Scholarships
Anne Marie Gieske Scholarship
Anne Marie Gieske ScholarshipIn 2023 an annual scholarship in the amount of $500 was established in memory of Anne Marie Gieske to recognize her spirit and her contributions to the Beechwood Band program. The scholarship further recognizes her gifts and how she embodied excellence and compassion as a friend, musician, and leader. The Anne Marie Gieske Scholarship is awarded annually to one Beechwood Bands student at the Spring Band Banquet.
Sarah E. Menez Scholarship
In 2014, the Beechwood Band Boosters in association with Joseph Menez established this scholarship in the amount of $500 in memory of his late wife and identified criteria on which the scholarship recipients be selected: first on their exemplifying the finest qualities that characterized Sarah Menez as a humane person and second on their musicianship in playing a musical instrument and academic achievement. The scholarship is funded through an annual donation to the Beechwood Band Boosters, an IRC 501(c) (3) organization, by Joseph Menez and any other gifts, so designated.
Vince Michels Scholarship
The “Vince Michels Go Getter Scholarship” is an award based primarily on initiative. Given to a band member who is defined by action. This person is a self starter. Always taking personal responsibility for the band’s work, both his/hers and others. If something needs to be done, they just do it. They jump in and “get things done” with energy, action, and purpose without having to be asked. It is not to be given based on grades or musical ability, but hustle: because that was Vince.
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The Michels family wishes to honor Vince with up to two annual $500 scholarships. However, they want this money to be given only if these type of students exist in the senior class. This can change from year to year. Should these “go getter” type students exist, a vote will be taken by the students, directors, and the prop crew boosters. Given at the discretion of the Michels family, this award may not be awarded each year.
About Vince Michels
This award honors one of the finest prop Dads to ever support this highly successful band program. Vince Michels was a man who worked with his hands. He was a do-er. Getting dirty and working hard was a part of his life. A man of little words, but big on action, he enjoyed being around the kids and helping them. He also watched them develop into young adults, and he was proud of those that were self starters.
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Beechwood Bands Boosters Scholarship
The Beechwood Bands Boosters proudly awards an annual $500 scholarship to a graduating senior of the Beechwood Bands and presented to the recipient at the annual Band Banquet. To be considered, students must complete an application which includes writing a brief essay about what their experience in the Beechwood Bands has meant to them and why they should be considered. A winner will be selected by a committee comprised of the Band Director and Beechwood Bands Booster Board.