Scholarship Funds

In 2022, friends of Howard S. Purdy established the Culinary Arts Memorial Scholarship to ensure his passion for creating extraordinary food lives on through others who share his love for the craft. Howard’s greatest gift to those around him was more than just his culinary talent — it was the way he brought people together. Through his cooking, he fostered laughter, love, and the joy of shared experiences, reminding us all to savor life’s moments.

Howard’s creations expanded our palates and our imaginations, leaving us craving not just another bite, but new possibilities. Many of us walked away from his table with a newfound favorite dish—one we would later request for birthdays, holidays, annd cherished gatherings. His meals became traditions, feeding both our stomachs and our souls. Among his most beloved dishes were Thai crispy fish, French bread pudding, lasagna, caprese, Coney Island sauce for hot dogs, and osso buco. Recognizing the joy his food brought to others, Howard meticulously documented his recipes, compiling a cookbook so that his friends and family could continue to enjoy his flavors long after he was gone.

Howard’s passion for cooking knew no boundaries. He expanded his circle of friends and fellow food lovers by guest-cheffing in Colorado and even Costa Rica, embracing the challenge of cooking for large crowds while forging new connections.

In January 2022, after a long and courageous journey with cancer, Howard passed away. Yet, even through his illness, he remained steadfast in his belief that quality of life was paramount. Planning, shopping for, and preparing extraordinary meals brought him—and those lucky enough to share in them—immeasurable joy.

A 1970 graduate of Parkside High School in Jackson, Michigan, Howard continued his education at Jackson Community College before earning his degree from Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado in 1974. He dedicated 15 years to teaching elementary school, touching young lives with his kindness and enthusiasm. In 1989, he transitioned to running a business alongside his wife, and after retiring in 2016, he was finally able to fully embrace his true calling: creating unforgettable meals and memories with the people he loved.

Howard’s legacy lives on in the flavors he shared, the traditions he inspired, and the connections he nurtured around every table he graced.

The Kuforiji Scholars Program was created to assist and encourage African-American students to further their education after graduation from John Glenn High School, Westland, Michigan.  This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exemplary academic achievement.

Ron was a 1978 graduate of Wayne Memorial High School.  He was the Captain of the Cross Country and Track teams.  In fact he was part of the team that holds the record for the 4 x 800 m track relay. He earned 12 varsity letters and was twice named to the All-Regional NCAA Great Lakes Cross Country team and earned 10 track all conference citations in the GLIAC. Throughout his high school years, Ron was coached by Ernie Righetti, a man who greatly impacted his future. Coach Righetti helped Ron to earn a full-ride scholarship to Wayne State University, thereby setting Ron on a course to earn a college degree. Ron earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from WSU in 1984, and worked for the American Lung Association of Southeast Michigan and the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan early in his career.  Afterward he worked at Guardian Industries in Durham, North Carolina, and then Broder Brothers, Plymouth, in public relations. In 1996 he became employed at Consumers Energy Corporation in Jackson and retired in May 2020 from its Corporate Communications Department.  Ron was also pursuing ordination as a deacon in the Catholic Church for the Diocese of Lansing.

Ron died in December 2020 at the age of 61, after battling the COVID-19 virus for almost three weeks.

These words tell you about Ron, but they don’t do him justice.  He was a unique and much-admired person.  Family was foremost to Ron, as was his faith and service to his community.  He loved holidays,  was a great Halloween pumpkin carver, could quote lines and dialogue from tons of movies, could kick a 35-yard field goal, and loved the Detroit Tigers.  His sense of humor and playfulness were his greatest assets.

But the thing you should know about Ron is that he overcame great difficulties as a young person by keeping a vision in his mind for a better future for himself.  He worked hard to make that vision a reality.  It is because of that drive to make a better life for himself that his family has created this scholarship.  Their sincere hope is that the applicants have such a vision and desire to create their better future.

This scholarship opportunity is open to all graduating seniors of Wayne Memorial High School, Wayne, Michigan, who have involvement in the Cross Country and/or Track team and are a student in good standing.

This scholarship fund was created by the Logerstedt family in memory of their beautiful son, Warren, who attended Wayne Memorial High School.  His smile was infectious and his spirit was pure love.  He was taken care of by amazing physicians, nurses, therapists, surgeons and nutritionists.  That is why for this scholarship there is inportance placed on seniors going into the medical field.  

The family named this the "Smile" scholarship because through all of his struggles, Warren had the most beautiful smile and loved to smile and laugh.  

Providing support to students with financial deficits is a passion for the Logerstedt family - it is important to them that they provide a hand up!

Westland Community Foundation Scholarship program for Westland students with a financial need.

We're proud to support our community's students and their educational endeavors by offering numerous scholarships.