Honors & Awards

Memorial Foundation Awards

Over the years, various families have decided to give a scholarship to the Richfield Spartan Foundation in memorial of someone they love. Here is the list of selfless families. The Spartan Foundation’s 30-year history of fundraising for Richfield Public Schools and college scholarships provide the basis for a new era of synergy.   Due  to recent  generous donations from sources beyond the profits of the golf  tournament and  sponsor donations, the foundation has been able to merge with other foundations and give even more scholarships.  

Bill Davis Scholarship

Bill Davis, RHS class of 1960 was not only the most outstanding athlete in RHS history who captained U of M teams and played professional baseball, but he also went on to serve the Richfield community as a coach and president of the Spartan Foundation.

Bill Davis served on the board for all 31 years and as its President for the past 13 years. He wishes to award a senior who has shown “exemplary service” within RHS or in the larger community outside the school. RHS seniors can apply through the Counselors’ office.

The Board asks for your contribution through its website at spartanfoundation.com and clicking on Donate in the upper right-hand corner. In this effort, we ask for your ‘exemplary community service.’
2025 Award Winner:
Samantha Krueger, U of KS
2024 Award Winner:
Natalie Nutting, St Olaf College  
2023 Award Winner: Elsy Marbeli Cruz Parra, Rodrigo Ariel Tablas
2022 Award Winner: Christopher Flores
2021 Award Winner: Ahan Christian 

Dick Walker Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a senior football player with the highest GPA, who has played at least two seasons at RHS.
2025 Award Winner:
Samuel Melgar, U of MN - Twin Cities

Michael O'Hagen Memorial Scholarship

Mike O'Hagen was a Richfield student who had a love of music. He was an outstanding student who had a positive influence on everyone he knew. This scholarship in his memory recognizes an RHS student who is a member of the high school band and shares Mike's passion for music.
2025 Award Winner:
Jessica Guevara Tezoquipa, Augsburg University

Officer Robert Doeden Memorial Scholarship

In honor of Officer Robert Doeden, who served the Richfield community from 1966-1988. Faith, family and community were Robert's north stars, and he lived his live in service to others. This scholarship is given to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to serving their community.
2025 Award Winner:
Michael McKnight, Gustavus Adolphus College

Sandahl Family Scholarship

Awarded to a senior who is involved, caring, and creative - who makes a difference in the lives of others.
2025 Award Winner:
Emma Govenat, U of WI - Madison
2024 Award Winner:
Chimdalu Dibua, University of San Francisco 
2023 Award Winner: Jaci Hintz
2022 Award Winner: Sophia Hardy

Herby Family Scholarship

Awarded to a senior who aims to become a teacher focused on a subject, special education, world language, counselor, administrator or any educational focus.
2025 Award Winner:
Nora Mathison, U of MN - Duluth
Joanna Epler, MN State University - Moorhead
2024 Award Winner:
Brisa Garcia Genis, Normandale Community College
Atziry Olivarez Guzman, Winona State University

Yamamoto Family Scholarship

Awarded to a senior who aims to become a teacher focused on a subject, special education, world language, counselor, administrator or any educational focus.
2025 Award Winner:
Brenda Jaimes Morales, Augsburg University
2024 Award Winner:
Alli Ingebretson , Minnesota State University, Mankato 

Karnas Family Memorial Scholarship

Honors a softball or baseball player who is exceptionally team-oriented.
2025 Award Winner:
Jayden Anderson, U of ND
2024 Award Winner:
Emily Olson   Karnas Family Scholarship  University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
2023 Award Winner: Noah William Durand
2022 Award Winner: Sydney Colbert
2021 Award Winner: Nicholas Wiederholt 

Kron Family Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a senior who, despite diminished family resources will continue his/her athletic career in college.
2023 Award Winner: Angel Gabriel Mendez Lopez
2022 Award Winner: Roberto Narvaez Ortiz
2021 Award Winner: Nicholas Wiederholt 

Luth Family  Scholarship

Awarded to a senior who will attend a two-year technical school, machinery focus preferred.
2022 Award Winner: Mauricio Vergara Quiroz

Oz Mullerleile Memorial Scholarship

Given by family of OZ, a community member who was an outstanding supporter of RHS activities with a special love for athletics – male and female.
2020 Award Winner: Molly Stark
2019 Award Winner: Demetrius Coleman
2018 Award Winner: Tenzen Dekyi

Steve Grindeland Memorial Scholarship

Given by RHS class of 1972 for a FIRST GENERATION college student in honor of Steve, their classmate who never had the opportunity to attend college.
2025 Award Winner:
Karina Mendoza Lopez
2024: Award Winner: Angela Morocho Sarmiento, Dougherty Family College  
2023 Award Winner: Maylen Dominguez
2022: Award Winner: Rachelle Herrmann
2021 Award Winner: Brandon Portillo 
2020 Award Winner: Guadalupe Galeno Rodriguez
2019 Award Winner: Maria Valdez
2018 Award Winner: Sabeena Jagdeo

Bob Tripanier Memorial Scholarship

Given in honor of Bob, a former RHS graduate, class of 1965, and a devoted Spartan ever since. This award goes to a senior who also is devoted to RHS. 
2025 Award Winner:
Sofia Isiordia Ceja, College of St Benedict
2024 Award Winner: Trey Anthony Peterson, St Olaf College in Northfield
Greta Sollie, Point Loma Nazarine University 
2023 Award Winner: Trey Anthony Peterson
2022 Award Winner: Madalyn Hintermeister
2021 Award Winner: Crystal diGrazia
2020 Award Winner: Joelle Safiya T Poyatos
2019 Award Winner: Katherine Urzua Parra

Desmond Family Foundation Scholarship

The Desmond Foundation came to fruition through the hard work and perseverence of John & Janet Desmond who founded Tom Thumb Donuts, an institution at the Minnesota State Fair dating back to 1950. Its purpose is to engage in causes which help people who have overcome adverse situations. In  partnership with Normandale Community College, The Desmond Foundation participates in the Spartan Foundation's "Against All Odds" scholarship. This award is presented to an RHS student who have excelled academically and athleticly and will be attending Normandale Community College.
2025 Award Winner:
Paola Inamagua Carchi, Normandale Community College
2024 Award Winner: Joycelyn Aragon-Gomez, Normandale Community College  
2023 Award Winner: Leonel Ramales Galicia
2022 Award Winner: Justin Glass
2021 Award Winner: Brianna Boykins
2020 Award Winner: Yogeeta Manikaran
2019 Award Winner: Maggie Bui
2018 Award Winner: Ishell Enriquez Torres
2017 Award Winner: Christina Dejvongsa, Naderia Harold, Nalisa Manikaran
2016 Award Winner: Michael Meister, Aaron Swengel & Abdimunim Hayow
2015 Award Winner: Sahro Hayow
2014 Award Winner: Marriah Anderson-Eldstrom

Russ Schuveiller Memorial Scholarship

Russ Schuveiller was a member of the RHS Class of 1960. Even after his insurance business thrived, he never forgot where he come from. After Russ' passing in 2014, the family created 2 scholarships in his memory, to be awarded to the male and female student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in three areas: athletics, academics, and leadership.
2025 Award Winner:
Tait Johnson, U of WI - Eau Claire
Drew Bartle, U of St Thomas
2024 Award Winner: Thomas Madrid, St Olaf College Parker Pollis, College of St Benedict 
2023 Award Winner: Nathan Alton Gay, Josephine Lee Popp
2022 Award Winner: Dane Hanks, Christina Furness Rubio,
2021 Award Winner: Nicholas Eggen , Natalie Hanson
2020 Award Winner: Alexandra Medvec, Vashti Sanichara
2019 Award Winner: Evynn Hall
2018 Award Winner: Zamara Tomko, Josh Anderson
2017 Award Winner: Aaron Anderson, Veronica Lundquist
2016 Award Winner: Thomas Fallon & Kaelyn Swetala
2015 Award Winner: Rachel Youngquist & Daniel Van Eyll

Underdog Scholarship

Given to a senior who has spent the majority of their educational years in Richfield public schools and involved in Richfield athletics. Sponsored by a tight group of 6 childhood friends who were shaped by their athletics and academic opportunities, these RHS alums want to give back to the place that helped make them what they are today.

2025 Winners:
Elijah Iheanetu, Northwestern University
Previous Winners:

First Responder Scholarship

Given to a senior with an interest in a first responder career (ie - firefighter, police officer, EMS personnel, or related field).

2025 Winners:
Stephanie Espitia Hernandeaz, Inver Hills Community College
Previous Winners:

RHS Alumni Scholarship

Open to any senior who contributed to the success of the school and community. It honors the memory of former RHS students and faculty. Sources of these memorials are Bob Collison and Jim Hare, former Richfield coaches and faculty members. And Paul A. Schmidt, class of 1983.
2021 Award Winner: Helen Nguyen 
2020 Award Winner: Luke Ott
2019 Award Winner: Mikah White
2018 Award Winner: Ashlyn Jones

Aviation Scholarship

Awarded to a student to advance their education with an accredited program, in aerospace engineering, flight training, air traffic control, mechanics or other career paths in aviation.
2025 Award Winner:
Charlotte Clifford, Arizona State University
2024 Award Winner:
Jacob Noonan, Minnesota State University Mankato - Aviation
Previous Winners:

Distinguished Service Award

This award is presented to recognize individuals who have have unselfishly given their time and resources for the benefit of Richfield youth.
2014 Award Winner: Tom Ulmer & Robert Small
2010: Russ Schuveiller
2011: Ernie and Jean Lindstrom

They Made a Difference Award

This award is presented to recognize individuals who have a made a significant difference in the Richfield community and the Spartan Foundation.
2012: John and Peggy Hamilton
2011: Warren Anondson, Fran Kiedrowski, and Adler Strandquist

Honors & Awards

The Richfield Spartan Foundation is proud to support a variety of honors and awards recognizing outstanding achievement in our community. Over the years we have continued to expand the number and value of the awards distributed due to the generosity of individuals and sources such as the Desmond Foundation and the Patch Foundation.
Contact us to donate or register for our event. Back.