Greetings from the Richland #44 School Foundation! In partnership with the community, the Richland #44 School Foundation financially supports creative programs that stimulate excellence in the areas of academics, the arts, and extra-curricular activities while enriching and enhancing the education offered by the Richland #44 School District.
Foundation Happenings
Foundation Reaches Major Milestone
Richland #44 School Foundation Surpasses $1.5 Million in Scholarships Awarded
Darrel Hendrickson’s extraordinary legacy continues to open doors for generations of Richland #44 graduates. The Richland #44 School Foundation is proud to announce a significant milestone: more than $1.5 million in scholarships have now been awarded to Richland #44 graduates through the generosity of the late Darrel Hendrickson.
Behind that remarkable number is the lasting legacy of one man and his belief in the importance of education.
Darrel Hendrickson, a lifelong Colfax resident and local farmer, passed away in February 2016. Through his estate, Hendrickson left an extraordinary $4.5 million gift to support the Richland #44 School District. His generosity led to the creation of the Richland #44 School Foundation and the establishment of the Hendrickson Scholarship program in memory of Lauritz and Marie Hendrickson, Betty Hendrickson and Darrel himself.
While the Foundation was being established, Richland #44 graduates from the Classes of 2016, 2017 and 2018 each received a one-time $2,500 scholarship as a goodwill gift. This ensured that students graduating during those transitional years were also able to benefit from Hendrickson’s generosity.
Beginning with the Class of 2019, the Hendrickson Scholarship program has provided eligible Richland #44 graduates with $10,000 toward their post-secondary education. Students who attend Richland #44 High School for at least three of their four high school years are eligible to apply.
The scholarship can be used at accredited colleges, universities, technical schools and other post-secondary programs, allowing graduates to pursue the educational and career path that is right for them. Scholarship funds are distributed throughout a student's post-secondary education.
Today, the combined impact of these scholarships has surpassed an extraordinary milestone: more than $1.5 million awarded to Richland #44 graduates.
“This is an incredible milestone for our Foundation, but even more importantly, it represents the students and families who have been impacted by Darrel’s generosity,” said Megan Kummer, President of the Richland #44 School Foundation. “Darrel believed in this community and in education. Every scholarship awarded carries that belief forward and gives another Richland #44 graduate an opportunity to pursue their goals.”
For the Richland #44 community, the $1.5 million milestone is a powerful reminder of what one thoughtful gift can accomplish for generations to come.
The Richland #44 School Foundation remains committed to carefully stewarding Hendrickson’s gift so his vision and generosity can continue making an impact well into the future.
“Reaching $1.5 million is something worth celebrating, but Darrel’s true legacy can’t be measured only in dollars,” Kummer added. “It is measured in the students who have walked onto college campuses, entered technical programs, earned degrees and begun careers with his support behind them. His generosity will continue changing lives for years to come.”
The Richland #44 School Foundation’s mission is “Inspiring student success and community growth through innovation in education.” In addition to administering the Hendrickson Scholarship program, the Foundation supports educational programs, opportunities and facilities that enrich the experience of Richland #44 students and strengthen the school community.
Foundation Receives Donation
The Richland #44 School Foundation is grateful to Cass County Electric Cooperative for helping secure a $1,000 award from the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC) in support of Keys to the Future. This generous funding will help further our efforts to support the arts and create meaningful opportunities for students and our community. We sincerely appreciate Cass County Electric Cooperative and RDFC for recognizing the impact of this project and investing in its future. Pictured are Chad Ulven and Nicole Holdman, Richland #44 School Foundation Board members, with Jocelyn Hovland of Cass County Electric Cooperative.
KEYS TO THE FUTURE EVENT
The Keys to the Future event was held April 30. The video is a highlight featuring the evening's talent.
The 44 Venue Is Open—And the Future Is in Motion
Construction on The 44 Venue is Complete
CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETE! The Richland #44 School Foundation is excited to celebrate the grand opening of The 44 Venue—North Dakota’s newest, state-of-the-art event space—on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Festivities kick off at 3:00 PM with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted in partnership with the Fargo-Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce and the Wahpeton Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy live music by Matt Aakre from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, along with appetizers, drinks, and prize giveaways throughout the evening.
All events held at The 44 Venue support the mission of the Richland #44 School Foundation, helping fund scholarships and innovative programs for students and staff in the Richland #44 School District.
Foundation Awards 2025 Hendrickson Scholarships
Congratulations to all of our 2025 Darrel Hendrickson Scholarship recipients! Each of these recipients received a $10,000 scholarship! Best of luck as you prepare to begin the next chapter in your educational endeavors. LEAVING A LEGACY: The late Darrel Hendrickson made it possible for all graduating seniors from Richland #44 to receive this scholarship. The requirements are simple. Eligible applicants just have to attend 3 of their 4 years of high school at Richland #44.
Foundation Hires Events and Performing Arts Center Manager
The Richland #44 Foundation is excited to announce that Janna Koble has been hired as the general manager of the events and performing arts center. She will begin her role in mid-November while the building is still under construction, and will focus on marketing the space, booking events, and preparing to open this summer.
Janna grew up in Moorhead, MN, and now lives in south Fargo with her husband and their four boys. She has always been passionate about events and building connections with people. With 13 years of experience in the wedding industry and in her most recent role organizing large community events and numerous member events, Janna embraces challenges with determination and a drive to succeed. In this new role, Janna is committed to contributing to the Foundation's mission and to supporting Richland #44 students.
Welcome Janna!
Foundation Featured in Cass County Electric Newsletter
The Foundation has embarked on an $11 million Events and Performing Arts Center and was recently featured in Cass County Electric's newsletter. https://issuu.com/casscountyelectriccooperative/docs/2024_july_hln
Foundation Awards 2024 Darrel Hendrickson Scholarships
Congratulations to all of our 2024 Darrel Hendrickson Scholarship recipients! Each of these recipients received a $10,000 scholarship! Best of luck as you prepare to begin the next chapter in your educational endeavors. LEAVING A LEGACY: The late Darrel Hendrickson made it possible for all graduating seniors from Richland #44 to receive this scholarship. The requirements are simple. Eligible applicants just have to attend 3 of their 4 years of high school at Richland #44. Since 2019 the Richland #44 School Foundation has expended $596,250 in scholarship funds!
Foundation Grant Awards
The following are projects that were approved for funding to enhance the Richland #44 educational experience.
Knowledge Bowl~
A request to support Knowledge Bowl was approved for up to $1,500. Knowledge Bowl is an interdisciplinary academic contest that combines intense competition with the incredible skill of knowledge recall. Students work cooperatively in teams of four to solve oral and written questions while teams race against each other to be the first to "buzz in" and answer the question correctly. These funds will help with the cost of travel to meets and for materials for practice and to support meets at Richland #44.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program~
Richland Elementary received $9,520 from the Federal program to provide a fresh healthy snack for PreK-6th grade 2-3 days a week. Match funds from the Foundation will ensure that a healthy snack is provide 5 days a week for the 2022-23 school year. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is a Federally assisted program designed to introduce students to a variety of fruits and vegetables and increase awareness and consumption of healthier options. By fueling our students nutritionally, we are giving them a healthier foundation to participate well in school and in extra-curricular activities. When students are fed, they are focused. Focused students are involved students.
Mr. Neagbour's ELECTRIFYING Science Class
Mr. Neagbour, the High School science teacher at Richland #44 had all of his students electrified in science class.
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