Scholarship Fund
The Shelley Speet-Mills Scholarship Fund
In commemoration of her vibrant legacy, the family of Shelley Speet-Mills established a scholarship to empower other students with the same passion for creative arts. Born and raised in Holland, Shelley graduated from Holland High School in 1969. A gifted artist, she channeled her creativity through drawing and painting and experimented with different mediums. She drew inspiration from both contemporary art and the abundant outdoor spaces in West Michigan.
When she wasn’t creating, Shelley’s energy and natural athleticism led her to participate in school activities, Dutch dance, and water skiing. She joined a team of water skiers for Grand Haven’s Water Thrill Show, which performed weekly to crowds of residents and tourists. Through the show, a young Shelley met Bill Mills and fell in love. After a short courtship, they married in the late summer of 1970.
Bill described Shelley as vibrant, curious, and humble. “She loved music and picked ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’ by The Carpenters as our song,” he said. “Some of my favorite memories with Shelley were exploring new hobbies together – motorcycles and winter skiing. She embraced life and new experiences.”
The newlywed couple moved to Grand Rapids, where Bill was working as a teacher. Shelley’s passion for youth education led her to pursue a degree in elementary education at Hope College. She also continued to focus on her artistic talents. Tragically, at the young age of 19, her life was taken. The case remains unsolved.
The Shelley Speet-Mills Scholarship Fund was established in 1971, shortly after Shelley’s death. The scholarship honors Shelley’s legacy and her impact on her family and friends, as well as her passion for youth, education, and the arts. Family members have continued to contribute to the fund, and recently elected to make the scholarship renewable so that it can support a recipient through multiple years of their college degree. As of 2024, the Shelley Speet-Mills Scholarship is the Community Foundation’s oldest active fund.
“We wanted to create a legacy for Shelley that focused on her life,” said Tom. “She died young, but she lived each day fully. In her humble way, she encouraged the rest of us to do the same.” The impact of the scholarship extends beyond academic pursuits, serving as a testament to Shelley’s enduring legacy. It celebrates her spirit of creativity and adventure, inspiring others to pursue their passions with dedication and enthusiasm.
Felix Cruz Gonzalez, a student at Hope College, is the most recent recipient. He said, “Going to college was always a goal of mine during high school, but concerns about money for tuition and other expenses were also on my mind. The blessing of this scholarship lessens that stress and allows me to focus more fully on the college experience and my education. I’m grateful to the Speet family for this support.”