Matt F. Fouch Scholarship of Character

The Matt F. Fouch Scholarship of Character was established in 2020 by his wife Jill and children Jake, Maddie, and Zac as a way to celebrate Matt’s lifelong commitment to shaping the lives of young people in East Grand Rapids, both in the classroom and on the field. This scholarship honors the character of Matt Fouch by celebrating those who are a “good guy to all,” “do the right thing when no one is watching,” and are committed to kindness and others in their school and community.

This memorial scholarship was established after his battle with cancer and passing in December 2019. It celebrates Matt and thanks him for his 21 years of service in math classrooms at the Middle School and for his 23 years of coaching football and three years of coaching golf at East Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Criteria and Considerations 

The Matt F. Fouch Scholarship of Character is awarded annually to one or more graduating seniors who exhibit many of the following qualities or attributes:

• Kind and accepting of all students and adults

• High moral character

• Well-rounded 

• Leads, quietly or overtly

• Inclusive of others in the classroom and in extra-curricular activities

• Involved in extra-curricular activities

• Successful and driven to succeed in areas of interest whether academic, athletic, performing arts, community, or peer relationships

The scholarship will fund up to $1,000 for post-secondary education. Nominations will be accepted from EGRPS staff, students, family, friends, or community members. The deadline for submission is March 15.