ATHENS TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi held its 7th Annual Potawatomi Golf Scramble to raise money for a tribal member college scholarship fund. The Moguago Scholarship Golf Outing was held Sept. 25 at Binder Park Golf Course in Battle Creek, Mich.

Chief John Moguago led the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi from 1839 – 1863 during forced removal in Kansas and returned to settle along Pine Creek in Calhoun County, Michigan. In honor of Chief Moguago, NHBP offers a scholarship to an academically eligible student attending an accredited college or university.

For the past six years, NHBP tribal members have the opportunity to apply for a college scholarship through a competitive application process. One criteria for tribal members is to earn a 3.0 grade point average or better in their previous year of high school or college.

The scholarship is awarded to college bound students each year.

“The tribe has enjoyed many success stories over the past six years, including several college graduates who are reaching their goals and dreams with the help of this scholarship fund,” said Nat Spurr, NHBP Education Committee Chair. “My mother, Laura Wesley Spurr, grew up in Athens and obtained an academic scholarship and graduated from the University of Michigan. Since this was unheard of during that time, she wanted our tribe’s golf tournament to provide opportunities for other tribal members to obtain degrees in higher education.”

Since 2004, the tribe has relied on sponsorships and golfers participating in the Moguago Scholarship Golf Outing to fund the Moguago Scholarship. This year, more than 55 sponsors and 180 golfers contributed to the Moguago Scholarship Golf Outing.

“The tribe appreciates the support of all our sponsors and golfers,” said Barry Phillips, NHBP education director. “This year, the Moguago Scholarship Golf Outing nearly doubled its donations and participation, enabling the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi to continue its educational support of our tribal members.”

For more information or to donate, contact the Nottawaseppi Education Department at (269) 729-5151.