Chase Hawks Memorial Association

Chase Hawks Memorial Association

Scholarships

We are proud to present our 2026 Scholarship Winners!

Frank Chesarek Scholarship Recipients

James Bergin-Melstone High School
$4,000 Montana State University to study Ag Business & Animal Science

Finley Bergeson-Billings West High
$3,000 University of Arizona to study Physical Therapy

Emmett Hauck- Billings West High
$3,000 Montana Tech to study Mechanical Engineering

Ella Cooney-Harlowton High School
$2,000 Montana State to study Ag Business

Bree Peterson-Fergus County High School
$1,500 Montana State University-Billings to study Radiologic Technology

Teah Vennes-Shields Valley High School
$1,500 Montana State University to study Ag Business

John Ostlund Memorial Vocational Scholarship Recipient

Lane Hess
$1,000 Montana State University-Northern to study Diesel Mechanics & Welding

 

Investing in Education & the Trades

Frank Chesarek Memorial Scholarship Program

In early 2018, the Chase Hawks Memorial Association and its board members began exploring meaningful ways to reinvest revenue generated from our specialty license plate back into the community. It was unanimously decided that establishing a scholarship program would be the perfect fit. Through significant dedication and effort, CHMA successfully launched the program in time to award scholarships to local students pursuing higher education.

Later that year, over Labor Day Weekend 2018, the Association suffered a devastating loss with the passing of founding member Frank Chesarek. Frank was instrumental in the creation of the Chase Hawks Memorial Association, served as the coordinator of the Rough Stock Rodeo Weekend, and was a steady source of leadership, experience, and support. He was an educator at heart and a true pillar of our organization.

To honor Frank’s dedication to CHMA, his commitment to education, and his generous spirit, the scholarship program was permanently named the Frank Chesarek Memorial Scholarship Program.

For the 2026 scholarship cycle, a total of $15,000 was awarded to eligible students.  A special gift of $5,000 was presented to CHMA from Tony Smith and Family, long time supporters and friends.

John Ostlund Memorial Vocational Scholarship

The Chase Hawks Memorial Association is honored to introduce a new scholarship opportunity, the John Ostlund Memorial Vocational Scholarship. This scholarship was established to honor the legacy of John Ostlund, a longtime county commissioner and county employee who was deeply dedicated to Montana’s youth and to the skilled trades.

Offered annually, this scholarship is intended to support students pursuing education and training in trade and vocational fields, reflecting John’s lifelong commitment to workforce development and practical career pathways.  This scholarship is proudly offered in partnership with the Yellowstone Electric Cooperative.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be pursuing a degree from an accredited institution of higher education or a certification from an accredited trade or vocational institution
  • Reside in one of the following counties: Big Horn, Carbon, Fergus, Golden Valley, Musselshell, Park, Petroleum, Rosebud, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Treasure, Wheatland, or Yellowstone

Application Information

  • Application Deadline: March 26, 2027
  • Notification of Awards: Applicants will be notified following the selection process

Applications are available February 1, 2027

For questions or additional information, please contact the Chase Hawks Memorial Association office at 406-248-9295 or email info@chasehawks.com.

We are proud to continue investing in students and strengthening our communities through education and skilled trades.