June 2, 2006
Duluth News Tribune

Denfeld alumnus leaves money for scholarships

A Denfeld High School graduate remembered his alma mater in his will.

The $4.5 million Jack Moon Scholarship Foundation will award scholarships of up to $4,000 a year to Denfeld graduates planning to attend accredited vocational schools or technical colleges in Minnesota, Wisconsin or Michigan.

The scholarship's selection foundation recently awarded the first scholarships to 21 Denfeld graduates.

"Scholarships traditionally have not been made available to those students," Denfeld High School Principal Ed Crawford said. "This is a great opportunity for those students to pursue their education and to have the financial means to do that."

John Wallace "Jack" Moon, 72, died May 4, 2001, after a traffic accident in Superior. Moon practiced law in Duluth and was active in real estate investments in the area.

"In his will he left a large amount of money... for graduates of Denfeld that are looking for vocational and trade school education," said Steve Vaillant, Wells Fargo Bank vice president/senior trust administrator. "Anyone -- past or present graduates -- can apply for this."

The bank is the foundation's trustee, and has retained the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation to provide scholarship administrative services.

Moon's bequest is now worth $4.5 million, Vaillant said.

"Right now, recipients can receive up to $4,000 annually to cover expenses like tuition, fees and books," Vaillant said. "And its reoccurring" if students are making satisfactory progress in an accredited program lasting more than a year.

To Learn More
Jack Moon Scholarships are available to any Denfeld High School graduate planning to pursue postsecondary education at a vocational school or technical college in Minnesota, Wisconsin or Michigan. Recipients will receive up to $4,000 annually for tuition, fees and books. For application details, call the Denfeld High School guidance office at (218) 628-4863 or Brenda Sproat at the DuluthSuperior Area Community Foundation at (218) 726-0232, or e-mail info@dsacommunityfoundation.com.