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Claire & Evelyn Hermes Merit Scholarship

Fund Background: 

Established in 2011 by the children of Claire and Evelyn Hermes.

The Claire and Evelyn Hermes Merit Scholarship is established to provide financial assistance to graduating seniors, college freshman, college sophomores and/or college juniors from Fairmount, ND Public High School to continue their post-secondary education.

Claire Hermes was born and raised in Fairmount, ND.  After graduating from Fairmount High School, he farmed on the family farm.  He met Evelyn Geisen, originally from Bisbee, ND when she was a business teacher in Fairmount.  In 1949, they married.  They raised 7 children on the farm; Becki, Claire Jo, Pam, Greg, Amy, Laurie and Mary.

In 1968, Evelyn returned to teaching at Fairmount High School as an English teacher.  She was an avid mentor for the speech and drama clubs that won numerous awards each year.  She taught until 1982 and then continued as the school guidance counselor until 1992.  While his children were in school, Claire was a member of the Fairmount School Board for 15 years.  He also served as a member of the Richland County School Reorganization Committee and County School Board.

Claire and Evelyn firmly believed the best way to help yourself was by educating yourself.  Growing up in the Hermes household, the value of education was continually stressed.  A 4-year college education was expected and encouraged.  Each child was able to achieve that with loans, grants, scholarships and hard work.

Claire and Evelyn touched many lives in Fairmount with their tenures in education and we hope this scholarship can continue to encourage and assist others achieve their educational goals.  Claire and Evelyn believed in the value of a college education and we honor their belief with this scholarship

Eligibility Requirements: 

Students must have a GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0=A scale.

High School Seniors, College Freshmen, College Sophomores and/or College Juniors may apply.

Preference will be given to students who exhibit the following characteristics:

Leadership, Community Service, Self-motivation, Respect for others, Honesty, and Dependability

Applications accepted January 1 - April 1 only. Applications received outside of this window will NOT be accepted.

Return completed application to:

Fairmount Public School, 400 E Main Ave Fairmount, ND 58030

Download application form (PDF)