Zeeland High School Class of 1966 Promise Scholarship Fund
In 2023, the Zeeland High School (ZHS) Class of 1966 established a permanent named fund at the Community Foundation to benefit the Holland/Zeeland Promise scholarship program. A few members of the 1966 class were already supporting the Promise through their personal philanthropy, and felt the program was deserving of additional resources. They presented it to their classmates as an opportunity for the ZHS Class of 1966 to create a lasting legacy and support the educational goals of bright young students, many of whom return to the area after graduation to live, work, and continue to give back to the community.
An additional motivator was the opportunity for the ZHS Class of 1966 to “rival their rivals” – and engage in a friendly competition with the Holland High School Class of 1966. The HHS Class of 1966 established a permanent named fund at CFHZ in support of the Holland/Zeeland Promise in 2021 and have raised over $100,000 for their fund so far. The founding members of the HHS Class of 1966 hoped to inspire other graduating classes to support the Promise as a legacy project. Both classes agree the competition is worthwhile when it benefits local youth.
The ZHS Class of 1966 kicked off their fund at a lunch event this September at local institution, Frank’s. There were 31 ZHS Class of ’66 members present, along with spouses and friends. During the event, it was announced that an anonymous donor will match all donations to their fund up to a total of $10,000! Gifts made through December 31, 2023 were eligible for the match.
Support from funds like the ZHS Class of 1966 has a ripple effect as addressing and supporting access to higher education creates intergenerational impact. Attaining a degree is a significant predictor of positive outcomes for education, workforce, and life success for graduates and their families. The Holland/Zeeland Promise currently boasts a 96% graduation rate, compared to a national average of 63% (National Student Clearinghouse). Past Promise scholars are now working in healthcare, education, and human services, to name a few.
The ZHS Class of 1966 fund and the HHS Class of 1966 fund both contribute to the Promise endowment, which was launched with a one-million-dollar gift from an anonymous donor in 2021. Designed to be a permanent financial resource for the Holland/Zeeland Promise, the endowment has enabled the program to grow in recent years and accept more students while maintaining a high-level of individual support to each scholar.
“The Promise is truly a partnership between scholars, donors, and the Community Foundation,” said Stacy Timmerman, Director of Scholarships. “It’s a privilege to watch the program evolve and grow, thanks in great part to the generosity of individuals and groups like the ZHS Class of 1966.”