Chico High Foundation Scholarships

The Chico High Foundation was founded in 2003 under the leadership of former Chico High principal Roger Williams. Roger’s goal was to create a foundation with the mission of raising money to fund scholarships, school projects and classroom needs. Many generous families, organizations and individuals have made the following scholarships possible for Chico High students. 

All Applications are due to the counseling office the Wednesday after Spring Break March 24, 2027

Adam Gausemel Memorial

This scholarship was established by family and friends in memory of Adam, who was about to start his senior year at Chico High in August 1997. Adam was an amazing soccer player and his family makes this award available to students who have shown talent and dedication to the sport. Soccer, track and golf athletes are also welcome to apply. 

Alvistur Family Student Athlete

The Victor Alvistur Student-Athlete Scholarship was created in 2020 in memory of Victor Alvistur. Victor was the owner of Aero Union Corporation located at the Chico airport. Among other things, the company provided aerial fire-fighting planes for forest fire control. Victor was a leading businessman in the Chico community. Victor’s four children attended Chico High School, where they were all student athletes. Victor was an ardent fan of CHS sports and always encouraged academic excellence. In his honor, the family established this scholarship to maintain the CHS tradition of student-athletes.

Chico High Class of 1961

This award is given to a student who has demonstrated interest and talent in the field of Arts and Humanities, including art, drama and music. Class alumni who have remained active in these pursuits select the recipient.

Chico High Class of 1988

As a class we had grit, authenticity, rhythm, balance, and uncertainty. We witnessed the space shuttle Challenger go down before our eyes in 1986, interest rates were double digit on homes, unlike today. As a class we lost loved ones and friends to the AIDS pandemic. The “Washout” on the Sacramento River was a popular gathering place, particularly on “senior cut day.” We co-mingled with the visiting teams at all well attended high school sporting events that were held indoors and outdoors. VHS killed Beta Max, and video killed the radio with the rise of MTV. (No application - selected by the Foundation)

Chico High School Alumni “Brick Legacy Award”

This award is funded by the sale of the commemorative bricks which decorate the stadium entrance. The Foundation Board selects a student who is the child of a Chico High alumni who has been an active Panther throughout high school. 

Chico High Staff Endowment in memory of Roger Williams

This scholarship, funded and selected by Chico High Staff, honors students who have demonstrated a true commitment toward Chico High in thought, word and deed.

Danny Imhoff Memorial

This scholarship was established by family and friends of Danny, who was to start his junior year in August 1997. Danny’s family makes this award to a student who they feel embodies the spirit of their son: smart but not necessarily great grades; unique individual; mellow personality; smile; positive attitude; quick wit; skiing enthusiast; no dress code; love for baseball and the outdoors.

Dorothy Ramon - Award of Academic Excellence

Dorothy Ramon was a long time and beloved Spanish teacher at Chico High. Her family and fellow teachers established this award to honor a top Spanish student who plans to use the language in their career in some way. (Language Department selects a candidate after reviewing applications)

Holly Day Barnett Memorial

Holly was a 1993 CHS grad and captain of the women’s volleyball team. At UC Santa Cruz, Holly started on the volleyball team as a freshman, but soon devoted her time and energy to a degree in the Geological and Earth Sciences. She was an up and coming staffer at the US Geological Survey when a rare, fast-moving cancer took her life at age 25. Her friends and family established this scholarship to commemorate her hearty enjoyment of life, which included parties, athletics and science.

Meier Family Scholarship

Adolph and Ethel Meier lived at 990 Normal Ave., Chico, California for most of their married life. They had four children and six grandchildren. Ethel, three of her children and one of her grandchildren attended Chico State, also known as Normal School. The Meiers were known for their honesty, hard work and for persevering through tribulations. I would like to see a student who has empathy for their peers and has shown personal growth throughout their high school years be highly considered.

Patricia Matthews Spear Memorial

Pat Spear had a career in education that spanned almost 60 years, and this scholarship is to honor her legacy. She was an elementary school teacher for more than two decades and a school principal for another two. Pat was the first female principal in the Chico Unified School District. She was a graduate of Chico High School, and we would like to provide this $1000 scholarship to a CHS student who will be pursuing their teaching credential. 

Robert Glenn Hartman Memorial

This scholarship honors lst Lieutenant Hartman, a 1962 Chico High grad who died at age 24 from wounds in the Vietnam War. His classmates established this scholarship in his memory for a student who has demonstrated community and school involvement and will major in a STEM discipline in college.

Sean Kelley Memorial

Sean Kelley had recently completed his freshman year at CHS when he was in an accident that caused fatal brain trauma. Sean’s freshman year at Chico High was memorable and transformative. He carried on a multiple-generation legacy attending the school, joining several of his cousins presently attending. Sean absolutely embraced everything the school offered: participating in Student Government, competing for the Wrestling and Golf teams, and enthusiastically supporting anything involving school spirit. This scholarship honoring Sean’s legacy is for a graduating senior who inspires students, teammates and staff, overcomes obstacles with grace, and spreads joy throughout the campus. 

(No application - Nominations submitted by CHS faculty or staff) 

Seldon Maddux Science

Seldon Maddux was a long-time chemistry teacher at Chico High School. He and his wife Marge established the Maddux scholarship to recognize and support a student who has an interest and talent in science. The science department selects this awardee on behalf of the family.

Agriculture Scholarships

Bertagna Family

This scholarship was established by brothers Ben, Nick and Andy Bertagna. The Bertagna brothers all attended Chico High and were very involved in the Ag Department and the Chico FFA. Recognizing the impact that these programs have on students, the Bertagnas want to recognize an outstanding student and FFA member. The scholarship is based on grades, FFA involvement and a plan to pursue a career in Agriculture.

Claude Monlux Memorial

Claude Monlux was a long-time welding teacher at Chico High and was instrumental in building the program we have today. His motto of “Git er Done” lives on! He was a hardworking, detail-oriented instructor who taught and expected quality welding projects.

Harry Merlo

This scholarship was founded by Harry Merlo (now deceased), former CEO of Sierra Pacific Industries to recognize an agriculture student who embodies the qualities that Harry valued most – hard work and perseverance.

Paiva Family

This scholarship was established in memory of Jim and Tony Paiva, longtime Butte County farmers and supporters of Chico High agriculture education. The brothers were very active in their community and were always there to lend a helping hand.

Press Powell Memorial

Press Powell was first a vocational agriculture teacher then a private business owner. He was a supporting member of the FFA Parent Booster Club at Chico High. He greatly believed in the FFA organization and its support of our youth. This award recognizes a student who has been active and involved and a leader in FFA.