Scholarships & Funds

The Blue Ribbon Foundation has scholarships and funds in place for restricted use, including the Gary Bevers Kids and Creation Fund, The Carol and Christopher Kinghan GIVING HEARTS Memorial Scholarship, The Librarian Sharon Peterson Literacy Scholarship Fund and the Sydnei McKnight Upstander and Ally Scholarship. More information on each scholarship fund is provided below.

Gary Bevers Kids and Creation Fund

This scholarship, instituted in memory of Gary Bevers, empowers the Chapel School to underwrite educational endeavors that teach children about nature and the living creatures that God has created (and that Gary enjoyed so much during his life). Each year at least one education opportunity is underwritten in Gary's memory as students at the Chapel School explore the beauty and awesome power of God's creation.

The Librarian Sharon Peterson Literacy Scholarship Fund

Over the course of her 36 year tenure with The Chapel School, Sharon built up and grew the school library into one of the finest children’s libraries in the Lutheran education system. The Librarian Sharon Peterson Literacy Scholarship Fund seeks to celebrate her legacy and the memory of the Peterson's with a scholarship each year to a deserving student who excels in reading and literacy. Current 5th Grade Students are eligible and nominated by The Chapel School Faculty.  The finalist is selected by TCS’s Scholarship and Award Selections Committee Members with approval from the Blue Ribbon Foundation Board.  The honoree is announced and recognized at the annual Baccalaureate Service.

Steven R. Schultz Memorial Endowment Fund

Steven attended Kindergarten at The Chapel School and stayed on to be part of its first 8th grade graduating class. He was confirmed at Village Lutheran Church, became active in the youth program, and was a lifetime member.

Steven worked hard to achieve his goals. During his high school years at Bronxville and at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), he used his gifts for playing the trumpet and as a pitcher on the baseball team.  After an outstanding career at VCU, where he threw a no-hitter, he was invited to winter training camp with the Toronto Blue Jays; however, a shoulder x-ray revealed a cloud in his lung that mandated surgery and revealed Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  Steven remained in NY for treatment.  With his cancer in remission, he completed a degree in Music Education while enjoying his last year of collegiate eligibility as a member of the Concordia Clippers pitching staff.  After graduating, he took over as coach of Concordia’s pitching staff, which proudly produced 4th and 1st Round MLB Draft Picks and a top U.S. ranking for NAIA schools en route to earning NCAA Div. II status.  He was married to Laurie McGinnis, also a graduate of The Chapel School.

Steven’s professional career as music teacher in the Mt. Vernon public schools was cut short by his untimely death at age 27 after a 5-year battle with cancer, but his zest for life, his indomitable spirit, his love for others, and his deep faith will always be remembered by his family, and by all who were blessed by his presence in their lives.  He would be honored to know that this Endowment Fund will be used to bring children to The Chapel School to learn the joy of serving God and others with their talents and gifts. 

The Carol and Christopher Kinghan GIVING HEARTS Memorial Scholarship

Christopher Kinghan was born on March 16, 1988. He was baptized and confirmed at Village Lutheran Church and also attended The Chapel School. Christopher died unexpectedly on January 5, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. Christopher’s life was characterized by joy and love towards others. His mother, Carol, and the Kinghan family, set up the CHRISTOPHER P. KINGHAN Heart of Giving Scholarship to remember Christopher’s legacy and to encourage a deserving Chapel School student entering the Chapel School 6th grade who exemplifies Christopher's love of giving and helping others. On July 31, 2014, after a long battle with cancer, Carol too passed away. Her family grieved her loss but celebrated her awesome life and the eternal life that she now shares with her son, Chris, and all the faithful departed. To remember both Carol and Chris and their joyful hearts, the Scholarship has been permanently renamed "The Carol and Christopher Kinghan GIVING HEARTS Memorial Scholarship". The recipients of the scholarship both honor the memory of the dearly loved mother and son and also demonstrate joyful hearts in their generation through their Chapel School education and their lives of service to the world. Current 5th Grade Students are eligible and nominated by The Chapel School Faculty.  The finalist is selected by TCS’s Scholarship and Award Selections Committee Members with approval from the Blue Ribbon Foundation Board.  The honoree is announced and recognized at the annual Baccalaureate Service.

The Sydnei McKnight Upstander & Ally Scholarship Fund

Sydnei McKnight is a proud member of The Chapel School’s Class of 2021. Sydnei and her family established this scholarship to encourage young people to stand up for others in the face of injustice and adversity. A deserving student who exemplifies these qualities will receive a $500 award for each year they attend The Chapel Middle School. In Sydnei’s words, “Making a difference is not always easy. Throughout my life, I battled with finding my place and fitting in. It often made me question who my true friends are and who I want to be. As a member of my generation, I believe it's important to be an Ally and Upstander. It is important to choose yourself, but it is also important to 'choose people who choose you'.”

Rev. Clarence L Roth Memorial Endowment Fund

Rev. Clarence Roth began his pastoral ministry after graduating from Concordia College Seminary in Springfield, IL.  Over the next 40 years he ministered to the congregations of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Trenton, NJ, Faith Lutheran Church and School in Easton, PA, and Grace Lutheran Church and School in Queens Village, NY.  He served as Vice president in both the Eastern and Atlantic Districts of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and also as president of Queens Interfaith Non-Public School System.  In 1985, the Board of Directors of the Lutheran High School Association of New York recognized him for his years of service and commitment to Christian education. In January of 1986, Concordia College-NY presented him with the Servant of Christ Award.  Through his example and encouragement, more than 100 people from his congregations entered into full-time church work.

Pastor Roth was married to and supported by Myrna Goodmanson Roth for 59 years of mutual ministry.  They were the parents of Philip Roth, Rev. Steven Roth, and Mimi Roth Blanco, a longtime dedicated teacher at The Chapel School.  Pastor Roth’s  family is pleased to know that this Endowment Fund will help a family or families to experience the tradition of excellence in Christian Education that The Chapel School has been providing for over 75 years, where children come “To Know, Live and Share the Love of Christ.”