SCHOLARSHIPS
With the support of its alumni and community, the Southwest Foundation provides over $80,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors each year. Some of the scholarships are awarded based upon student applications while others are chosen by Southwest's faculty based upon student performance.
The scholarships chosen by application are:
Southwest Foundation Scholarships
Ann Brinley Scholarship
Helen Ann Omodt Scholarship
Holly Firehammer Scholarship
Julia Berg Scholarship
Rotsch Family Scholarship
Lee Kopp Scholarship
William J. Beha Grant
Tom Neiman Community Service Scholarship
For information about applying for these scholarships, and others applications are handled through Southwest's Naviance system. The application period typically opens in February, with a final submission deadline mid-March to early April.
Recipients of the following scholarships are chosen by the faculty based upon student performance:
Al Halley Scholarship
Harvey Feldman Scholarship
Van Nichols Scholarship
Dolven Scholarship
Steve Griak Scholarship
Danny Olson Scholarship
Brad Peterson Scholarship
Jack Sandberg Science Award
Scholarship winners are announced at the Senior Awards Ceremony each May.
Southwest Foundation Scholarships
The Southwest Foundation Scholarships, funded primarily by alumni, are given to graduating seniors at the Senior Awards Night each May.
Applications are generally due by the beginning of April.
Al Halley Scholar Athlete
In honor of Al Halley, a math teacher and athletic coach at Southwest from 1940-71. Presented to a male athlete with two letters in one sport and strong academics. 1 @ $500
Ann Brinley Scholarship
In memory of Ann Brinley, a Southwest counselor. The award is based on citizenship and academics. 1 scholarship @ $1,000
Bradley L. Peterson Memorial Award
In memory of Bradley Peterson, Class of ’67, given by his parents to a male student who has made a strong contribution to Southwest athletics. 1 scholarship @ $250
Dan Olson Scholar Athlete Award
In memory of Dan Olson, 1958-74, who would have been a part of the Class of ’76. The scholarship is awarded to a male or female athlete with one or more letters and a good GPA. 1 scholarship @ $300
Harvey Feldman Most Improved Athlete
Harvey Feldman ’61 played football and basketball at Southwest. The Harvey Feldman Most Improved Athlete Award is given in recognition of the hard work and dedication needed to be chosen as most improved athletes in Football, Boys’ Basketball, and Girls’ Basketball. 4 scholarships @ $5,000/year for four years
Helen Ann Omodt Scholarship
Given by her children in memory of Helen Ann Omodt. Helen was a long time Minneapolis educator, and her children all graduated from Southwest. 1 scholarship @ $250
Holly Firehammer Scholarship
Holly Firehammer is a local Realtor specializing in Southwest Minneapolis. Applicants are asked to write a short essay on “What Home Means to Me.” 1 scholarship @ $1,000
Jack Sandberg Science Award
In memory of Jack Sandberg, 1939-57, who would have been a part of the Class of ’58, given by his parents for excellence in science. The two winners are chosen by the Science Department. 2 scholarships @ $2,000
James Baxter Scholarship
In honor of James Baxter, these three scholarships are awarded based on being a varsity athlete, academic ability, and personal qualities. 3 scholarships @ $2,500
Julia Berg Memorial Award
This award is given in memory of Julia Berg, who would have graduated in the Southwest Class of 2008. It is given in recognition of a student who stands up and speaks out on issues of justice, peace, and has the courage to speak out on behalf of unpopular causes. 1 scholarship @ $500
Kelly Doran Scholarship
This award is given by Southwest High School alumni, Kelly Doran. It will provide housing (free rent) at an apartment complex for 4 students of the same sex attending the University of Minnesota for a four-year period, with special consideration given to need based students, and is selected by the counseling staff. 1 scholarship for 4 students
Kopp Foundation Scholarship
Sponsored by the Kopp Family Foundation, Lee and Barbara Kopp, and is awarded for academic ability and good citizenship. Five students receive this scholarship. 5 scholarships @ $500
Olga Hart Memorial Education Scholarship
The Olga Hart Memorial Education Scholarship is a yearly scholarship awarded to two students who are interested in attending college to pursue education-related careers like teaching or counseling. It gives $5000 to each student to be used for tuition and computers. 2 scholarships @ $2,500
Rotsch Family Scholarship
The Rotsch Family Scholarship was established by Jeff and Christine Rotsch and their children as a way to give back to Southwest High School and its students. Jeff Rotsch was a 1968 Southwest graduate who felt that Southwest prepared him for success in both college and the business world. 1 scholarship @ $1,000
Sheldon Strom Scholarship
The Sheldon Strom Scholarship, created in honor of Sheldon Strom ’62, will be awarded to a senior student with plans to attend a 2- or 4-year college who has demonstrated continued improvement in mathematics. 1 @ $1,000
Southwest High School Foundation Scholarships
Three scholarships are awarded to students who have positive school or community involvement. 3 scholarships @ 2,000.
Steve Griak Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established by the Griak family to honor Steve’s memory. It is given to a varsity athlete who has demonstrated high academic ability, a positive attitude, sound moral values, and a high degree of personal responsibility. 1 scholarship @ 2,000
Tom Neiman Community Service Scholarship
Van Nichols Scholarship
In memory of Van Nichols, Class of 1988, given by his parents. The award is for a student who has earned at least three athletic letters. 1 scholarship @ $1,500
William Beha Memorial Scholarship
In memory of William Beha, this scholarship is awarded to a student attending St. Thomas University. 1 scholarship @ $1,000