The Schwenk Scholarship Fund was created by a gift from Gladys Schwenk in 1997, and named in honor of her sisters Evelyn H. and Florence M. Schwenk.

Evelyn Schwenk was born in 1913 and raised in Mendon. A graduate of Colon High School, Miss Schwenk received her college degree from Western Michigan University. She worked at the Lamb Knits factory and later as a librarian.

Florence Schwenk was born in 1915 and also was a graduate of Colon High School. She received her teaching certificate from Western State Teachers College, later known as Western Michigan University, and her master’s degree from the University of Michigan. She taught in rural schools in St. Joseph and Branch counties. She died in 1991.

The Evelyn H. Schwenk and Florence M. Schwenk Memorial Scholarship Fund was started by their sister Gladys Schwenk. Like her sisters, Miss Schwenk devoted her life to education. This scholarship is intended to assist future teachers with the costs of their education.

Scholarships are awarded annually to a graduate of any St. Joseph County Michigan public high school, private high school, and parochial high school or home school. Preference is given to female students. Students need to have completed at least one year of college and intend on completing a degree in education. The scholarship may be renewable.