2026 “Continuing Scholarships” are announced by the Sandbox Foundation

The Sandbox Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of Continuing Scholarships.  Continuing Scholarships are 2nd, 3rd or 4th year grants to college students who previously received first-year scholarships from the Sandbox Foundation.  In addition, any student who received a Kuchenmeister Family Scholarship may apply as well.

For 2026, foundation advisors elected to award three Continuing Scholarships.  They have been awarded to the following college students:

Hannah Bernthal, studying to become a Marine Biologist at the University of West Florida.

Jack May, studying Criminal Justice in the Army ROTC program at Michigan State University.

Thomas Phillips, studying to become an Actuary at Grand Valley State University.

Five more first-year scholarships will be announced in person during three different high school “Senior Honors/Award nights, during the month of May.

This is the eleventh year of the Sandbox Foundation, whereby fifty-two (52) different high school students have been awarded first-year scholarships, in one of three categories.  Annually, the foundation awards Inspiration, Barbara Faye and Wayne scholarships to first-year college students.

At least one Continuing Scholarship is awarded each year, now totaling twenty-five (25) being awarded in these past eleven years.

The Kuchenmeister Family Scholarship annual process celebrates its thirtieth anniversary in 2026, preexisting the Sandbox Foundation.

Grant Newell sends Michigan greetings to the Sandbox Foundation

Grant Newell received a 2025 Sandbox Foundation Inspiration Scholarship. He sent the foundation greetings from the “Big House” at Michigan.

“This is Grant Newell, I received the Sandbox Foundation Inspiration Scholarship and I wanted to share a couple photos from my year so far! I’ve had a lot of fun meeting new people and learning new things in the school of nursing. Thank you so much for making this possible.”

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Hannah gives the Sandbox Foundation a different perspective

Hannah Bernthal sent the Sandbox Foundation this great photo of herself and the following update.

“I wanted to share an update on how my first semester at the University of West Florida went!

Overall, it was a great experience filled with many new opportunities and many new people. I joined the scuba club at UWF and have been able to dive in several freshwater springs in the area. I’m planning to continue diving this semester and am hoping to get the chance to dive in the ocean as well.

I’ve also joined a local Lutheran church, where I’ve met many kind people, including a fellow student from UWF. My roommate and I get along very well. I’ve visited her church a few times, and her family often has me over for dinner. Together, we’ve also joined an on-campus Bible study, where we’ve been studying Philippians.

My first semester was both fun and meaningful, and I’m really looking forward to the second semester. I hope to continue getting more involved on campus and in the surrounding community!

Thank you again for your generosity and support through this scholarship, it really means so much to me.”

“Jack May” provides an extensive update to the Sandbox Foundation.


“Please see the attached application for a 2026 Continuing Scholarship. Thank you for the scholarship last year. It has helped me with my studies this year at Michigan State University“

“As a member of the Army ROTC at Michigan State University, … Not only am I learning to defend my country, but I am also learning to defend my faith in Jesus.  As a member of the ROTC, I attend 6am physical training and go to military science labs and classes.  Just as my classes help me learn to serve the United States, I am learning to defend and serve my maker and redeemer, Jesus.”

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Parker Westfall sends an update to the Foundation

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While studying at Grand Valley State University, Parker Westfall sent the following message. “I want to say I am so unbelievably thankful for this scholarship money. I am trying to pay for college on my own and this scholarship takes an immense amount of financial burden off of my shoulders. To receive the Sandbox scholarship as an incoming freshman, and to now receive it for the continuing scholarship is truly a blessing. I am so grateful for the foundation – and most importantly for God providing for me. I have put my education to good use with a 3.98 GPA and I am starting a Finance internship this summer for Spartan-Nash, and I will continue to strive for my best. I will definitely update you as next year progresses. Thank you very much for your generosity!!!”

Parker Newell sends an update to the Foundation

Parker Newell recently completed an internship at US Navy Surface Warfare Center Carderock, doing conceptual ship design. Right now last summer he was spending a few days in the Upper Peninsula with his Grandpa, Dad, and younger brother. 

Parker also received a financial aid offer from the University of Michigan which outlines the costs he was expected to pay. Parker included this photo of himself in the Upper Peninsula and the following message.

Above is Parker Newell on the USS Philippine Sea

Olivia Sellars is granted an “Inspiration Scholarship” from the Sandbox Foundation.

The Sandbox Foundation proudly grants Olivia Sellars a 2025 “Inspiration Scholarship“. Olivia was awarded the scholarship certificate during the Romeo High School honors night, held May 14th. Foundation advisors Rock, Cheryl, Marie and Ryan were all on hand for the festivities.

Olivia plans to become a College English Professor, though she was undecided about which college she would begin her advanced studies at. Like many scholarship recipients, Olivia participated in a long list of extracurricular activities, community services and high school clubs. Foundation advisors wish Olivia an exciting year at college next fall, wherever she chooses to attend.

Jack May is awarded the 2025 “Wayne Scholarship” from the Sandbox Foundation

Lutheran High North’s Jack May received the 2025 Wayne Scholarship from Rock Kuchenmeister during the school’s Senior Honors Night, held May 15th.

Inspired by his “Papa”, who was “always watching him”, Jack recognizes the value of hard work and service. Jack is not afraid to work two jobs, while also supporting his church’s Vacation Bible School. Jack plans to attend Michigan State University (MSU) in the fall. He will pursue a career in Criminal Justice.

Foundation advisors “will be watching you”, too Jack.

Alyse Fouts receives 2025 Barbara Faye Scholarship during RHS Honors Night

Romeo High School student Alyse Fouts is awarded a Sandbox Foundation Barbara Faye Scholarship during the RHS Seniors Honors Night. Romeo HS held their annual honors ceremony on May 14, 2025.

Alyse is headed to Central Michigan University (CMU) in the fall (2025) to study Secondary Education. As a long-time resident in the Romeo school district, Alyse participated in may extracurricular actives, in support of her community, her church and service to others on various mission trips. Alyse was a very strong candidate for the Sandbox Scholarship, in a pool of record applications for 2025. Foundation advisors look forward to Alyse’s success at CMU and beyond.