship fund as a way to memorialize Elizabeth. The scholarship is available to all "non-traditional" students who plan to attend any college or university in Michigan. A non-traditional student is generally someone beginning college later in life or returning to college following an extended absence.

The Grigg family created this scholarship fund in memory of their mother, Eve Grigg and brother, Troy Grigg . This scholarship is available to one or more eligible students who are current or former graduates of Bad Axe High School, have a GPA of at least 3.0 and a minimum of 20 hours of documented community service at the time of graduation.

Created by his family in memory of past Canton Township Supervisor Bart Berg, this scholarship is open to any high school senior graduating from Plymouth/Canton Community Schools or current college student who is an alumni of PCCS.  Applicant may attend any college or university either full or part time.  Applicant must be majoring in either business or a mental health-related field.  Financial need will be a consideration.

Heather's mother, Dana Willis, created this scholarship in memory of her daughter. Heather was a graduate of Starkweather Academy and a budding artist. This scholarship is open to all graduating seniors enrolled at the Starkweather Academy who are planning to attend Schoolcraft College as a full- or part-time student with any major, and with an appreciation of art. Students attending a college, university or trade school other than Schoolcraft are eligible; however Schoolcraft College will match funds for this scholarship. Art samples must be provided.

Margaret and Jack Demmer created this scholarship fund to assist students with college costs. It is open to all graduating seniors or current college students attending any college or university with any major. The scholarship requires that the applicant has maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Patricia Maurer created this scholarship fund in memory of her son, Jason Russell Maurer. These scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors and those who just completed their freshman year of college and who attend Woodside Bible Church - Troy Campus. This scholarship requires that the applicant attend Woodside Bible Church regularly and have documented community service. Scholarships may be awarded to those attending any college, university or trade school.

Gayle and Jerry Grady created this scholarship fund to support students majoring in Accounting at Eastern Michigan University. The Gradys and EMU are matching funds to make this scholarship possible. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students should apply through Eastern Michigan University's College of Business.

This scholarship was created in memory of lifelong Canton and Van Buren Township resident, Kelly Wheatley.  Mr Wheatley farmed and had dairy cows on Geddes Road until 1958, then began working for Wayne-Westland Schools until his retirement in 1980.  Therefore, this scholarship is open to any high school senior graduating from Plymouth/Canton Community Schools or Wayne/Westland Schools or current college student who is an alumni of PCCS or WWCS.  Applicant may attend any college or university either full or part time.  Applicant must be majoring in agriculture, farming or plan to attend a trade school with a focus on welding or maintenance technician.  Financial need will be a consideration.

Lead Like a Girl scholarships are available to girls who are participating in the Lead Like a Girl program run by Canton Township's BLOCK program. Lead Like a Girl is a leadership program for middle and high school girls designed to build confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills in young women.

This scholarship was created in memory of Linda Hutchinson, a long-time secretary at Model High School in Bloomfield Hills. The scholarship is available to all seniors graduating from Model High School or from the Bloomfield Hills School District that embody competencies shared by both Linda and Model High School. Appliants should apply through the Counseling Office at Model High School.

Livonia firefighters from Local 1164 created this scholarship for any Livonia resident who is a graduating high school senior from any high school. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5, two letters of recommendation (one teacher/counselor and one personal reference).  A 500-word essay describing how they have made difference in their school or community is also required. Students may attend any college, university or trade school, and choose any course of study.

The Treadwell family created this scholarship to honor Marjorie and Donald Treadwell and their commitment to Grosse Ile schools, student achievement, and community service. The scholarship is available to Grosse Ile Public School students who are graduating with a minimum 3.5 GPA and have demonstrated extra-curricular and community involvement.

Marvin Schulz's family created this scholarship as a way to memorialize Marv, who was an engineer at Ford Motor Company but had a passion for education and was an active volunteer in the Plymouth-Canton School District. The scholarship is available to all students graduating from the Plymouth-Canton Community School District who plan to attend either the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor or the University of Michigan - Dearborn.

Matthew Carey was a beloved Lincoln Park teacher and Allen Park football coach.  His impact in both communities was as big as his welcoming personality.  His passion for education, leadership and community will live on through this memorial scholarship.  The Matthew Carey Memorial Scholarship was established to support students who demonstrate a love of learning, strong work ethic, a focus on community, curiousity, and those who seek creative ways to better their world and help others.

Applicants must be a graduating senior from either Allen Park Public Schools or Lincoln Park Public Schools, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be pursuing a career in math, science or education, demonstrate leadership in school or sports, and be community minded.

This scholarship was created in memory of Meredith Whalen, a Canton High School alumni who went on to graduate from the University of Michigan with a business degree. Following graduation, she accepted a position with the investment firm of Fred Alger Management in New York City. On September 11, 2001, Meredith was killed in the World Trade Center attack. This scholarship is available to all female students graduating from the Plymouth-Canton Community School District who plan to attend any college or university majoring in business.

The Bhama family created this scholarship fund to memorialize their beloved husband and father.  Dr. Bhama greatly valued education, and he believed that not having money should never prevent someone from pursuing an education.  This scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors, those currently in college, as well as those planning to start or return to college after an absence.  Students can be attending any college or university.

This fund was created to memorialize Robert Loyd, a long-time educator in the Allen Park School District.  These scholarships are open to graduating seniors from the Allen Park Public School system with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.  The candidate may attendany college or university as a full-time student and be pursuing any major.

Elmer Thomann and Beatrice Trebesch came of age in Detroit during the Great Depression.  Elmer left high school early to help take care of his mom and younger siblings; and Bea graduated and went on to work as a seamstress.  When they married and began to raise their family, they knew that the education they were unable to pursue would open doors for their children.  Bea and Elmer encouraged their three kids, Frederick, David and Gloria, to excel academically and athletically as they moved through their school years.

Their oldest, Fred, was a exceptional basketball player who spend his 40-year career coaching and teaching physical education.  He led a team to the state championship, became Wayne County Teacher of the Year, and was one of the winningest coaches in Michigan.  He received numerous awards for his coaching success, including being inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame.

Their middle son took a winding path to the classroom, majoring in special education, but finding his true joy in teaching middle school and coaching football.  Dave's career was cut short with his death at 48, but many years later his former students and student athletes would share the lasting impact he made on them during their formative years.

Not to be left out, their youngest, Gloria, became a teacher too.  Gloria was a special education teacher who also supported student leadership and spearheaded systemic change in the buildings in which she taught.  She loved team teaching with her peers and was able to reach some of the most resistant learners.  Her retirement came earlier than she hoped, and she longed for more time with kids and volunteered and supported young learners even after her days in the classroom were through.

Combined, Bea and Elmer's children had nearly 100 years in the classroom, encouraging many, many students and athletes to do their best and make learning a priority that would change their lives.  The Thomann family legacy continues beyond that as Dave's daughter and Elmer and Bea's only grandchild found her way into the classroom too.

Tanya Thomann has coached and taught for nearly 30 years, and found her way back to Bea and Elmer's hometown of Detroit and currently serves as a teacher of severely and multiply impaired middle school students.  Tanya is also the equity lead for her building.

The Thomanns hope to continue to inspire and encourage youth to become teachers through the Thomann Family Memorial Scholarship.

This scholarship is available to all senior student athletes graduating from a school located in Wayne or Oakland County. Applicants must be majoring in Education at any college or university.  Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. A letter of recommendation is required from both a coach and a teacher (the two may not be the same person).  And a specific essay question must be answered about what inspired you to become an educator.