Karrie Lynn Everist Memorial Fund
The Karrie Lynn Everist Memorial Fund was established in April 2015 by Ron and Connie Everist in memory of their daughter, Karrie.
Karrie Everist graduated from BGM with the class of 1991. Due to Karrie's shortened life expectancy with Cystic Fibrosis, she was able to complete the graduation requirements by the first semester of her senior year and enrolled at Simpson College in January of 1991. Karrie and her brother Allan (class of 1988) were both active in BGM extracurricular activities as well as in the Brooklyn United Methodist Church, and their whole family was very active in the BGM Community. Connie was a preschool teacher for many years, and Ron served on the BGM School Board as well. In addition, Karrie and Allan's grandmother, Betty Everist, was a long time music teacher in the BGM school district.
During Karrie's high school years, the BGM Scholarship Foundation was just being formed by J.C. Miller and others. "Over the years since our children graduated from BGM, we have watched the scholarship fund grow tremendously and decided we would like to make a contribution in Karrie's memory. The community is fortunate that people had the vision to start such a benefit for the BGM graduates," the Everists stated. We thank the Everist family for their contribution to honor Karrie's memory!
The Doris A. Manatt Scholarship Fund was established in 1999 by her son, Tim Manatt, to honor his mother who often welcomed students from BGM into her home for many reasons, or for no reason at all.
Doris Manatt was a lifelong resident of Brooklyn and graduated from Brooklyn High School in 1948. As her own children went through the school system she often invited many of their friends into her home for meals before games and other activities. This tradition continued as Doris' grandchildren started to bring their friends with them. Doris didn't know a stranger and was loved by all who met her. Kids of all ages and kids from the neighborhood were always welcome in her home and many visited even if her own children and grandchildren weren't there.
Doris was known as "Grandma" to not only her own grandchildren, but to many of the kids that have attended BGM over the years. In fact, Doris made a trip to India to visit a grandson's relatives and was called "Grandma" by everyone she met in India.
Through the Doris A. Manatt Scholarship Fund, "Grandma" can continue to support those that she loved so much, the kids.
The Bev Rens Memorial Scholarship was established by her daughters, Andrea Rens and Sarah Lettow, to honor their mother, Bev.
Bev Rens was originally from Waterloo, IA. After graduating from Columbus High School in 1965 she went to nursing school at the University of Iowa, where she graduated in 1970. In the early seventies, Bev married Jay Rens and the two moved to the Brooklyn area. Bev began work at Grinnell Hospital in 1972 and worked as a nurse in the Grinnell/Brooklyn area for over 30 years.
While living in Brooklyn, Bev was very active in the community. She was on the BGM School Board for 6 years, serving 3 years as president and on the Citizens Scholarship Foundation board for 9 years. She served on the Brooklyn Historical Society Board for over 10 years and on the Community Festival Board for over 10 years. She was a member of Kiwanis for over 10 years, holding various positions, as well as member of South Side Circle for over 10 years. Additionally, Bev served on the Brooklyn City Zoning Commission and Poweshiek County Board of Health. Last but not least, Bev was a member of the Poweshiek County Democrats for over 20 years, serving as Co-Chair for 6 years and involved in Central Committee for over 10 years.
In December of 2010, Bev was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) and passed away in spring 2011. When asked what Bev loved most about Brooklyn she cited the "safety and community spirit that has been totally realized since her diagnosis with the community coming out in the droves to help her." When asked how she would like to be remembered, she asked that a scholarship be set up in her memory for CSF.
Austin Schafbuch Memorial Scholarship
The Austin Schafbuch Memorial Scholarship was established by Austin's parents, Randy and Vicki, and Austin's grandmother, Elaine Schafbuch. This permanent named scholarship is new to be awarded in 2017.
Although Austin grew up and attended schools in the Phoenix, Arizona area, he loved visiting his grandparents, Carroll and Elaine Schafbuch, on their family farm west of Brooklyn. He also enjoyed spending time with his uncles, aunts, and cousins who live nearby. "Austin would have wanted to give back to the community that provided so many memories for him," his family shares. Austin's father, his uncles Rod and Rick, and his cousin Lexi are all graduates of BGM. His cousins Dylan, Alexis, and Logan are currently continuing the tradition as proud BGM Bears.
The Larry and Kim Pendarvis Scholarship was established by them to show their love and support of the BGM Community, students and athletes.
Larry Pendarvis was raised in Boone, Iowa, graduating in 1966. Larry then enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam. After being honorably discharged in 1969, Larry joined the Des Moines Police Department. Kim (Kleckner) Pendarvis graduated from Vinton, Iowa, and attended Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls. Kim was a computer programmer in banking for 22 years, first in Waterloo before being transferred to Des Moines. They met while Kim was a member of the Des Moines Jaycees and they will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this year.
Larry and Kim moved to the Brooklyn area in August 2002, only 2 weeks after Larry retired from the Des Moines Police Department as a Sergeant with 33 years of service. After getting settled, they dove right into life at Holiday Lake and in the Brooklyn community. They volunteered/taught at Brooklyn Kid's Club ministries for six years. Larry served seven years on the BGM School Board, and is a member of the Brooklyn American Legion and the Boone VFW. Kim has served on both the Holiday Lake Community Center Committee and Nominating Committee since 2003, and has been an Associate at BGM Elementary since 2010.
Larry and Kim attend as many BGM activities as they can and enjoy watching the students excel and mature into graduates of BGM. Through the Larry and Kim Pendarvis Scholarship, they can continue to support the BGM students that have meant so much to them.
Rolland and Mary Doty were longtime residents of Brooklyn. Rolland, a farmer, graduated from Brooklyn High School. Mary, originally from Nebraska, first taught 5th grade in Brooklyn. She later returned to teach 1st grade for BGM at Malcom and then Brooklyn for more than 20 years. She enjoyed transferring her love of reading to her students.
They were members of Grace United Methodist Church. Rolland served on the Brooklyn Telephone and Malcom Elevator Boards and was a longtime Farm Bureau member. Mary served as a 4-H leader for many years. After retirement, they continued to be involved in community activities and enjoyed traveling. Their three daughters are all graduates of BGM.
Their scholarship will support graduates who wish to pursue a career in elementary education.
Samantha Jo Kriegel Memorial Scholarship
Samantha Jo Kriegel was the daughter of LaVerne & Roseanne Kriegel and a BGM graduate of 1998. Sam was a fun-loving woman with a sense of adventure and willing to try most anything. After graduating from UNI with a finance degree, she lived in Des Moines and then in Oklahoma City until returning to Iowa and living in Ankeny. Sam was a hard worker in the accounting field and as an accounting manager. Sam was always there for anyone needing help, so that is why the Samantha Jo Kriegel Memorial Scholarship has been established. Along with helping other young adults earn a higher education, she also was an organ donor and immediately helped save 5 other people's lives and more with tissue donation.
Bud & Elsie Kalinay Memorial Scholarship
Raymond "Bud" and Elsie Kalinay were strong advocates of B-G-M and everyone receiving an education. Elsie graduated from Brooklyn High School with the class of 1950. All 4 of their children, 3 of their grandchildren, and one great-grandchild have graduated from B-G-M. At the time this scholarship was created, 8 great-grandchildren were B-G-M students and in line to also be alumni. Their family awards this scholarship each year in loving memory to assist those who wish to further their education.
Barbara and Bill Miller Memorial Scholarship
Barbara and William (Bill) Miller were longtime residents of Brooklyn. Both worked for the B-G-M school district during their lifetime and both were graduates of B-G-M. They were members of Grace United Methodist Church and strongly supported the Brooklyn Senior Center during their lifetime. They were active supporters of the community and participated in many support activities including Meals on Wheels. They also enjoyed playing golf at the Brooklyn-Victor Country Club. This award will support graduates who pursue an accounting education or were members of a B-G-M golf team.
Helyn and Richard Graham Memorial Scholarship
Helyn and Richard Graham were devoted farmers who lived 10 miles north of Brooklyn. Their farm has been in the family since 1876. Richard attended Brooklyn High School; all 5 of their children, 8 of their 14 grandchildren and 16 of their 28 great-grandchildren also attended B-G-M. Richard and Helyn knew the value of a good agriculture education and were supporters of Future Farmers of America. They were also active in square dancing and enjoyed Blue Grass music. As a result of their work and enjoyment, their memorial scholarship fund is awarded to those who want to further their agricultural education or education in the arts.
Melvin and Phyllis McClenathan Scholarship
Melvin and Phyllis McClenathan value a good education and have always supported this community. Melvin graduated from Brooklyn High School in 1956. All three of their children and two of their grandchildren graduated from B-G-M. Four of their great-grandchildren attend B-G-M. This scholarship, established in 2021, is awarded to a student enrolling in an accredited college/university or technical school located in the state of Iowa.
