Guthrie Family Scholarship

Awarded annually to graduates and alumni of Gary (IN) West Side Leadership Academy and South Haven (MI) High School

Gary (IN) WSLA Scholarship Application
South Haven (MI) Scholarship Application
    1. The Guthrie Family Scholarship (GFS) Fund was established to honor the legacy of Mary and Willie Guthrie.  Both were raised in Lithonia, GA, the children of sharecroppers, and both were the first in their large families to attend college.  The young family moved north in 1953 to escape racism and settled in Gary, IN where they spawned a multi-generational, extended family of achievers.  The accomplishments of their five exceptional children include four valedictorians and salutatorians; undergraduate and graduate degrees from Harvard, Howard, Spelman, and University of Michigan; and careers in entrepreneurship, law, business, medicine, economics, sales, and community development.  The grandchildren of Willie and Mary are extremely accomplished, with extensive expertise and experience in a multitude of fields, including tech, medicine, education, business, social media, journalism, human relations, marketing, media and more.

2023 Scholarship Information

The Guthrie Family Collective (GFC) honors the legacy of Mary and Willie Guthrie by annually providing $2,000 in financial support and mentoring to graduating seniors of African American descent from Gary (IN) West Side Leadership Academy and South Haven (MI) High School, where middle son Carlton maintains a residence. Applicants must:

  1. Graduate by spring 2023 with plans to enroll full-time in a two-year or four-year higher education program in the fall of 2023
  2. Have a GPA of 3.0 or above.
  3. Provide an official copy of your high school transcript.
  4. Document honors, community service and employment.
  5. Provide three letters of recommendation. (At least one should come from a school representative. Also suggested are a member of the clergy or a community or civic representative.)
  6. Describe financial need.
  7. Complete the application form.

Applications must be submitted by March 31.  The application can be submitted online by clicking on WSLA Application or SHHS Application.  If you have any questions, please contact Carlton Guthrie at cguthrie@detroitchassis.com.

The Guthrie Siblings

From left to right, Joseph (West Side ’74), Sheryl (Edison’67 ), Michael (Edison ’68),  Cynthia (West Side ’73) and Carlton (West Side ‘70)

Willie and Mary raised five exceptional children, whose accomplishments include four valedictorians or salutatorians, undergraduate and graduate degrees from Harvard, Howard, Spellman and University of Michigan and careers in entrepreneurship, law, business, medicine, economics, sales, and community development.

The Guthrie Family Collective

Guthrie Family Left to right: Mildred Guthrie, Carlton and Dawn Guthrie, Ghanee and Lauren Smith, Valorie and Michael Guthrie, Marcus Guthrie, Michael Lucas, Brian and Lisa Johnson. Alan and Jen Johnson, Chelsea Jonson-Rabb, Adam and Erin Guthrie, Maurice and Rachel Lucas, Carille Guthrie, Kayla and Tanner Garlock, Cynthia and Ron Johnson, Danille Taylor, John and Sheryl Giles, Glenda and Joseph Guthrie. 

 

F.A.Q.

FAQ about the Guthrie Family Scholarship

A. 1st year $2,000 GFS awards are available for graduating WSLA seniors

B. 2nd year $2,000 GFS awards may be available for 1st year GFS awardees

  1. Be a graduate of West Side Leadership Academy (WSLA)
  2. Maintain at least a B average
  3. Extracurricular activities and community service commitment, preferred
  4. Submit a transcript, three references, and GFS application
  1. South Haven students CLICK HERE to apply online  
  2. WSLA Students CLICK HERE to apply online. 
  1. The scholarships are awarded in June of each year
  1. The scholarships are awarded in June of each year
  1. Any accredited two- or four-year institution of higher learning.
  1. The Guthrie Family Collective (GFS) is comprised of the descendants of Mary and Willie Guthrie, who have been blessed by a most gracious God. The collective wisdom and relevance of the Guthrie siblings and their progeny — gleaned from our widely divergent college, career and life experiences — span the spectrum and the globe. 
  2. The intention of the GFS is to create an ongoing portal, connecting the Guthrie Family Collective with GFS Scholars to provide:
    1. College Counseling
    2. Career counseling
    3. Mentoring
    4. Advice
    5. Special assistance
    6. Referrals
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