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Amy Himmelspach Service to Humanity Scholarship

Amy Himmelspach passed away in 2019. In her passing, she left a deep legacy of caring for others. Her ability to care for and uplift those around her was especially felt by the students of Rockford Public School's River Valley Academy, where Amy served as secretary for 20 years.

Students attend River Valley Academy as an alternative to Rockford High School. As secretary, Amy was able to interact and build strong relationships with students. She saw each student's unique potential and held them accountable to it through honesty, encouragement, and kindness.

To honor her legacy, the Amy Himmelspach Scholarship for Service to Humanity was established in 2021. Awards are given to students seeking further education toward Human Services careers.

Recipients of the Amy Himmelspach Service to Humanity Scholarship

Anni’s Army Foundation Annika Meier Honorary Scholarship

Created in 2025 by the Meier family in partnership with Anni’s Army Foundation, this scholarship honors Annika “Anni” Meier, a Rockford student living with a rare pediatric brain cancer whose strength, humor, and compassion have inspired the Rockford community. Despite significant medical challenges, Anni continues to show resilience and care for others - qualities at the heart of this scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded to Rockford High School seniors who have faced significant personal challenges and who demonstrate resilience, kindness, and a commitment to supporting others. Through this fund, the Meier family hopes to recognize students whose journeys reflect courage, empathy, and perseverance.

Dr. Michael Shibler Scholarship

Established in 2022 and inspired by Dr. Michael Shibler’s legacy, the Dr. Michael Shibler Scholarship is awarded annually to two outstanding students who exemplify the spirit of Rockford Public Schools and the community.

Recipients will demonstrate excellence, innovative thinking, passionate pursuit of interests, perseverance, and continuous academic improvement. They will pursue higher education or skilled trades and be well-rounded, engaged in co-curricular or volunteer activities, and committed to helping others.

Dr. Michael Shibler, who retired in December 2021, served as Superintendent of Rockford Public Schools for 32 years and spent 53 years in education. He is a visionary community leader and founding member of the Rockford Education Foundation.

Recipients of the Dr. Michael Shibler Scholarship

Janssen–Grimm Music Camp Scholarship

The Janssen–Grimm Music Camp Scholarship was created to honor the legacy of John and Henrietta Janssen and their daughter, Phyllis Janssen Grimm, whose family believed deeply in the power of the arts to shape young lives.

This need-based scholarship helps Rockford middle and high school students attend accredited summer music camps, such as Blue Lake or Interlochen. Each year, multiple awards are given to help remove financial barriers so students can grow their skills, confidence, and passion for music. 

Applications are due by January 31, 2026, and will be reviewed and selected by Rockford Public Schools music instructors. Award recipients will be announced by mid-February, 2026.

Janssen–Grimm Fine Arts Scholarship

The Janssen–Grimm Fine Arts Scholarship continues the Janssen and Grimm family’s long-standing commitment to supporting the arts in Rockford. Established in memory of John and Henrietta Janssen and carried on by their daughter Phyllis, this scholarship reflects their wish that students be encouraged to pursue their creative gifts.

Each year, 1 award is given to a Rockford High School senior who plans to study fine arts after graduation. Through this scholarship, the family’s legacy lives on in the next generation of artists, performers, and creators

Krause Family Educational Fund

Established by the Krause family, founders of Wolverine Worldwide, the Krause Scholarship has deep roots in the Rockford community. Now proudly managed by the Rockford Education Foundation, this scholarship supports students pursuing careers in fields important to the Krause family legacy: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), education, broadcasting, healthcare, trades, music, and service.

Recipients of the Krause Scholarship are recognized for their dedication to these areas and their commitment to making a positive impact in their chosen paths. The scholarship aims to empower students who demonstrate passion, hard work, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to their communities through their educational and career pursuits.