Rewarding Kindness Scholarship

Background Information on the Rewarding Kindness Scholarship

This scholarship was established by a former Dickinson High School student who wanted to “give back” to a Dickinson High School graduating senior.  He said that life has been good to him and he has fond memories of his time at Dickinson High School.  The Rewarding Kindness Scholarship was created to reward a student that is a “good” kid.

“Although I did not ask the Dickinson Public Schools Foundation for anonymity, my identity is not important because this is not a memorial scholarship…at least not yet!  I did not grow up in Dickinson but did attend DHS for grades 10, 11 and 12.  I moved away from Dickinson 40 years ago and no one in the area or at the school has any reason to remember me.  The life I’ve been given has been good to me.  This scholarship reflects my gratitude to DHS for the Midget friendships and many fond Midget memories I still maintain.

I graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1985 and recently retired after a 32-year career with the United States Treasury Department.  My work enabled me to see all parts of our great nation and gain friendships with people from all backgrounds, abilities and walks of life.  I live with my wife in Minneapolis, Minnesota area with our adult son not far away in St. Paul.  We’re blessed to own a small cabin in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin.

I’m much different as an adult than I was as a student.  I was never mean to anyone and knew how to spell “kindness,” but actually being kind or encouraging to others was not really on my radar as a DHS student.  As an adult, I’ve been blessed as a volunteer teaching and mentoring teens and adults at both a Twin Cities-area substance abuse rehabilitation center and a medium-security prison.  Perspectives gained from good people paying a heavy price for poor choices – often made as teenagers – have been invaluable.  I also learned much about how best to treat people from many years coaching ice hockey for kids and adults with special needs.  They taught me a lot.

I currently coach track & field and cross country for middle and high school students at a tiny, economically-disadvantaged school near my Wisconsin lake cabin.  I sponsor a similar scholarship at that school.”

 – Coach Dale