Scholarship Funds

Florence Bruhn Scholarship

An endowment was established in 2004 to fund a scholarship in honor of Miss Florence Bruhn. Miss Bruhn began her teaching career in Watertown in 1939 and retired after close to 40 years of service. Her commitment and encouragement in the visual and theater arts impacted thousands of students of WHS as well as the citizens of Watertown and South Dakota.

The Florence M. Bruhn scholarship is awarded to a WHS senior student committed to a post-secondary education in theatre or visual arts.

Davis Award

The Davis Award, highest honor given to a Watertown High School graduating senior, was established in 1920 by Arnold Davis of the class of 1890 in memory of his father, Napoleon J. Davis, who was an active member of the Watertown School Board from 1885-1910. This award is given to the graduating senior who, in the opinion of the high school faculty, exemplifies school citizenship, leadership, and participation and demonstrates high standards in personal living along with scholastic achievement.

The scholarship award had a monetary value of $150 in 2005. In response to a campaign initiated that year by the Arrow Education Foundation, former Davis Award recipients and their families and friends have made donations increasing the Arrow Education Foundation Davis Award supplemental endowment to over $23,000. One of the very generous contributors and past Davis Award recipient s , Maynard Raasch, PhD ’33, of Wilmington, Delaware wrote, "It is my wish that this (donation) be used to match or exceed the value of other scholarships, which you state are $1000.” As a result of the campaign, Davis Award recipients receive $1000! Thanks to Dr. Raasch, Mr. William Castle '38 and the many contributors, the Davis Award now has a monetary significance worthy of WHS’s highest honor.

Thank you to everyone who has made this possible.

Marty Kranz Scholarship

The Marty Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who exemplifies Marty’s character and spirit, with priority given to a person who has participated in athletics.

Martin (Marty) James Allen Kranz graduated from WHS in 2002 and from SDSU in 2007 with a degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. As a former WHS three sport athlete and SDSU football player, Marty began his teaching career in Clear Lake and his goal was to teach and coach in the Watertown School District.

Marty challenged everyone, from those in his personal relationships to his students, to do their best, to live with honor and integrity, and to be better. He was a man of true character, treating everyone with respect and kindness.

The Marty Kranz Scholarship has been established in Marty’s memory by his family and friends, including his wife Stefanie (Petersen) Kranz ‘03; his parents Matt ‘70 and Judy Kranz; his parents-in-law Dave and Mary Petersen; five brothers, Marvin ‘91 and Jennifer, Mark ‘93 and Stacey, Matti ‘95 and Christie (Reiffenberger) ’95, Mike ’00 and Julie, and Mitch ’06; his two sisters, Michele ’94 and Scott Bares and Maria ’97 and Eddy Roesch; two brothers-in-law Tony ’01 and Nick ’05 Petersen; and many extended family members.

Donus D Roberts Forensics Scholarship

The Donus D Roberts Forensics Scholarship replaced the Randy Jackson Scholarship which was funded from 1978-1998. Mr. Roberts was director of forensics at Watertown High School from 1960-1999. The very successful forensics program developed during his tenure was based upon the philosophy of involving the greatest number of students in a forensics program of excellence. Upon Mr. Roberts’ retirement, Brad Johnson and Pat Howey, from the WHS Class of 1977, gathered seed money for a new Donus D. Roberts Forensics Scholarship. This scholarship was first awarded in 2006.

Criteria for those applying for this $500 scholarship include excellence in debate, a high GPA, and exemplary character.

This award is made by the Watertown High School debate coaching staff.

Eric Tennis Scholarship

The Eric Tennis Memorial Scholarships were established in Eric’s memory by his family and friends after his passing in November 2008.

Eric was 30 years young at the time of his death. He had been confined to a wheel chair his entire life and he often said. "You can have a disability without being disabled.” He was a dedicated Watertown Arrows fan, a mentor for third grade students at Roosevelt, and a loyal and enthusiastic team member at Country Fair Grocery Store, where he once won a statewide award for customer service. When asked by his friend Rick Melmer, former Watertown Superintendent of Schools and former Secretary of the Department of Education for the State of South Dakota, about the tremendous source of his happiness, Eric said, "It’s my choice. If I weren’t happy, who would be my friend?”

Eric Tennis was a man with a giant attitude of good will for everyone he ever met, regardless of age, sex, ability, wealth or position. He brought the best attitude to everything he touched and did, and every challenge he encountered.

Eric’s scholarships will be awarded to a senior boy and girl who each demonstrate Eric’s joyful spirit and attitude and who have endured challenges. The $500 award may be used for technical school, college, or university. A 2.8 GPA is required .

Mr. Tennis’s family includes his father Robert Tennis of Conde; his mother Paula (Harold) Thaden of Wilmont; his grandmother Shirley Tennis of Conde; and his brothers and families, Todd and Amy Tennis and Tiffany and Whitney of Clarkfield, MN, and Sean and Laurie (Satter) ’90 Tennis and Sierra and Katie of Watertown.

Drake Alan Titze Memorial Track Scholarship

The Drake Alan Titze ‘Memorial Track Scholarship was established in Drake’s memory by his parents Dr. Leo and Bette Titze in 1998. The scholarship was transferred to the Arrow Education Foundation by Drake’s siblings in 2011. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a talented track or cross country senior who will be attending college.

Mr. Titze graduated from WHS in 1971. He was an outstanding athlete and received honors in music, journalism, citizenship, academics and student government at the local and state level. He was Most Valuable Runner in cross country from 1968 to 1970. In track, he still holds the WHS school record for the 800 meter run at 1:53.7. He was inducted into the Watertown Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999.

Drake attended the University of Missouri on a full track scholarship, majoring in journalism. After receiving his degree from University of SD School of Law, he served as a public defender and had his private law practice until his passing in 1994.

Mr. Titze’s family includes Dr. Grant ’73 and Deb (Mohror) ’74 Titze, Blair ’80 and Nancy (Oviatt)’79 Titze and Meg (Titze) Beck ’77.

Scholarship Applications

Applications for the Florence Bruhn, Davis Award, Marty Kranz, Donus D Roberts, Michael Rukstad, Eric Tennis (2), and Drake Titze Scholarships are made through the WHS Student Service office, 882-6323.