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A photo of Rockford graduates in front of East Rockford Middle School.
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What We Do

Scholarships

The Rockford Education Foundation is proud to manage a variety of scholarship funds that are awarded to students graduating from Rockford High School and River Valley Academy.

Donations to existing funds and inquiries about new scholarships are welcome. For more information about establishing a new scholarship, call 616-863-6317 or email ref@rockfordschools.org.

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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

  • 2024 - Jonah Yakes
  • 2023 - Angel Gabrick
  • 2022 - Isaac Williams and Isabel Wilson
  • 2021 - Sage Motta and Catherine Bachelder

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

  • 2024 - CJ Mixer and Gerrit TenBrink
  • 2023 - Austin Harvey & Julia Wildman
  • 2022 - Jansen Sullivan

Krause Family Educational Fund

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