This scholarship was established by Thomas Hamilton’s parents, Richard L. and Ruth Ann Hamilton, in their son’s memory. Thom attended Thornapple Kellogg Schools and graduated in 1983. As a small child, Thom was destined to be quite patriotic, learning to sing the national anthem when he was only three years old. At an early age Thom developed a personal trait of reaching out to those of lesser means and thought service to others as more honorable than to self. During high school Thom played tennis and had a great respect for the games as well as those who played and coached. Thom made a career of the United States Navy during his junior year in high school and entered the Navy program at age seventeen. On August 16, 1991, Thom became deathly ill from a tropical lung infection and died on September 2, 1991. On the day of his death, his parents promised him that his memory of service to others would be preserved for all generations of loved ones and friends in Middleville.
Eligibility Criteria for Student Athlete Scholarship:
- Student must be a graduating senior of Thornapple Kellogg Schools.
- Student must be accepted to an accredited college or university.
- Student must have a minimum 3.5 GPA.
- Student must be pursuing a degree in technology, medicine or business.
- Student must demonstrate financial need.
- Student must provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher.
- Student will be evaluated on essay content.
- Student must be a member of the tennis team and demonstrate outstanding athletic performance.