Creation of Ottley Briggs Schonberger Scholarship

Dianne Hall of Island Artisans shares this announcement…

Helen and Howard Schonberger – Ian Byington photo

In the midst of spring fever, Island Artisans is reeling with the announcement that it has received a truly generous donation of $13521.75 from the estate of Howard Schonberger. Characteristically Howard continues to show his support to our unique San Juan Community. This money will greatly assist our annual fundraising for college scholarships of students pursuing the arts.

The mention of Howard’s name musters the connotation of whole community involvement. There is most likely not another person that has been more effectively and diversely involved in our community organizations as that of Howard’s enthusiastic and positive presence in groups from the American Legion to the first male member of Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor. His spirt “brings to light that which is good about humanity, and in doing so inspires others to become involved and make change in their community,” said Richard Walker, editor of the Journal from 1999 to 2011.

Howard has been a long time member of Island Artisans. So long ago that other members on the board are having a hard time remembering when he joined.

I fondly remember Howard attending our annual Island Artisans Holiday market with his wife, Helen. I was always delighted and charmed as they stopped and spoke with each creative vendor at their booths. The board recalls how Howard loved to sit at the front desk and help sell raffle tickets so that he could personally greet everyone as they arrived. Howard and Helen’s genuine interest, smiles, and clear joy of the Holiday Market happening celebrated the moment as well as a path to direct and make the future a better place. We are lucky to have shared in his presence and will warmly and proudly present his scholarship at this year’s High School graduation and future generations of our beloved island students.

The due date is May 12th for this year’s scholarship applications.

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