Scholarships
The Iroquois School Foundation provides scholarships to support new graduates attending college, trade schools, and the military. Listed below are the Foundation’s active scholarships.
INTERESTED IN STARTING A SCHOLARSHIP?
A scholarship is a thoughtful way to honor a loved one. You can either donate to existing scholarship fund or establish your own. The Foundation can guide you through the process. Find out more.
Claude “DJ” Wegley Scholarship
The Claude “DJ” Wegley Memorial Scholarship Fund is given in honor of DJ Wegley. DJ was a swimmer for both Iroquois High School and Gannon University. He coordinated the age-group swim program at Iroquois, coached the swim team at East High School, was a lifeguard at Presque Isle, an avid hiker and outdoorsman, and was working on his math degree to become a teacher before his untimely death.
Dr. Joseph Buzanowski was a teacher, principal, and superintendent in the Iroquois School District. He cared deeply for this community and all of the students. He spent his entire professional career working tirelessly for the students of the district. Iroquois was his second life. It was his second family. “Dr. B” was instrumental in the building of Iroquois Elementary School and the Iroquois sport stadium.
Dr. Joseph Buzanowski Scholarship
Jean Forsyth
Memorial Scholarship
Cunningham Family Scholarship
Established in 2012, the Matthew and Margaret Cunningham Scholarship honors the memory of John P. Cunningham and Blanche Archer Cunningham. John Patrick Cunningham immigrated from Ireland in 1907 and settled in Lawrence Park in 1918, where he ran a coal and ice delivery business and maintained local streets. Known as the unofficial "mayor" of Lawrence Park, he contributed to numerous civic projects, including the Halloween parade, Christmas Tree Night, and a community skating rink.
Dan graduated from Iroquois High School and Gannon University. He was an avid Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan, and enjoyed playing hockey. He was general manager of Tier Environmental Services in Niagara Falls, N.Y. TIER NY, LLC will present a scholarship to one graduating senior from Iroquois Junior-Senior High School in honor of school alumnus Daniel Holdnak, Class of 1982, who passed away in 2009.
Daniel Holdnak Scholarship
Dr. G. William Baxter Scholarship
Dr. G. William Baxter, a physics professor at Penn State Behrend and parent of an Iroquois student, led science talks at Iroquois Elementary, coached Lego Robotics, and served on the Iroquois School District Foundation board.
The Dr. G. William Baxter Memorial Scholarship honors a student who embodies the “spirit of Iroquois,” recognizing scholarship, work ethic, volunteerism, and financial need.
Ina Rae Corey Scholarship
Ina Rae Corey was a 1953 graduate and Salutatorian of Wesleyville High School. Mrs. Corey served on the Iroquois School Board for 18 years and was a founding member and Past President of the Iroquois School District Foundation. She was honored as a Legend of Iroquois for her active participation and was a lifelong supporter of public education. The Ina Rae Corey Memorial Scholarship will be given to a senior student who embodies “the spirit of Iroquois.” It is based on scholarship, industry, (a willingness to work), volunteerism, and financial need.
Cadden Family Scholarship
The Cadden Family scholarship is given in memory of members of the Cadden family. Mrs. Connie Cadden taught 1st grade at Wesleyville Elementary for 30 years and her husband, Bob, was a Scout Master, Wesleyville Little League coach, lifelong American Legion member, and a member of multiple non-profit groups in the community. Melanie Cadden was a 1979 graduate of Iroquois and donated her time to this community in countless ways.
The Jean Forsyth Memorial Scholarship is given in honor of Ms. Forsyth who graduated from and taught at Lawrence Park High School. She was a champion golfer who won the Erie City Women’s Golf Championship eleven times and was inducted into the local and state Sport’s Hall of Fame.
The Johnson Family Scholarship in memory of Ryan Johnson was established to celebrate the life of former Iroquois Student Ryan Johnson, who passed away unexpectedly in 2014. Ryan was involved in wrestling, and his warm gentle nature is still missed by everyone who knew him. This scholarship is designed to honor his spirit and passion for life.
Ryan Johnson Scholarship
The Class of 1979 Memorial Scholarship was created by members of the Iroquois Class to honor their classmates who have passed away since graduation. Members of the Class of ‘79 decide on the recipient, based on merit and references. Members of the class contribute each year to sustain this scholarship.
Class of 1979
Memorial Scholarship
The Janie Peterson & Bob Bender Memorial Scholarship honors Janie (Class of 1970) and Bob (would have been Class of 1972), Iroquois students who passed away in 1970. Janie was bright, funny, full of life, and excited to attend business college—she was truly beautiful inside and out. Bob was humorous, adventurous, and kind, known for lifting spirits with quiet wit and showing determination as a tennis and basketball player. Both were deeply loved and respected by their peers.
Janie Peterson + Bob Bender
Memorial Scholarship
Janet Atkin, a lifelong Lawrence Park resident and Iroquois graduate, was a trailblazer for women’s rights and working women. She worked at GE for 30 years, rising from the shop floor to Vice President. While raising her son and working full time, she earned degrees from Gannon University and Penn State. Janet was proud of her achievements and inspired future generations. She passed away on November 3, 2021, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Atkin Family Scholarship
The James Bonniger Memorial Scholarship honors Mr. Jim Bonniger, a dedicated three-sport contributor at Iroquois—basketball scorekeeper, football statistician, and JV baseball coach for over a decade. He was also a dedicated community member; he coached Wesleyville Little League, led the Eastlake Junior Chamber of Commerce, and supported the former Gannondale Home for Girls. A devoted church member, he was known for his selfless service to others.
