Currently Accepting Applications. Click on the application for instructions and requirements.
Questions? Contact us at scholarships@juneaucf.org or 907-523-5450
DUE MAY 1, 2026
Application – Fillable PDF Version
Frances moved to Tenakee Springs in 2000 and ran the Bakery for seven years. Almost as soon as she arrived, she became involved in the Tenakee Springs School. She volunteered and then became a member of the Tenakee Advisory School Board. As a member, she organized many enrichment events and activities. She spearheaded fundraising for the school by having the community save box tops, she ran a fall carnival, made graduations special, was involved with the 21st Century grant teaching dance and organizing a variety show for students and community members. In 2016 Frances was elected to the Chatham School District’s Regional School Board. She was determined to solve Tenakee’s enrollment challenges, and to that end she created the Tenakee Independent Learning Center (ILC).
Frances believed passionately that a school district has an obligation to serve its students, and that education didn’t and shouldn’t always look the same. With characteristic tenacity, Frances researched, organized and advocated tirelessly for her novel public homeschool concept. She bulldozed through endless misgivings and rejection to make her education vision a reality. She won over the Tenakee families and the larger Chatham community. Frances didn’t take no for an answer, and she worked indefatigably. She would attend board meetings from post-op hospital beds, or after a month of radiation would climb the 114 stairs up to the ILC to work as the unpaid co-director of the program she built. The Tenakee ILC has grown into the Chatham Distance Program and serves students throughout the district and all over the state. It has provided Tenakee students a stable education and employs several people in our small community.
Frances had a powerful will to live and approached her experience with cancer the way she approached most things, with perseverance and grace. Frances never wished to focus or dwell on the stage 4 colon cancer she endured for over a decade, saying matter of factly that she simply lived with a chronic disease like diabetes or high blood pressure that just had to be managed. Despite the challenges of living in such a remote location, she did just that, while always coming home. Buoyed by the incredible support of her loved ones and her amazing team of doctors at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, she repeatedly chose life.
This scholarship/award is for students and alumni of Chatham School District ages 16-30 to further their education or reach life goals. This money is for college, vocational / career technical education, certification, licenses, tools, books, art/music studies, art/music supplies, or business start-up expenses.
Inspired by Frances’ commitment to independent learning, we invite your contributions to this endowment fund to support educational and professional opportunities in Tenakee Springs, Angoon, Gustavus, Klukwan, and for students across Alaska who are part of the Chatham Distance Program. Our initial fundraising goal was to raise a principal of $25,000 by the end of 2026. We are proud to announce that we have already exceeded this target and are halfway toward our total goal of $75,000. Once we reach that goal, we will be able to award $3000.00 in scholarships and/or awards each year.
We are committed to continuing the growth of this fund, with the help of our generous donors, throughout this year and beyond. We are deeply grateful for everyone who has contributed to keeping this award alive and for your ongoing support in the months and years to come. Our fundraising efforts will continue with events such as Fun Run/Walks and more. Having witnessed Frances unwavering dedication to the Chatham School District, it is with great honor that we continue the scholarship/award in her memory, ensuring that her legacy of hard work, perseverance, and love for education continues to inspire others.
To Donate
Donate by credit card using the link below or make your check payable to Juneau Community Foundation. Please note the fund name in the memo field. Mail to: 641 W. Willoughby Ave., #206, Juneau, AK 99801. Please call us at 907-523-5450, or email info@juneaucf.org for information on donating stock, wiring funds, establishing a Fund, gifting from your IRA, or naming the Juneau Community Foundation in your Will.
