Arnold and Margaret Sowmick Memorial Scholarship Fund

Arnold and Margaret Sowmick dedicated their lives to civic service and the improvement of their community, creating an enduring impact that can still be seen today. Arnold was a decorated Korean War veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force. He served on the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council for thirty years, eight of which he spent as chief. While chief, unemployment rates dropped from 65% to 20% and programs were developed in support of education, housing, care for the elderly, preventing substance abuse, and developing the economy.

Margaret worked in education as a teacher’s aide and was invaluable to the Johnson O’Malley Educational Program for American Indian Children. She was an incredibly supportive partner who helped Arnold achieve his goals for the Tribe. They were both members of the Michigan Inter-Tribal Council, The Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, The Council of Energy Resource Tribes, and Michigan Indian Legal Services.

Joseph Sowmick, one of their five children, remembers them as civic leaders. "Mom and Dad talked a lot about stewardship and the importance of working for the community," he states. "I've seen a lot of accomplishments they achieved over 10 years ago still coming in today."

The Arnold and Margaret Sowmick Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to benefit the education and development of Native American youth and other youth of the community who are emulating the leadership skills of Arnold and Margaret.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

• Student shall be a graduating senior from an Isabella County High School

• Student will enroll and attend a higher education institution (including technical or vocational school)

• Have maintained a 2.0 minimum grade point average

Preference:

• Identify as Native American