Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

For good. For ever.

306 South University Avenue Mount Pleasant, MI, 48858 United States

(989) 773-7322

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Isabella County, now and for generations to come, by attracting and holding permanent endowed funds from a wide range of donors, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Stokes Elementary Education Scholarship Fund

Margaret Stokes was born on November 4, 1939 in Detroit. A graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University, she earned her Master of Education at Michigan State University. Margaret taught kindergarten and first grade, and cared deeply about each of her students. She spent much of her 35 years teaching in Mt. Pleasant Public Schools. She was patient and soft spoken. “She had a very positive attitude with the children and the adults in the building. She cared about everybody so much,” her husband Dick shared. Margaret wasn’t afraid of working long hours, and when she wasn’t working she enjoyed directing bible studies at church and spending time with her family.

Margaret met her husband, Richard (Dick) Stokes, at Indiana Wesleyan University, where he was also studying to become a teacher. Margaret and Dick married on June 9, 1962. Together they raised two children, Alan and Michael.

Margaret Stokes

Following Margaret’s passing in April of 2016, Dick made the decision to create an endowment fund to memorialize her love of teaching. “Margaret was a fine teacher who cared a lot about her students,” Dick said. “I wanted to find a way to honor her and the profession we both loved.” Named the Stokes Elementary Education Scholarship Fund, the endowment will provide resources for future teachers. “I hope that the students who receive these scholarships will become excellent teachers,” Dick said. Margaret’s passion for teaching will be remembered by hundreds of her students, and her legacy will live on through this endowment fund.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to apply for the Stokes Elementary Education Scholarship:

  • Student shall be a graduating senior from Mt. Pleasant High School;

  • Student shall be planning to enroll at an accredited college or university; and

  • Student shall be planning to become an elementary school teacher.

Preferences

In selecting the most qualified applicant to receive the scholarship, reviewers should give preference to the following, listed in priority order:

  • Student has demonstrated financial need, as expressed in the applicant’s written essay.