DARREL HENDRICKSON
A Legacy of Generosity: The Hendrickson Scholarships
Darrel Hendrickson, a lifelong Colfax resident and local farmer, left behind an extraordinary legacy that reflects his deep love for both community and education. When he passed away in February 2016, Darrel’s will included a remarkable $4.5 million gift to support the Richland #44 School District.
This transformative donation led to the creation of the Richland #44 School Foundation, which manages and awards scholarships in loving memory of Lauritz and Marie Hendrickson, Betty Hendrickson, and Darrel himself.
Since 2019, every graduating senior who has attended Richland #44 High School for at least three years has received a $10,000 scholarship to pursue post-secondary education, a powerful investment in their future.
“Darrel gave to the city of Colfax, the local church, and $4.5 million toward investing in this city’s education,” shared Foundation President Megan Kummer. “That led to the creation of the Foundation and allowed us to think about how we could truly make an impact in the lives of students.”
The Foundation proudly supports a wide range of career paths.
“Any type of post-secondary education, as long as it’s accredited,” explained board member Gandhi. “Individuals entering the military can defer the scholarship until a later time, and it can also be applied toward graduate school.”
“Ten thousand dollars is a meaningful gift, whether a student is going to a tech school or earning their Ph.D.,” Kummer added. “It’s truly life-changing.”
The Richland #44 School District and school board continue to express their deep gratitude for Darrel’s incredible generosity, a reflection of his kind heart and lifelong dedication to education. His legacy will continue to open doors and inspire students for generations to come.
