Scholarships

Purpose

For high school student applicants, to provide an annual (non-renewable) scholarship to a graduate of Farmington High School or Blackduck High School in memory of Madden McKean.

Eligible Schools

Farmington High School, Farmington, MN and Blackduck High School, Blackduck, MN

Selection Criteria

1. The recipient shall have attended Farmington High School or Blackduck High School for at least two years and be a graduating senior from Farmington High School or Blackduck High School.
2. The recipient shall have demonstrated positive participation in school as well as in the community.
3. Applicants shall submit their transcript along with an essay no more than two pages double-spaced on the subject matter requested on page two of the required reading. How have you lived like Madden? And how do you plan to live like Madden in your future?
4. Applicants shall provide two letters of reference, one of which must be from a teacher or administrator.
5. This scholarship may be used to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year in any field of study.

Amount

The authorized distribution for new awards is up to $2,500. Up to five awards of $500 each will be granted. Assuming there are qualified applicants, four awards will be granted to students attending Farmington High School and one award will be granted to students attending Blackduck High School. Scholarships will be awarded annually payable to the college, university, or trade school upon the Madden McKean Foundation’s (MMF) receipt of verification of enrollment from the institution chosen by the recipient.

• Awards are one-time only. Past recipients may not reapply.
• Awards are for undergraduate study only.
• Awards can be used for any education-related expenses. If paying for books, please submit a receipt to the Madden McKean Foundation, 9124 90th St E, Northfield, MN 55057 to request reimbursement.

Selection & Administration

Selection of Recipients By: The Madden McKean Family and Selected Friends of the Family/Madden.

Administered By: The Madden McKean Foundation; Applicants will be accepted by email at traceegilmore8@gmail.com or mail at 9124 90th St E, Northfield, MN 55057. Application dates will vary by school location. Please connect with each school for details.

Madden McKean Memorial Scholarship Required Reading

This scholarship exists to honor the memory and life of Madden McKean, who would have been a 2028 graduate of Farmington High School. The Madden McKean Foundation established this scholarship to help graduates of Farmington High School or Blackduck High School (Madden’s dad’s alma mater) achieve his/her academic or vocational goals, and “live like Madden”. The Madden McKean Foundation is committed to investing in the lives of youth by providing opportunities to further their education and excel in athletics through camps and coaching. Inspire people to spread their kindness and empathy; to practice independent thinking; to speak their truth while respecting and appreciating differences in people.

We want to keep Madden’s memory alive through helping you achieve your goals, and we want to know about how you will “live like Madden” in your life. Here are some thoughts from his friends and family on what made Madden unique and the wide impact he made in his thirteen years on earth.

As a young child it was clear that Madden had a thirst for life and a way to genuinely brighten the days of those around him. From an early age Papa Keith (Madden’s grandfather) would often proclaim that Madden had an “old soul”. While he was just a child, he seemed to have a personality and wisdom well beyond his years. Madden possessed an amazing ability to be able to adapt to his surroundings and once the opportunity was right, he would look to add his mark on the situation. We uncovered some early artwork this week where Madden had created a picture with the words “Blend in when you have to. Stand out when you can”. We really think this quote accurately describes Madden so well! He had no problem standing out.

“Trust God even when it is hard”. These are words that Madden often recited to his friends as needed to help instill a sense of hope and faith in times of need. Madden inspired friends and family to deepen their faith. He was an example of great and strong devotion to who and what he loved and believed in.

Never be afraid to express your personality. Madden loved experimenting with hairstyles to make a statement. You name it, he tried it – the shaggy, middle part, the flip, the mullet, a mohawk, a fade, hockey hair, the perm, and lastly the buzzy.

Many teenagers are into having a lot of material possessions. Madden had some “things” he liked, but what he most treasured was his friendships. He recognized the important things in life really weren’t things at all. The most important things are moments with his favorite people, his friends, his family, his teammates. Friends were his priority and he always loved helping someone in need. Madden had a way of making everyone feel included.

Madden was a man of few words: a nod or that smirk and off he went. He gave big, full-heart hugs and you could feel his love in his presence. Madden had an internal compass for people with “good vibes”. He surrounded himself with fun, energetic, loving friends.

Madden’s love and devotion to his dog, Hunter, tells so much about the person he truly was.

In hearing all of the amazing stories and testimonies from Madden’s friends after he passed away, it is apparent that Madden truly was an Angel on Earth. We in his immediate family were blessed to know this for his entire life. As Madden began school, his circle of people he touched began to grow. Once he joined middle school and travel sports teams, he began to develop amazing relationships and leave his impression on those lives as well. While all of us were truly blessed to be a part of Madden’s life during his amazing time on earth, it is now time for God to use Madden’s stories to reach many others. We believe that when God reached his hand down to Madden to call him home, his words were confident in telling him well done my good and faithful son.

Always do your best and try your hardest – you will never regret it.

To Live Like Madden means to accept everyone and not judge. He believed everyone should be treated with respect. He was a friend to everyone and tried to brighten others’ day, even if it was only to make them smile or laugh with a silly facial expression.

Madden was a team player at all levels, not only on the basketball court or football filed, but in life. He was just a kind soul. He would strive to make everyone feel needed, loved and important. Although he had a fierce competitor spirit, he always had a smile/pat on the back for his competitor/opponent.