Scholarships
Investing in Educational Excellence
RCEF Scholarships
Since its founding in 2013, the Rush City Education Foundation (RCEF) has raised funds to benefit the students and staff of Rush City Schools. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $70,000 in scholarships to nearly 60 graduating Rush City seniors. This financial support has played a vital role in helping these students succeed in college.
Available Scholarships
RCEF Scholarships (2 awarded)
These scholarships reflect the Foundation’s core mission of supporting student success and opportunity. Each year, the RCEF awards two scholarships to graduating seniors who demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement, and a commitment to their future goals.
Merlin & Eleanor Beise Scholarship
The Beise family has strong community connections and was active in the local Catholic Church. Merlin had a life-long career in pharmacy and a love for music, so the Merlin & Eleanor Beise Scholarship is awarded to a student planning to pursue a career in pharmacy, healthcare, music, or education.
John & Evelyn Erickson Scholarships (4 awarded)
John and Evelyn Erickson devoted their lives to supporting students in Rush City. Evelyn served as a beloved first grade teacher, while John worked as a high school guidance counselor and coach. Their deep care and dedication to education left a lasting impact on generations of students. Following Evelyn’s passing in 2022, the RCEF received a generous gift from the Erickson estate. With it, we established a scholarship fund in their honor to ensure their legacy continues to uplift future students.
Schneider Family Scholarship
George and Dick Schneider, a father-and-son duo, were well-known and respected business owners in Rush City, operating Schneider Chevrolet on Main Street for decades. Their enduring commitment to the community and dedication to their Catholic faith, lives on through this scholarship which is awarded to an outstanding senior of the Catholic faith.
Application Process
To apply for a scholarship, students should complete the Rush City Education Foundation application form, review the scholarship categories and criteria, and include any required essays, transcripts, or supporting materials. Submit your finished application to the high school counseling office by the deadline. For details and forms, ask your school counselor for assistance.
Foundation Impact
Scholarships
Over $70,000 Awarded
Educator Grants
Over $109,000 Awarded
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2025 Scholarship Winners
Nine RC seniors were awarded scholarships to support their educational dreams.
Scholarships were awarded at RCHS on May 19, 2025. Pictured here (l to r): Ruth Widenstrom, Liam Grodijendo (kneeling); Dennis Pederson, DaLyla Oberg, McKenna Garr, Autumn Stream, Maggie Schultz, Braden Niessen, Carlos Quito, Megan Vacinek and Kristin Papke.
Scholarships Ignite Opportunity
Starting my neuroscience journey at the University of Minnesota is exciting — but figuring out how to pay for it is a challenge. Getting the scholarship from the Rush City Education Foundation means so much to me. I’m incredibly thankful to be chosen out of so many amazing students.
College is expensive, and I want to avoid accumulating significant debt while pursuing my nursing degree. The Rush City Education Foundation scholarship represents meaningful community support by helping ease the financial burden.
Becoming an anesthesiologist isn’t a quick trip—it’s a 15-year marathon of schooling and serious commitment. That also means a serious price tag. The Biese Scholarship from the Rush City Education Foundation is helping me take that first step without tripping over the cost.