Matthew J. Boles Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Matthew J. Boles Memorial Scholarship Fund remembers Matt Boles, who died tragically in 2009 a few weeks before he was to enter college at Michigan State University.
Matt was charismatic, involved, intelligent, funny and very kind. He loved leading whether it was a Boy Scout program, directing a high school play, presenting his case at the Business Professionals of America, or arguing endlessly for something he believed in. Matt believed leadership was a responsibility as well as a privilege, and he sought always to accomplish a good purpose through his persuasive powers. Matt was an excellent student who committed himself to maintaining good grades and, more importantly, to learning all he could about everything that interested him. For example, he left behind three bibles; one Catholic, one Protestant, and the Book of Mormon, each marked up for discussion with his friends.
Matt was fun. He loved to laugh and he loved to make others laugh with him. His room was full of happy memories, from a Jolly Roger he flew on “Pirate Wednesday” at Boy Scout camps to a variety of mementos reminding him of good times with his friends. Matt was also concerned for his friends. When friends or acquaintances shared their troubles he would always seek to bring them peace, often using his favorite phrase, “calm your waters, killer.”
Two scholarships have been created in Matt’s memory to benefit local high school graduates who share many of Matt’s personal characteristics. One will be awarded to a graduate who has been deeply involved in theater, choir and/or orchestra. And, one will be awarded to a graduate who has been admitted to Michigan State University, preferably to MSU’s James Madison College. At James Madison, Matt planned to begin studies that he hoped would lead to a law degree, and a career as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Hopefully Matt’s spirit will live on in the leaders of tomorrow through these modest gifts.
Scholarship #1 - MSU Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria:
Graduating senior from Mt. Pleasant High School
Will enroll and attend Michigan State University's James Madison College
Preferences:
In selecting qualified applicants to receive scholarships, reviewers will give preference:
Participated as a high school student in (listed in order of importance) theater, Scouting (boy or girl), orchestra, and choir.
Scholarship #2 - Arts Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria:
Graduating senior from Mt. Pleasant High School
Participated in theater, orchestra and/or choir programs
Preferences: In selecting qualified applicants to receive scholarships, reviewers should give preference to the following which are listed in order of most important to least important:
Priority shall be placed on those who participated in theater first, orchestra (strings) second and choir third. A well-rounded student who has participated actively in all three activities through Mt. Pleasant High School is the ideal candidate. A list of the high school theater, orchestra (strings), and/or choir productions in which the applicant has participated must be submitted and signed by an appropriate MPHS staff.
Applicants must also describe how they feel their participation in the arts has helped them become who they are, and how this participation will further their future career.