MANKATO, MN (August 1, 2017) – The Mankato Area Foundation (MAF) announces the creation of a local scholarship fund. The Virginia and Martin Krause Scholarship Fund has been established to support students planning to attend Martin Luther High School of Northrop, MN. The scholarship is to be awarded to four or five students annually of $2,000 per recipient.

The Virginia and Martin Krause Scholarship has been created to reward students who have exhibited a strong desire to be successful academically, as well as exemplifying a strong commitment to the community through service or having a history of involvement in extracurricular activities. Winners will be selected based on this criteria apart from their cumulative GPA. A local advisory committee will review eligible applicants.

Long-time residents of the Fairmont area, Virginia and Martin (“Marty”) Krause have been strong advocates for Martin Luther High School (MLHS) since its establishment in 1983. Virginia and Marty donated countless hours helping to form MLHS and continued for the past three decades to provide ongoing financial and volunteer support. After Virginia had passed away in September of 2016, Marty chose to create the Virginia and Martin Krause scholarship fund in her memory and to honor their family’s commitment to providing options for students.

 “I believe in the public school system, “says Marty.  “However, I also think it’s wonderful that we live in a society in which we have an opportunity to make a choice.  In my own family, three of my children graduated from our public schools, and two graduated from Martin Luther High School!”

His goal for establishing this scholarship fund was not only to help current students enrolled at MLHS but also to attract new students who may not be able to attend without financial assistance.

“I’m proud that this school is still here after 34 years – I want it to be here for decades to come.”  Martin also expressed the desire for more people to follow his example.  “I hope others will consider a charitable contribution to Martin Luther through scholarships.  It’s a wonderful legacy to leave for our next generation. My goal is for this scholarship fund to last into perpetuity and I welcome anyone who would like to join me.”

About Martin Luther High School

Martin Luther High School in Northrop began as a dream when area pastors and teachers met on November 4, 1946, to discuss the possibility of opening a Lutheran high school in Martin County. Over the years, the dream continued to develop. The commitment of many along with hundreds of volunteer hours helped to build the 15,000 square foot school building located on the north edge of Northrop. This facility is the present classroom area.

Mission Statement: Martin Luther High School, empowered by the Gospel of Jesus Christ in partnership with family and congregations, provides Christ-centered training and nurturing to help young people excel academically and lead active Christian lives.

About the Mankato Area Foundation

The Mankato Area Foundation is a donor-driven community foundation whose purpose is to improve the livability in our region. Our Community Foundation connects donors with causes they care about, provides funding to address key community objectives and convenes individuals and organizations to find solutions to local challenges.

To learn more about the Mankato Area Foundation and how the organization makes an impact in this region visit www.mankatoareafoundation.com or visit us on Facebook.

If you wish to contribute to the Virginia and Martin Krause Scholarship Fund of the Mankato Area Foundation, please contact us.