Holasek-Griffiths Scholarship

The Program

The Holasek-Griffiths Scholarship was created in 2000 by Harold Griffiths when he made a $140,000 contribution creating an endowment to fund the scholarship. In the summer of 2007, Mr. Griffiths generously donated an additional $54,000.

The scholarship is in the name of Mr. Griffith's late wife, Betty Holasek-Griffiths, an Eden Prairie High School graduate, class of 1947. Mr. & Mrs. Griffiths' children also attended and graduated from EPHS.

Mr. Griffiths' generosity and his creation of this meaningful scholarship helps support EPHS students in their post-secondary education. The scholarship is awarded to students who major in one of the fields of engineering (electrical, mechanical, aerospace, bio-medical) and/or computer sciences, or who are entering the field of business administration.

The Holasek-Griffiths Scholarship, in the amount of $2,750, is currently one of the larger scholarships offered at EPHS. It is renewable for an additional three years, for a total of $11,000.

The 2013 Holasek-Griffiths Scholarship

The winner of the 2013 Holasek-Griffiths Scholarship is Akila Pai. The daughter of Gopala and Sabitha Pai, Akila is an exceptionally active and involved student.

Before graduating from Eden Prairie High School, Akila served as the EPHS Student Council President, Charity Dream Date Chair (raising over $33,000 for local and international non-profits), Captain for both the Speech and Debate Teams, and National Honor Society Secretary and Executive Officer. In addition, Akila was a violinist for the elite EPHS Chamber Orchestra, a pianist for the Minnesota Young Artists Top 20, member of the FACE AIDS group, and the Eden Prairie Blood Drive coordinator/Chair. Akila also co-founded and directed a new initiative for Student Council called “Books Beyond Borders,” collecting over 2,000 books given to those in need. Akila also worked part-time as a piano, violin and musical theory teacher, and tutored learning-disabled students.

For college, Akila will attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where she intends to major, and earn her degrees, in Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Biology and Biomedical Engineering. Congratulations, Akila!

Current & Past Winners

2013 Akila Pai

2012 Mark Miller

2011 David Platner

2010 Nicole Foyt

2009 Brandon Keibler

2008 Kyle Knutson

2007 Matthew Byrne

2006 John Krull

2005 Anna Green

2004 Rochelle Affias and David Huang

2003 Nathan Dorr

2002 Rommell Cevallos

2001 Corbin Hilgeman

I wanted to tell you how grateful I am to have received the 2010 Holasek-Griffiths Scholarship. I feel so honored and blessed to have FEPS in my life. When Ms. Educate announced my name at scholarship awards night I could hardly contain my excitement. FEPS truly made my senior year! I am excited to work with FEPS for the next four years. Thank you so much for once again choosing me to be the recipient of this wonderful scholarship.
~ Nicole Foyt, Class of 2010

Criteria

This scholarship is available to any Eden Prairie High School senior who will be attending any post-secondary school in the fall and entering the field(s) of computer sciences, business, or any area of engineering (ie: biomedical, civil, electrical, aeronautical, mechanical, etc). This includes public and private technical schools, 2-year colleges and 4-year colleges.

Emphasis for Selection

Strongest consideration will be given to students who can demonstrate their interest in a career in the above named fields. Relevant coursework, activities, community service and employment are considered. While applicants should be all-around citizens, GPA and class rank are not crucial factors for selection.

Award Amount

$2,750 per academic year, renewable for an additional three years, for possible award total of $11,000. The scholarship is renewable contingent on the recipient earning 12-16 credits per quarter (or the school's equivalent of a full load) starting freshman year or equivalent and maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA.

To Apply for the 2013-14 Holasek-Griffiths Scholarship

Applications for the 2013-14 Holasek-Griffiths Scholarship will be available early 2014. The application deadline will be mid-April and the scholarship will be awarded at the EPHS Academic Awards night mid-May, 2014.