Alton B. Sheridan Memorial Scholarship

Alton Sheridan was born in 1925 on his family farm in Allendale, MI. He spent his early years working on the farm and helping transport produce to city markets. After graduating from Coopersville High School, he enlisted in the Army during WWII, serving as a firefighter in the Panama Canal. He remained in the Active Reserves, retiring as a full Colonel in 1984 after 40 years of service. Alton pursued higher education at Calvin College where his passion for education was strengthened, earning degrees in chemistry and teacher education. His passion for education spanned generations, with family roots tracing from a Trinity College professor in the 1710’s to a granddaughter teaching today. He later obtained a master’s from Michigan State University and a doctorate from the University of Michigan. His career included roles as a teacher, principal, superintendent, college professor, and researcher at the National Education Association. Alton believed in the transformative power of education, crediting Calvin College for shaping his path. To honor that impact, Colonel Doctor Alton B. Sheridan established this scholarship to provide opportunities for students from similar backgrounds, ensuring others could achieve success and serve their communities as he did.

Basic criteria:

• entering freshman, sophomore, or junior year
• resident of a rural area in Michigan, with special preference for rural areas of Ottawa County
• financial need is considered

Renewal criteria: This scholarship is automatically renewable if the student continues to make satisfactory academic progress. Renewal is subject to funding availability.