IN THE BEGINNING

Shortly after the death of Astronaut Roger B. Chaffee in the Apollo I January 1967 tragedy, a few of Roger’s classmates of Central High School Class (1953) suggested starting a scholarship fund in his memory.

One of his classmates was Grand Rapids Attorney Reginald Norris who chaired a formation committee that included Roger’s parents Don & Blanche Chaffee.

The founding of the Fund was publicized in the Grand Rapids Press and donations from classmates, local school candy sales and a $1000 check from North American Aviation were some of the first donations. The first Board of Directors was made up of community leaders from all walks of life. The Scholarship Fund had a balance of $9,261 at yearend 1967.

The first scholarship of $500 was awarded to Bernie Siebers, an outstanding senior from Central High School in May 1968.