By Judy Seifert (Contact / Staff Bio)
February 18, 2009 - 10:15 a.m. EST

VASSAR — A graduate of Vassar High School has decided to help future students by providing scholarships through a charitable trust.

Ken Micklash, executive director of the Tuscola County Community Foundation, announced Monday that the foundation has been named the recipient of the trust currently funded at $641,000.

The anonymous donor will not be revealed until the individual’s death. At that time, the trust will be transferred to the foundation.

"At that time, the Vassar High School scholarship program will begin," Micklash said. "

“Based upon the foundation’s current granting policy, scholarships which will become available will total over $32,000 annually."

Superintendent Thomas Palmer said the district is overwhelmed by the generous gift. "This is going to create some wonderful opportunities for our students."

Board of Education President Matt Koch and Treasurer Kirk VanWormer agreed, saying that the scholarships will allow many students, who may not have the means, to continue their education past high school.

Micklash said the scholarships will be open and can be used for college, community college, vocational study or technology study." And the district will be able to decide whether to grant one scholarship annually or divide the amount among several. It’s a very flexible situation," he added.

The scholarship fund will be maintained as an endowed fund. That means it will continue to benefit Vassar students forever.

"This is outstanding news for Vassar schools," Micklash said. "I don’t recall an amount of this size ever."

Persons interested in obtaining more information on Charitable Remainder Trusts can contact the foundation at P.O. Box 534, Caro MI 48723 or by calling (989) 673-8223. You can also send an e-mail to tccf534@yahoo.com.

Judy Seifert is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at seifert@tcadvertiser.com.