The Berry/Kauffold Scholarship 2024
The Berry/Kauffold Scholarship is designed to help students further their music education. The purpose of our scholarship is to provide monetary incentives to musically talented high school students. The money can be used to purchase/lease new or upgraded instrument(s) or to offset expenses for band camp or for private instrumental instruction from a qualified teacher or program.
The award of scholarship support is based upon completion of the application and the recommendation forms and a two-to-five minute video/audio file.
Through this program, we will be awarding $2000 to deserving high school students in Michigan.
Our goal is to encourage long-term involvement in music performance and to make students aware of the opportunity to continue performance with a community music experience and to pursuing music education after high school.
In order to apply, Scholarship applicants must :
- Attend High School in the state of Michigan
or
be sponsored by a current Michigan District Optimist Club - Be in the ninth (9th) through eleventh (11th) grade
- Current members of their high school instrumental or orchestral music program.
Application and Reference Forms
are due by April 15, 2024
All applicants with complete applications will be on the status of his/her scholarship application process.
SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION OF AWARDS*
- Scholarships will be awarded during the Michigan District Optimists Third Quarter Conference in May.
Time and date TBD. - Should this award presentation be postponed or cancelled due to Covid 19, the award announcements will be made via USPS mail.
- Scholarship Awards will be made at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee and must be used by September 15, 2024. The decisions of the Scholarship Committee and Judges are final.
*If the Scholarship will be used for Private Lessons a Verification Log is required
The Private Lesson Verification Log is to be sent to the address listed below no later than October 1, 2024.
The award will be known to the recipient within thirty (30) days after the log has been received.
Payment will be made directly to the student thirty (30) days after the log has been received and verified .
Send Verification Log to:
Michelle Kauffold
8898 Longview Drive
Stanwood, MI 49346
If you have any questions, please contact the
Scholarship Committee Michigan District Optimist/Optimist International
Debra Berry
(ph)248/467-0592
(email) deb@debinparis.com
or
Michelle Kauffold
(ph) 313-510-6300
(email) newmichelle@att.net
The Governor’s 3 Under 3 – December 10, 2024
Governor Sean Mueller has just shared some exciting updates in the latest Governor’s 3 Under 3, highlighting important events, initiatives, and resources for Optimists around the world. Whether you’re a long-time Optimist or just beginning your journey, this video covers some key opportunities to make a lasting impact in your community and beyond. Let’s dive in!
1. Optimist International Convention 2025: An Unforgettable Experience
Governor Mueller kicked off the video by announcing the highly anticipated Optimist International Convention, set to take place from June 29 to July 3, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. This event promises to be an unforgettable experience full of learning, celebration, and inspiration. Whether you’ve been part of Optimist International for years or are a newcomer to the organization, the convention offers an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a difference.
Exciting news for those planning to attend—the hotel reservations are now open! Don’t wait too long to secure your spot. This is your chance to be part of a transformative experience that will energize and inspire you to continue your service to the community.
2. OWLS: Optimists Working for Learning Success
Governor Sean also introduced a new signature program from Optimist International—OWLS (Optimists Working for Learning Success). This innovative initiative is designed to support elementary school-aged students across the U.S. and internationally, with the goal of fostering lasting partnerships between Optimist clubs and local schools.
OWLS is a program focused on providing the resources students need to succeed, including mentoring, tutoring, and school supplies. By stepping up and contributing to this cause, Optimists are making a direct impact on student’s lives and helping ensure their success both inside and outside the classroom. If you’re looking for a way to support your community and create meaningful change, OWLS provides a perfect opportunity to get involved.
For more information on how you can contribute to OWLS and support local schools, visit the District’s website.
3. Choose Optimism Podcast: Inspiration and Actionable Advice
To wrap up the video, Governor Sean highlighted the Choose Optimism Podcast, hosted by Shane Neuman and Theresa Jarratt. This podcast is an invaluable resource for Optimists looking for tips on building clubs, engaging members, and discovering their own optimistic superpowers.
The Choose Optimism Podcast is filled with inspiring stories, practical strategies for success, and thought-provoking discussions on the power of optimism. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your club or simply gain new insights to fuel your work, Shane and Theresa offer fresh perspectives that can help you and your club thrive.
The Choose Optimism Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms, making it easy to tune in and stay informed on all things Optimist.
Get Involved, Stay Inspired
Governor Sean’s updates are a reminder of the power of optimism and the difference it can make in communities around the world. Whether attending the Optimist International Convention in 2025, supporting the OWLS program, or tuning into the Choose Optimism Podcast, there are many ways to connect, learn, and make a real impact.
We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities and continue your journey as an Optimist. Together, we can make the world a better place, one positive action at a time.
Michelle Kauffold
Scholarship Committee