Scholarships are awarded from each of these funds at the Annual SHS Scholarship Assembly in May. Students can apply by contacting the SHS Counselor's office. To donate to one of these scholarships send a check to:

SHS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION 734 11th ST SAFFORD AZ 85546

**Denotes these scholarships are open to ALL students.

GOV AKER – Gov Aker, an avid golfer, organized the first fundraising golf tournament for the SHS Foundation. Upon his death, the SHS Scholarship Foundation started the Annual Gov Aker Golf Tournament. A $1000 scholarship is awarded to one female and one male athlete who have strong academic backgrounds. The remainder of the Gov Aker Scholarships are open to all students.

JOHN BONEFAS – John Bonefas spent 29 years at Safford High School as a teacher, coach, and administrator. John's wife Susan in conjunction with the SHS faculty started this scholarship upon his retirement in l996. The recipient of this scholarship demonstrates outstanding community service.

**SUSAN BONEFAS - A graduate of South Dakota State University with a B.S. in Nursing. She also graduated from the University of Arizona with a Masters in Heath Education. Susan worked as an R.N. in many areas of nursing in the Gila Valley, including EAC, SHS and MGRMC. 

BRENDA BONEFAS HAWKINS - Brenda was a graduate of SHS, Class of 1984 as well as a graduate of The University of Arizona. Twenty-six years of her life was dedicated to teaching in the Safford School District. Her passion for her students lasted long after the classroom. She was an active member of the SHS Scholarship Foundation, serving as secretary. 

**CLASS OF 1970 - Funded through donations made by members and friends of the Class of 1970, this scholarship is open to all students. In May of 2012 one $500 scholarship was awarded.

CLASS OF 1972 – Members of the Class of 1972 who cared deeply for SHS funded this scholarship. The recipient of this scholarship demonstrates outstanding leadership. In May of 2012 one $500 scholarship was awarded.

**CLASS of 1974 – Funded through donations of members and friends of the Class of 1974, this scholarship is open to all students.

WALTER CLIFFORD JR. - Funded by the Safford FFA and the Clifford Family, this scholarship recognizes the years of service Mr. Clifford provided baling hay for over 20 years as an FFA volunteer. As a community farmer, Mr. Clifford was dedicated to the FFA program. This scholarship is awarded to FFA students.

**CAROL DAVIES-CLASS OF 1960 - Carol Davies, a 1960 graduate of SHS, dedicated countless hours to the Safford and State FFA programs. Her family financed this scholarship which is open to all students.

BOB FAUNCE – Bob Faunce spent much of his teaching career at Safford High School as a math teacher, coach, administrator, and athletic director. He seldom missed a school activity or event in which the Bulldogs participated. The recipient of this scholarship demonstrates outstanding ability in mathematics.

FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA-FBLA - Funded through the Safford FBLA Chapter and began in 2013. This scholarship is open to graduates who were active members in the Safford FBLA Chapter and displayed outstanding leadership qualities.

FFA ALUMNI- Funded by the Safford FFA Alumni organization, this scholarship is awarded to graduates from the Safford FFA program.

MONIKA HAGERMAN -

LAFE NELSON- Funded by the grandchildren of Lafe Nelson. Mr. Nelson dedicated his life to education spending most of his career in the SUSD system as superintendent. He cared deeply for his students and staff.

RALPH HAWTHORNE – A 1968 graduate from Safford High School, Ralph Hawthorne spent the last 12 years of his life as an SHS counselor. In honor of Mr. Hawthorne’s concern, dedication and support of SHS students, this scholarship is awarded to a student desiring to attend a four year university who demonstrates good work habits, respect for others, high standards, and integrity.

**ZEL HAWTHORNE - Zel Hawthorne served as a DECA teacher at Safford High School for 17 years leading students to numerous Arizona and National awards. She served as a member of the SUSD School Board and as one of the original founders of the SHS Scholarship Foundation. This scholarship is open to all students.

DELBERT HOUSEHOLDER – As a life-long valley resident, Mr. Householder committed to recognizing young people from the Gila Valley for their achievements. He served on the Graham County Board of Supervisors for several years funding this scholarship by dedicating a percentage of his Supervisor’s salary. This scholarship is awarded to at least one student from each valley high school and the Graham County 4-H. Preference is given to those who have not received any other scholarship or financial assistance beyond their family’s resources.

**ELLIOTT JENSEN – Elliott Jensen gave his life for his country during World War II. Loren Burrell funded the majority of this scholarship in memory of his 1942 classmate. This scholarship is open to all students.

AGNES SMITH KNAPP – The children of Agnes Knapp Smith funded this scholarship in honor of their mother. Mrs. Knapp had grandchildren attend Safford Schools for 30 continuous years. The recipient of this scholarship has taken AP classes, weighted and EAC classes and has been active in NHS with plans to attend a four year university.

JAN KONOPNICKI – This scholarship has been funded by the Konopnicki family in honor of Jan Konopnicki, who had a love for education. Preference for this scholarship is given to students choosing a career in education.

VIRGINIA LATTA - This scholarship is funded by Ms. Virginia Latta. She served Safford High School as principal for several years. This scholarship is open to current year SHS graduates with strong preference given to a student that is the first member of their family to attend college.

JUDY MOSER - This scholarship has been funded by the Moser Family in honor of Judy Moser, a wonderful teacher for Safford Schools. Her diligence and caring had a positive impact on hundreds of students. Preference for this scholarship is given to students choosing a career in education.

**HARVEY & LORETTA OLSEN – Native Nebraskans, Harvey & Loretta Olsen moved to Safford in 1950 and later opened a successful carpet business. The Olsen’s were loving and caring people and named several non-profits as recipients of their estate including the SHS Scholarship Foundation. This scholarship is open to all students.

**H. D. OWENS FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP - H. D. HEAVY OWENS was a 1947 SHS graduate and a renowned Safford businessman for over 65 years. Heavy valued education and family. His family has started this scholarship to honor his loving care of family. One $500 scholarship will be given annually.

**RANDA OWENS MCKINNEY - Randa is a 1972 SHS graduate and joined the SHS Scholarship Foundation 1992. She is honored to serve as President since 1995 and enjoys the privilege of working with so many great people who are dedicated to the Foundation. Her scholarship was established in 2016. "Where the past and present create a great future for our Bulldogs."

JONATHAN MONZINGO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP - This scholarship is sponsored by Jonathon's parents, Judy and Garry Monzingo. This $500 scholarship is available to a SHS graduate, that has or will soon enlist in any branch of the United States Military. Funds are designated for the enlistee to assist family members traveling for important military events the enlistee participates in. Financial need is consider in the selection. If the original applicant does not qualify an alternate will be chosen. Preference is given to applicants that have already enlisted.

**LUISA GABALDON PERCY – Luisa Gabaldon Percy taught Spanish at SHS in the l930’s. Her family funded this scholarship in recognition of her commitment to education. This scholarship is open to all students.

FAYE W. PHILLIPS – Faye Phillips was a 1936 graduate of SHS who funded this scholarship based on her interest in academic achievement. Preference is given to students who are eligible for admission to a college or university with a G.P.A. of 3.0 or better and in need of financial assistance.

**MELVIN POWELL – Melvin Powell, an SHS and Gila Jr. College (EAC) alumnus, grew up in Safford attending grammar school in what is now the Safford City Hall. Mr. Powell served his country as part of the famed Bushmasters during WWII and later worked for the Forest Service and Postal Service. Ruth Powell School is named after his wife, a long-time educator for Safford Schools. This scholarship is open to all students.

DR. ANITA L. RIDDLE - Anita Riddle is a 1980 graduate of SHS.  She was valedictorian, student body president, and a scholar athlete.  She obtained her doctoral degree from Lamar University.  During her career, she worked with ExxonMobil and retired in 2018. She now resides in Draper, Utah.  She has endowed a scholarship in her name.  The recipient of this scholarship is a female who has declared engineering as a major.

JOHN A. "JACK" RIDDLE - This scholarship is in memory of Jack Riddle who was the Mine Superintendent for the Phelps Dodge Safford Mine from 1975-1981. Mr. Riddle earned a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Arizona and worked as an engineer in the mining industry in Arizona, Mexico and Chile. He and his wife, Silvia Iriarte Riddle, moved to Bisbee, Az for retirement. The recipient of this scholarship is a male student that has declared engineering as a major.

YVETTE RIDDLE GENGLER - Yvette was a SHS graduate from the Class of 1979. SHe has a keen interest in earth science. Yvette is the third member of her family to have a scholarship named after her. The Riddle Family feels it is important to assist SHS graduates to reduce their college expenses. 

**RYDER RIDGWAY - Ryder Ridgway was a long time Safford resident known for his knowledge of and writings about the history of the Gila Valley. His family funded this scholarship to recognize his many contributions to the valley. This scholarship is open to all students.

**SHS ALUMNI – Funded through donations from SHS Alumni of all classes, this scholarship is open to all students.

D. B. STAUFFER - Del Stauffer was an icon in the field of Agriculture Education. Over his many years at the helm of the Safford FFA program, Mr. Stauffer made a positive impact on hundreds of students. Funded by the Safford FFA and the Stauffer Family, the recipient of this scholarship is an active Safford FFA member.

**BONNIE WADDELL – This scholarship honors Bonnie Waddell, the mother of the SHS Foundation’s founding father, Dr. William Waddell. This scholarship is open to all students.

**WILLIAM & BARBARA WADDELL – This scholarship honors the original founders of the SHS Scholarship Foundation for their vision and contributions. This scholarship is open to all students.

WILLIAM WADDELL TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP - This scholarship was established by Dr. Waddell to assist teachers in purchasing needed capital equipment, furthering their education, etc.   

CLEO BELL WHITMORE – This scholarship was established in 2018 by friends and family of Cleo focuses on a loving mother of four that carried that love of children to many children as she served as a foster parent for 22 years. She encouraged all to invest in people. Her goal was to encourage other to always strive to do their best without making excuses.the original founders of the SHS Scholarship Foundation for their vision and contributions. This scholarship is open to all students.

DONALD R. WILSON – Don Wilson came to Safford in 1945 as a teacher of science and mathematics. In 1948 he became principal, a position he held until 1962 when he was appointed superintendent until his retirement in 1980. He was active in numerous community organizations. This scholarship is open to all students.

DAVID M PLAYER - David "Dave" Player was well known as the BAND MAN at Safford High School. He had a very positive impact on many students. Dave loved life and was respected by his peers and students. 

TOMMY CLONTS MEMORIAL - Tommy was a member of the Class of 2000 at SHS. He was interested in everything and achieved much in his short life; Eage Scout, recipient of the Youth Tour of Washington DC, actor, athlete, life-long learner, and champion of the underdog and those less fortunate. 

SHS SPANISH CLUB - This scholarship is given annually to worthy recipients that have been actively engaged in Spanish classes and the Spanish Club at SHS. It is reccommended that recipients of this scholarship have been active Spanish Club members for FOUR years. 

**BRAD MOON - This memorial scholarship was established by Brad's children to honor their father who was a long-time educator. He served as an assistant principal and was highly respected by staff, students and parents.