Scholarships

The Foundation awards over 20 scholarships each year to Central Seniors who are pursuing post-secondary education and have demonstrated leadership, perseverance, and Central pride. We award twelve $1,500 Foundation scholarships each year, and one $5,000 Mary Mackbee Legacy Scholarship, which honors Central’s principal of over 20 years, Mary Mackbee. Donate to the General Fund.

We also manage a number of named scholarships with slightly different selection criteria determined by the donors:

The Heiruspecs Scholarship was created by members of the band Heiruspecs whose members attended Central High School together. This scholarship is awarded to seniors who plan to attend a 2 or 4 year college or university and have demonstrated a dedication to the arts in any form (including but not limited to, music, film, visual arts, dance, writing, etc.). Two $1,500 scholarships are awarded each year. Donate to the Heiruspecs Scholarship Fund.

The Philando Castile Memorial Scholarship was created after Philando Castile (Central ’01) was killed by police in 2016. He had a passion for education and loved working with children. The scholarship was established for students pursuing a career in education, including but not limited to teaching, administration, child development, and/or counseling – but all students are welcome to apply and will be considered. Preference will be given to a student who is interested in fostering diversity among educators who serve as role models for all of our students. One $5,000 scholarship is awarded each year. Donate to the Philando Castile Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The Fischer Anderson Scholarship was established in memory of Fischer Anderson (Central ‘18). Scholarships are awarded to seniors who exhibit scholastic achievement, participation in instrumental music and/or soccer. One $1,500 scholarship is awarded each year. Donate to the Fischer Anderson Scholarship Fund.

The Nora Longley Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Nora Longley (Central 1999). This scholarship is awarded to a Central senior who shows evidence of sustained creative activity, academic or otherwise (including but not limited to arts, drama, written or visual expression, dance, or music). Award funds are to be used to support future creative endeavors. One $1,500 scholarship is awarded each year. Donate to the Nora Longley Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The Nancy Berkley In Honor of Eva Malmen Scholarship was established by Nancy Berkley in honor of Eva Malmen. Students are awarded the scholarship based on their essay response to the poem “A Bag of Tools” by R.L. Sharpe. One $1,500 scholarship is awarded each year. Donate to the Nancy Berkley In Honor of Eva Malmen Scholarship Fund.

The Class of 1970 Greg Janisch Scholarship was established in memory of Greg Janisch. The scholarship is awarded to a senior who has overcome significant challenges or obstacles on the path to high school graduation. One $1,500 scholarship is awarded each year. Donate to the Class of 1970 Greg Janisch Scholarship Fund.

The Class of 1999 Heart and Soul Scholarship was established by members of the class of 1999. The scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates heart and soul and a passion for Central High School by embodying the St. Paul Central motto, “Many traditions, one school,” through involvement in school activities, clubs, and/or the community. One $1,500 scholarship is awarded each year. Donate to the Class of 1999 Heart and Soul Scholarship Fund.

The Class of 1966 Scholarship Fund was established in 2021 by members of Central’s class of 1966. Two $5,000 scholarships are awarded each year. Donate to the Class of 1966 Scholarship Fund.

The Natala Family Scholarship was created in memory of Gladstone Natala who passed away from COVID-19 in 2021.  He mentored and encouraged many youth to stay focused on education.  The scholarship was created in gratitude by his children, Central graduates Dr. Nakita Natala (2005), Benjamin Natala (2006), Seth Natala (2010), their mother Brenda Natala (SPPS Administrator) and his niece Ayaan Natala (2014).  This scholarship was established for students aspiring to a career in science, education, medicine, business or the trades. One $5,000 scholarship is awarded each year. Donate to the Natala Family Scholarship.