Mission Statement for Ann Kontos Memorial Fund

Ann Kontos, a secretary at Rupert Elementary school, passed away suddenly on June 7 following a routine surgical procedure. Rhett Kontos started the Ann Kontos Memorial Fund.His funds merged with a small scholarship fund held by Mt. Harrison High school upon the approval of the Minidoka County school board in July and the two became the Ann Kontos Memorial Fund. Next Rhett applied to make the scholarship effort his Eagle Scout project.. Kontos explained the purpose for the scholarship fund was to provide assistance to students who cannot afford to pay the cost of dual credits in high school. “Mt. Harrison students can graduate with 12 college credits from CSI,” stated Kontos, who is that school’s administrator. “But most do not because they cannot afford the transcript fees.” Minico students also have the opportunity to earn college credits while at Minico.

Rolling Reapers MC, will be putting on a yearly ride for this fund. Our first annual ride will start May 3rd 2014.“It is our way of giving back to the district and the community and helping to keep kids in school until they finish college.”

“How many of them also do not get those credits because they cannot afford them,” he added. “This fund is designed to help those students. Research shows that students who get dual credits in high school are more likely to go on to college and complete their education. We want to be able to provide for every kid who needs this, but we have to be sustainable and that means $1 million.”. To reach that level, Kontos has opted to make the scholarship drive his Eagle Scout Project. “It will be a challenge to take this on for his Eagle Project,” said Rhett’s dad John. “An Eagle project is supposed to teach a young man leadership skills.” This means Rhett would need to involve his scout troop and community members in his efforts. He will need to be creative in his efforts