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 – April 15, 2025
Welcome back to another edition of The Governor’s 3 Under 3, where we cover three key updates in under three minutes. There’s a lot to look forward to this quarter—let’s dive in!
🌟 District Awards – Nominations Now Open!
Do you know someone in your club or community who goes above and beyond? Now is your chance to honor them!
Nominations are officially open for this year’s Michigan District Awards, including:
All nomination details and requirements can be found on the Michigan District website under Members > Nominations. Don’t wait too long—nominations close June 1st!
Award winners will be recognized during the Summer Summit in August, so let’s spotlight the outstanding individuals and partners making a difference. Submit your nominations today and help us celebrate excellence in Optimism!
📅 Spring District Gathering – May 16–17 at SVSU
Get ready for one of the most energizing events of the year! The Spring District Gathering will be held at Saginaw Valley State University on May 16–17, and you won’t want to miss it.
✅ Discounted registration is open through May 3
🏨 Hotel booking deadline is April 17 at SpringHill Suites – our Hospitality Room
This quarter’s theme continues with “Optimists Bring Out the Best in our COMMUNITIES – Part 2”, featuring:
- Dynamic Brainstorming Sessions
- District Essay Contest Awards
- District Oratorical Contest, where students take the stage to inspire us all
- Special guests include International Representative Cheryl Bolton, Region 1 Vice President, and Past International President Bob McFadyen and First Lady Penny
It’s going to be a powerful weekend of ideas, celebration, and connection. Come be a part of it!
💸 Membership Rebate Incentive – Earn up to $100 per New Member
We’re excited to announce a brand-new Membership Rebate Incentive Program designed to help your club grow and thrive!
From April 1 to June 30, your club will receive a $70 rebate for every new member who:
- Stays active through September 30, 2025
- Attends at least three club gatherings or events during the quarter
Bonus Opportunity: If your new member attends the Spring District Gathering on May 17 and completes the event survey, the District will reimburse their registration fee—adding an extra $30 for a total of $100 per new member!
🎯 This initiative aims to:
- Strengthen clubs with active, engaged members
- Provide financial support for club activities
- Encourage deeper involvement at both the club and district levels
📌 Club Presidents: Be sure to submit your tracking forms between June 23–30 via the Michigan District website.
Let’s work together to grow the Michigan District and support the next generation of Optimist leaders!
Stay Involved. Stay Inspired.
Whether you’re nominating a local hero, attending the Spring Gathering, or welcoming new members into your club, every action brings us closer to our shared mission.
Together, we continue to prove: Optimists Bring Out the Best in our COMMUNITIES.
🟦 For more information and updates, visit MichiganOptimists.org
📬 Have questions? Reach out through our Directory page or connect with your Lieutenant Governor.
Michelle Kauffold
Scholarship Committee