The Bennington Public Schools Foundation is poised to significantly grow its impact in the community thanks to a $2 Million endowment donation from long-time supporters Darrell and Coe Leta Logemann. This major investment will generate $100,000 annually to fund student scholarships and staff advancement, creating a lasting legacy of opportunity. Of the yearly return, $80,000 will be dedicated to post-secondary scholarships for students, while $20,000 will support professional development awards for staff.
Darrell Logemann, a proud Bennington resident and Class of 1965 graduate, expressed his deep gratitude for the community that has shaped his life. "Bennington has always been home to me. My time at Bennington High School laid the groundwork for everything I achieved later in life," said Logemann. "Coe Leta and I are committed to ensuring that today’s students have the same opportunities to thrive that we were lucky to have."
Starting in the 2024-2025 academic year, the Logemann’s donation will fund two initiatives available for students and staff in the Bennington Public School District: the Darrell & Coe Leta Logemann Senior Scholarships and the Darrell & Coe Leta Logemann Staff Professional Development Grants.
Supporting Students with Scholarships
The Logemann Senior Scholarship is designed to provide financial support to Bennington High School seniors pursuing post-secondary education. With eight $2,500 scholarships awarded annually, these funds aim to relieve the financial burden for students who demonstrate potential but might face financial challenges. "We want to support those who have the ambition to be productive citizens but may not have the means to pursue further education," Logemann emphasized.
Eligible students must meet specific criteria, including a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrated financial need, and two letters of recommendation, one of which should come from a Bennington Public Schools teacher. Applications for the scholarship will open in December 2024, with recipients announced in late spring 2025. The scholarships are renewable for up to four years, allowing students to receive a total of $10,000 to support their educational journey.
Empowering Staff through Professional Development Grants
In addition to supporting students, the Logemann’s donation will also fund Professional Development Grants, aimed at recognizing and bolstering professional development for Bennington educators and support staff. An endowed fund of at least $20,000 will be allocated annually, offering up to $2,500 to selected recipients seeking further training or certification. It is open to all staff–from teachers and principals to secretaries and bus drivers–for any training that will advance them in their careers at Bennington Public Schools.
"This grant is a way to honor the hard work and dedication of our educators and support staff," Logemann said. "We believe that by investing in our school's leaders, we are investing in the future of our students." Applications for these Grants will be accepted from December 1 to February 1 each year, with recipients announced the following spring.
A Legacy of Giving
The Logemann family’s commitment to Bennington extends beyond financial support. Darrell and Coe Leta, who married in 1966 and raised three daughters in Bennington, have long believed in giving back to the community that has given them so much. "Our family’s experience with Bennington Public Schools was incredibly positive, and we want to help ensure that other families can experience that too," Logemann noted.
As the Logemann’s generosity begins to shape the future of education in Bennington, their hope is clear: to inspire a new generation of students and staff to strive for excellence and to remain connected to the community they cherish.
"The dedication that Darrell and Coe Leta Logemann have shown to the Bennington community and Bennington Public Schools is truly inspiring and humbling," said BPSF Executive Director Blake Thompson. "Their belief in the power of education and their generous support elevate the efforts of our community. This remarkable gift will create a lasting impact on BPS students, supporting their futures, and will also recognize our educators as they pursue professional growth. Our Foundation's strength comes from dedicated supporters like Darrell and Coe Leta, and we are deeply grateful for their generosity. We hope their example inspires others to contribute their time, talents, and resources to help us expand our impact for all at BPS."
These awards are part of the BPS Foundation’s 'Forever BPS' legacy giving initiative—a planned giving program that provides a meaningful way to support the Bennington Public Schools District now and for generations to come. This initiative offers donors the chance to make a lasting impact while enjoying personal tax benefits, allowing them to direct more resources to causes close to their hearts.
For more information on applying for the Logemann Senior Scholarship and Staff Professional Development Grants, or to learn how you can create a lasting legacy through the Forever BPS program, please visit BenningtonSchoolsFoundation.org or call Executive Director Blake Thompson at 531-329-3710.
