JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Jamestown High School Class of 1996 recently honored the memory of their
friend, Robert Merrick, by establishing a scholarship with Jamestown Dollars for Scholars. The Robert Merrick Memorial Scholarship will award $1,000 to a Jamestown High School or Jamestown-BJA (formerly Jamestown North) senior who plans to pursue post-secondary education in the field of special education or firefighting or has served as a volunteer firefighter.

Dusty Attleson and the Class of 1996 remembered Robert as kind and friends with everyone leaving a lasting impact on those he met. It inspired them to honor his memory with a scholarship.

Robert passionate about the fire department and spent time volunteering there. He loved attending stock car races, bowling, and the rodeo. He also participated in Special Olympics activities. Robert graduated from Jamestown High School in 1999. He later settled in Fargo and spent time volunteering at the Fargo Fire Department, Station 1. He passed away on March 23, 2023, at the age of 43.

Accepting the scholarship funds on behalf of Jamestown Dollars for Scholars was Dave Falk, board member. He shared, “Thank you to the Class of 1996 for honoring Robert’s memory with a scholarship that reflects his joyful spirit! By supporting future firefighters and educators in special education, you’re turning remembrance into opportunity and kindness into lasting impact.”

Feature photo L-R: Lisa Frey, Kit Frey, Nicole Krapp, Brandon Soleim, Dave Falk, Dollars for Scholars Board Member; Tyler Falk, Dusty Attleson, Steve Attleson. Not pictured other members of the Class of 1996.

Photo courtesy of DeAnn Ament.