The Mendel Alumni Association continues to build something special.

What started in 2023 as a small but meaningful effort has quickly grown into one of the most impactful traditions tied to the legacy of Mendel High School. The Legacy Award Program, created to support high school seniors who are descendants of Mendel alumni, is gaining momentum year after year—and 2026 just set a new benchmark.

The program began with five applicants in 2023, each receiving $1,000 awards after review by a dedicated Legacy Committee led by Craig Larson (‘68) and Eric Rouse (‘75). By 2024, participation nearly doubled, with nine students sharing $6,000 in scholarship funds. In 2025, eleven applicants were awarded a total of $9,350.

Then came 2026.

A record nineteen applications were submitted—each one reflecting the strength, pride, and academic commitment of the Mendel family tree. Faced with such an impressive group, the committee didn’t scale back—they stepped up. After petitioning the Executive Board, the Association approved a record-breaking $18,750 in awards, ultimately supporting twenty students with scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,250.

That’s not just growth—that’s legacy in motion.

The Mendel Alumni Association Legacy Award remains open to any child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of a Mendel alumnus who is a graduating high school senior pursuing further education. It’s a direct investment in the next generation of Mendel Men and their families—proof that the bond doesn’t end at graduation.

For details on the 2027 program and how to apply, visit this page

Blue Smoke lives on—just with backpacks and scholarships now.