Purpose
In 1990, concerned over the number of students dropping out of school and not going to college, the RHS Superintendent’s office wanted to start a college fund for scholarships. Under the name “Give Some Back” the RHSAA established the Richmond College Incentive Program (RCIP).
Mission Statement
The mission of the Richmond High School Alumni Association is to raise the education and skill level of the local work force. To be an economic leader in our community, state and nation, we must first be a leader in the education of our children.
RHSAA Board Members
Rebecca Lafuze (Class of 1998), PresidentDean Stephens (class of 1978), Vice PresidentBridget Hazelbaker (class of 1992), Secretary
Nancy Manning (Class of 1965)Debbie Ninde (Class of 1969)Randy Wisehart (Class of 1971)
Diane Givens (Class of 1977)
Chris Dunham (Class of 1978)Jane Niccum (Class of 1988)Sean Hollingsworth (Class of 1989)Derek Worch (Class of 2005)
The RHSAA Scholarship Program
The Richmond High School Alumni Association established guidelines for the RCIP:
- The RHSAA will be responsible for the Richmond College Incentive Plan by soliciting any living RHS alumni. The Richmond College Incentive Plan will not solicit Wayne County business and industry for support of the RHSAA.
- Donations may be in the form of a bequest, life estate gift, charitable gift annuity, trust, charitable remainder trust, charitable lead trust, life insurance or property gifts. If the gift is in excess of $5,000, it will be used to establish a name-endowed scholarship.
The Wayne County Foundation provides an annual update to the RHSAA on the amount available for scholarships. This amount includes the funds from the RCIP generated from earnings as well as the portion of the Wayne County College Fund (WCCF) sent to the RHSAA for that coming year. This arrangement began in August of 1997 when funds were placed at the Foundation.
Because the goals of the WCCR and the RCIP are similar, in the year 2000 income from the WCCF from the Wayne County Foundation was made available to support the objectives of the RCIP if the funds were needed.
Since that time, scholarships have been awarded as a “last dollar” amount to the graduating seniors who attend local institutions. In 2006, this was expanded to allow scholarships for alumni of the community attending the local institutions, if funds remained after the selections from the senior class. Priority is given to those we helped in the past, then the graduating class, then alumni seeking an undergraduate degree, and, finally, further education if funds remain. The RHSAA recognizes a GED from RCS the same as a diploma.
In 2009, RCIP scholarships expanded to include books, tuition and fees and laptop computers. At that time, applicants were asked to resubmit an application each of the fall and spring semesters. An award letter showing a line-item for tuition was requested with fees shown. Book charges were presented with a listing from the book store if the applicant was asking for help with books. It was also decided that scholarship funds could be used to replace student loans.
RHSAA By-Laws
Outstanding Alumni
Nominate an outstanding alumnus. Fill out this form and send it to Katie Kitchen via email or mail at the address below.