Annual Scholarships

Former Wyandotte teacher and coach, Richard Hoffheins, was also one of the founding directors of the RHS Alumni Football Club.  Upon his retirement from teaching, Hoffheins served his community as City Assessor until his death. It is because of his dedication to the youth of our community, and his concern for education, club scholarships are awarded in his name. The Richard Hoffheins Scholarship Awards are primarily funded by the RHS Alumni Football Club. 

Vera Johnston (Jim's Mother) and Janice Masserant (Jim’s Sister) started this scholarship when Jim passed away and we are honored that they have allowed us to continue to present the award annually. Jim Johnston's 5-year dream of developing a club of volunteers to support our Bears football program became a reality in 1986.  To proudly carry on Jim's legacy, the RHS Alumni Football Club volunteers work very hard to maintain the traditions and standards that Jim set forth.

 This award means so much to those that volunteer tirelessly throughout the community as Jim did.  Additionally, many of our Board of Directors have been the recipient of James Johnston Scholarship and we hope that it means as much to the annual recipient as it does to them.  As well as the many of us who have always considered Jim a mentor.  It is our mission to bring Jim's vision of giving back to the community into our daily practice and ensure that his work will always continue to inspire.

The significance of this award truly speaks to the legacy that Coach Skidmore has left each of us.  To many that knew him, he was a teacher, a coach, a mentor and a truly remarkable individual.  Whether he was your coach or not, he just had this ability to see and bring out the best in people.  To see our strengths.  To lift us up.  To hold us accountable.  To make us the best version of ourselves.  He was a teacher to all who knew him.

It seems fitting that his memory be dedicated to making a positive impact on the life of an individual that perhaps did not have the honor of knowing him.  Or perhaps they did.  His huge heart and contagious smile will forever remain in our memories.  However, his legacy lives inside each of the individuals that he impacted.  In our courage, in our persistence, in our resilience and in our strength of mind and character.

The most recently added scholarship awarded by our club is in honor of one of our longest standing board members; Fred Kuchar.  Fred embodies the legacy of the RHS Alumni Football Club with his continued dedication to the organization and in his positive daily interaction with our youth.

In addition to serving on the University of Michigan Boosters Board, involvement in the RHS Key Club, his many duties and positions through the years with the RHS Alumni Football Club, Father and Husband, he is also a proud supporter of the Wyandotte HS Football program and all that it stands for.

Fred has been an employee of Wyandotte Schools for many years and it is in his example that we hope to bring attention to skilled trades.  We equally support our Bears who choose to attend trade school and especially at a time when our country is left with a deficit in people who possess these certifications.  Thank you, Fred for your dedication, remarkable example and unwavering community support.  You are truly a Bear for life!