A total of $326,000 in scholarships was awarded to 192 high school, college, and nontraditional students at the Saginaw Community Foundation’s recent Excellence in Education event.

“The purpose of the annual Excellence in Education event is to recognize, award and inspire students who have earned scholarships from the Saginaw Community Foundation,” said LeeAnn Martuch, program officer at the foundation. “We also honor the donors who have established scholarship funds at the foundation.”

Since 1987, the foundation has awarded more than $2.6 million to students to help them achieve their educational goals.

“Education is vital to the growth and future of every community. Scholarships can help people in our region obtain a degree, certificate or other training that will help further their aspirations and goals.” – Reneé Johnston, president and CEO

The foundation currently administers about 150 scholarships that have been established by its donors.

“People traditionally think scholarships are just for high school seniors,” Martuch said. “But the Saginaw Community Foundation offers scholarships for all sorts of people – from displaced workers to the single mother just returning to school to a student working full-time and attending college part-time.”

The keynote speaker at the event was Stuart Schweigert. Schweigert, a Heritage High School alumnus, played professional football for the Oakland Raiders, Washington Redskins, New York Giants, Detroit Lions and Omaha Nighthawks. In 2008, Schweigert established a scholarship and a group called “Stu’s Crew” as a way to give back to families in his hometown through charitable contributions and scholarships to Heritage High School seniors. He currently resides in Hemlock, Mich.

People can begin applying for 2012-2013 scholarships on Nov. 1, 2012. More information is available at saginawfoundation.org.