Courtesy photo

ESCANABA — A new scholarship fund for Escanaba graduates has been established through the Community Foundation for Delta County, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula.

The John and Mary Ann Panko Scholarship Fund will provide annual scholarships to three Escanaba High School graduates with a 3.0 or better grade-point average who plan to continue their education at an institute of higher learning. Preference will be given to students entering the teaching field.

Mary Ann Panko, a 1962 graduate of Escanaba Senior High School and a teacher for 32 years, passed away in May. Her husband John, who also had been a teacher, recently started the scholarship fund.

People interested in donating to the fund — or starting a fund of their own — may stop by or mail donations to the Community Foundation for Delta County, 2420 First Ave. S. in Escanaba.