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.

Thomas W. Lavoie Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Thomas W. Lavoie Memorial Scholarship was established in December 2011 by Tom’s family and friends who wanted to do something special in his memory. The scholarship is awarded to a Beal City varsity athlete in boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball or softball.

Thomas Lavoie

During his 24 years in the Beal City School System, Tom served as a classroom and physical education teacher, coach and Athletic Director. Under Tom’s coaching, the boys’ basketball team received two Class D State runner-up titles, one Quarterfinal appearance and five Highland Conference titles. The girls’ softball team also received Highland Conference titles. Tom received Conference, All-Area, Regional, and State Coach of the Year awards.

Thomas Lavoie with State Coach of the Year plaque

Tom’s love of sports began with his Little League days in Alpena, and where he played basketball at both Jr. High and High School levels. Tom always made time for his family: his parents Tom and Joan, sisters Jeri and Beth, and his two much loved daughters Jacqueline and Danielle. Family time included church, sporting events, berry-picking, tennis, birthday celebrations, holidays and the simple joy of spending time together. 

Throughout Tom’s years of coaching and teaching at Beal City, he touched the lives of many students. His coaching creed was to do your best, be fair, and keep your head in the game. While winning was important, more important was the discipline, life skills and friendships that were made. Tom taught many students in the classroom and he hoped that he was able to instill those values in them.

Tom and his daughters Jacqueline and Danielle

The Lavoie family has set up this scholarship in his memory. It is their hope that others will remember Tom not only for his coaching and classroom ability, but for his compassion and dedication to education and the value of sports in the lives of young people.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

  • Student shall be a graduating senior from Beal City High School;

  • Student shall have been a participant in high school boys basketball, girls basketball or softball*;

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

  • Student shall have demonstrated academic excellence, as evidenced by a grade point average of 3.0 or better.

Scholarship 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 community or church involvement through service/volunteerism.

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

*If no student who participated in the above three sports meets the named criteria, a student who participated in any Beal City Schools Varsity sport would be eligible to receive the scholarship using the above criteria as a firm guideline.