A teacher. A coach. A mentor. A friend.
A legacy that continues to inspire.
William E. “Bill” Blamer dedicated more than 30 years of his life to helping young people learn, grow, and discover the world around them. A beloved teacher at St. Helen Elementary School and Roscommon Middle School, Bill also coached middle school track and was deeply involved in the Boy Scouts for more than 20 years.
Bill believed that some of life’s greatest lessons happen beyond the classroom. He loved the outdoors, hiking, fishing, hunting, reading, traveling, and exploring. He had a natural curiosity about the world and a gift for inspiring that curiosity in others.
Bill also had a remarkable ability to bring people together. Known for his playful sense of humor, he found creative ways to make his students smile. Each spring, he would shave his beard and mustache in increasingly ridiculous ways (sometimes leaving only one sideburn or half a mustache) to the delight of his students. On “Tie Day,” he made sure every student had a tie to wear. These seemingly small moments reflected something much bigger: Bill understood the importance of making children feel seen, encouraged, and excited to learn.
The William E. “Bill” Blamer Summer Enrichment Scholarship Fund carries that spirit forward. This fund provides scholarships for Roscommon County students in grades 5–11 to attend summer enrichment camps. Scholarships may support opportunities in fine arts, athletics, science, STEM, and other enriching programs that encourage students to explore their interests and discover new possibilities.
For a child, a summer camp can be much more than a week away from home. It can be the place where they discover a passion, build confidence, make lifelong friendships, or realize they are capable of something they never imagined.
Bill spent his life opening doors for young people. This fund continues to open those doors by giving students the opportunity to learn, explore, and grow, just as Bill encouraged them to do.
His legacy lives on, not only in the memories of the students, colleagues, family, and friends who knew him, but in every young person who is given the chance to experience something new because of his enduring impact.
William E. “Bill” Blamer Summer Enrichment Scholarship Fund
Eligibility:
- Roscommon County students enrolled in public or private schools – 5th through 11th Grade
- Attending a summer fine arts, athletics, science, or other similar enrichment programs of students choice
- Three (3) letters of recommendation attesting to citizenship, not more than one (1) of which may be from a teacher.
Please note that recommendations from a parent/guardian or any family members are not acceptable.
Through the William E. “Bill” Blamer Summer Enrichment Scholarship, Bill’s belief in young people will continue to inspire students to chase their goals with determination and confidence for years to come.
