Mission Valley Masons award five $10,000 scholarships

Mission Valley Lodge #78 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Polson recently awarded five $10,000 scholarships to five seniors, one at each of the public high schools in Lake County. The scholarships are administered through the Greater Polson Community Foundation.

Each of the scholarship winners demonstrated a unique commitment to work ethic, community engagement and financial need. The scholarships are awarded to students in the fields of medical, finance, engineering, construction and trades, including technical schools – and not necessarily those with the highest GPAs.

This year’s recipients include:

• Hannah Fussell of Ronan, who will be attending Montana State University in Bozeman studying animal science/pre-vet;

• Kendall O’Neil of Arlee, who plans to attend MSU Northern in Havre and major in diesel technology;  

• Fiona Elizabeth Rettig of Polson, who plans to attend Montana Tech University in Butte and major in radiological technology;

• Kile Gowen of St. Ignatius, who will also be attending Montana Tech in Butte and studying computer networks and cyber security.

• Darcy Coleman of Charlo, who plans to attend the University of Montana and become a radiology technician.

Checks will be issued in each winner’s name to the college or university to which the winner has been accepted once proof of enrollment is received from the respective school.

Applications for 2025 scholarships will be available from school counselors at the five high schools in early 2025 and must be returned by April 10.

Money for the scholarships comes from a fund established by the legacy of the three lodges that combined to form Mission Valley Lodge #78: Polson Lodge #78, Flathead Lodge #112 in St. Ignatius and Ronan Lodge #131.