Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

For good. For ever.

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.

Jeffrey Vernon Memorial Scholarship Fund

When Jeff was born with a severe heart defect, he was not expected to live past his 18th birthday. Yet, as a gift of God's great mercy, Jeff lived to be 33 years old. Jeff graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1984 with an award in broadcasting. He continued his education at Central Michigan University, where he graduated in 1990 with a major in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts. After graduation, Jeff established a career in broadcasting culminating in 1996 as cast director and producer at WAVY 9&10 in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Two years later, Jeff developed congestive heart failure and died awaiting a heart transplant. The crowning act of his life was completed in that Jeff, instead of becoming an organ recipient, was still able to give of himself as a donor of bone, tissues and more. The Jeffrey Vernon Memorial Scholarship Fund awards a scholarship to a graduating senior who has attended the Gratiot-Isabella Technical Education Center and who displays outstanding achievement in the field of broadcasting, electronics, radio/TV, electricity or digital media. Recipients must recognize and acknowledge the God-given gift of human life, no matter how weak or frail.

Jeffrey Vernon Memorial Scholarship Criteria:

  • Display outstanding achievement in the field of electronics, radio/TV, electricity, or digital media.

  • Be a graduating senior attending, or who has attended, the Gratiot-Isabella Technical Education Center for at least 2 semesters.

  • Student must be planning to pursue education at an accredited college, university, or trade school.

  • Exhibit outstanding attitude toward school and community.