Fully Charged Foundation to offer Wendy Sandsmark Memorial Scholarship

When he moved to Grygla last fall, Patrick Hackley says he was very impressed at how the community rallies around each other and supports their own like a big family; it was something he wanted to be a part of and decided to give back. Taking some time over the winter to come up with ideas, Patrick decided to found the Fully Charged Foundation, which is a newly developed scholarship opportunity that is striving to provide scholarships to students who are pursuing careers in skilled trades.

With developing the first official award as the Wendy Sandsmark Memorial Scholarship, Patrick explains how that decision was reached. “Our first scholarship is very near and dear to the staff at the Fully Charged Foundation. Last spring we lost a dear friend suddenly. Wendy Sandsmark was a positive voice in a world entrenched in negativity, a smile where there were frowns and a light shining brightly in the dark.” He added, “We have spoken to members of Wendy’s family and have asked to honor her memory by naming our first scholarship the Wendy Sandsmark Memorial Scholarship. Those who knew her came to find that she never turned her back on anybody and was always willing to lend a hand.” 

Currently, the scholarship is being funded 100% by individual donations, but the hope is to get corporate sponsorship to participate. The initial dollar amount towards this specific scholarship is $5,000; as of Monday, October 15th, $350 has been raised.

Patrick envisions Fully Charged Foundation having several scholarships available each year and, as mentioned, hopes corporate sponsors jump on board. “Along with these bigger companies around here, we need to groom these young adults to stay around here. We want to give out scholarships, yes, but we also want to be a resource for companies that are seeking out highly qualified and motivated people to work for them,” he noted.

Fully Charged Foundation is currently made up of one staff member, Patrick Hackley, however, he is encouraging anyone interested in serving on the board to get in touch with him. Details are still being worked out on how students will apply for the scholarship, in addition to the selection process, but updates will be made on the Fully Charged Foundation Facebook page, along with the Grygla Eagle Newspaper. The Wendy Sandsmark Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a Charger recipient, meaning a student from the Goodridge or Grygla School is eligible. Patrick stated that Wendy’s family will be involved in the selection process and he hopes they will be on stage the day it’s presented. For this particular scholarship, the full amount raised will be awarded to one student. 

As for the foundation he founded, Patrick is looking towards the future with big goals. He expressed, “Maybe one day this could be one of the most sought after scholarships in the area! A larger goal would be to fully fund a two year school.” Long-term, he doesn’t just see scholarship opportunities for Goodridge and Grygla students, but for other schools in the area, as well.

If you are interested in serving on the Fully Charged Foundation Board of Directors, please contact Patrick via email at fullychargedfoundation@gmail.com

If you would like to donate to this scholarship, please visit the Wendy Sandsmark Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser page on Facebook. If you would like to donate, but do not feel comfortable using your credit card online, you can mail your donation to: Fully Charged Foundation, PO Box 226, Grygla, MN 56727