LaFollette Class of 1980 Scholarship Fundraiser

GRETCHEN MADE A DIFFERENCE AND SO CAN WE!!!

Since May of 2011, La Follette seniors have received scholarships from the Class of 1980 Scholarship Fund. Thus far we have given 40 scholarships totaling $20,000. We started this scholarship at our 30th reunion to give back to the place that brought us together — LaFollette.

Gretchen (Freymiller) Tompson introduced our scholarship with these inspirational thoughts:

“Every class likes to think there is something that sets “it” apart. The Class of ’80 was no different. So, we decided as a class to fund annual scholarships given to students that reflect the spirit of the Class of 1980. I came to find out what that elusive “it” really is---the collective heart of the Class of 1980. When diagnosed with colon cancer, I told my classmate friends and word spread. In no time I was hearing from high school classmates offering support. Three years later, the cancer was back. The news got out and, true to form, it was the Class of 1980 to the rescue – again. I was inundated with Facebook messages, cards, letters, calls, and all manner of messages of support. I was blown away by the response. But then I realized I shouldn’t be. THIS is what the Class of 1980 does. THAT’S what makes this class so special. Our “elusive it” is the caring, the compassion, the sharing, the commitment to one another. “It” is being there for each other – all of us – even years after graduation. And that is the “it” we look for in our scholarship recipients.”

This Scholarship Fund was so important to Gretchen that upon her death in 2019, she instructed her family to provide $2500--enough money for one scholarship for 5 years. As we approach our 40th reunion, let’s accept Gretchen’s individual donation as a class challenge—let’s meet or beat it with our fundraising this year and make her proud of us!

BID HIGH AND OFTEN ON THE SILENT AUCTION ITEMS!

Starts Sunday, September 12 at 10 a.m.
Ends Saturday, September 18 at 10 p.m.

Reunion class fundraiser for educational scholarships awarded to those just graduating from LaFollette High School in Madison, WI.

Pay it forward!