[August 23, 2022] - After 14 years, 85 students, and more than $775,000 in scholarships, the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation Scholarship Program is fulfilling a lifelong dream of its founder Mr. Johnson, to help Cook County High School students achieve their educational dreams. The program is unique in its relationship-based model and its emphasis on students who are first generation college attendees. A critical aspect of the program is to impart adult life skills and prepare students for success, many of whom are away from home for the first time. One of the ways in which the Foundation does this, is by offering a financial course tailored to the first-year college student experience.  

Since the addition of the financial class to the program in 2020, the Foundation has partnered with Cook County’s own Jeff & Gary Latz, and this year added more local expertise with Marja Erickson and Lea Leonard from Grand Marais State Bank, Sarena Nelson of Cascade Vacation Rentals, and Karen Blackburn with Cook County Higher Education. 

Scholarship Program Coordinator Rachel Forsyth stated how grateful she is for the willingness of community members to jump in and share their time, expertise, and their care for students. “Local voices have added such a wealth of knowledge and a depth of perspective to what we’ve been able to offer over the years. The humor of the Latz brothers, places students at ease during one of the biggest transitions of their lives; and Jeff and Gary’s insight into the world of renting, provides students with a solid footing moving forward. The addition of Marja and Lea helped to normalize stories of trials and success in personal finance, ensuring students they’ll be there with them through thick and thin. Sarena knocked it out of the park with budgeting, showing students an accessible, and dare I say an easy, way to budget that will help set them up for success for years and years to come. And the use of space and on-going support Karen and the team at Cook County Higher Education provide, especially to our online students, is so deeply appreciated by all.”

In a powerful full-circle moment, Lea shared with the class she was among the original cohort of Foundation scholarship recipients more than a decade ago. Personalizing her story as a CCHS grad going to Lake Superior College, helped connect students to the path right in front of them. After the class she reflected on her time with the program. “The Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation scholarship is such an amazing opportunity for Cook County graduates! If I hadn’t received the scholarship in 2008, I’m not sure that I would have gone to college, since I didn’t really have an idea of what I wanted to do. The Foundation gave me the opportunity to explore different areas of studies ... and it was a pleasure to give some insight to the newest recipients, and to learn how the scholarship has evolved since the beginning.” 

Students walked away from the day with a wealth of information, lifelong skills, and several business cards. The core messages from each presenter assured students that their community supports them and is ready to help. As students start college this fall, the Foundation feels confident that Mr. Johnson would be proud of each student and grateful that they won’t walk this path alone. 

For more information about the Lloyd K. Johnson Scholarship Program’s supportive model, check out the Foundation’s 2020 report, “Making the Case for a Non-Traditional Approach” or visit the Foundation at: www.lloydkjohnsonfoundation.org . 

# # #

About: Mr. Lloyd K. Johnson was born and raised in Grand Marais. After graduating from high school and leaving for a stint to attend law school, he returned to work as the County Attorney. His affinity for Grand Marais and Cook County is evidenced by the Johnson Heritage Post which was established in honor of Lloyd’s mother and her love for art; the Cook County student scholarship program; and the framework for the Foundation which was originally established by Mr. Johnson and his wife Marion in 1975. Though both have since passed, the Johnson family home still stands today and is known as the Birch Terrace Restaurant.