The Methow Valley Education Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of a new memorial scholarship in honor of Arnold R. Campbell.

Arnold “Arnie” Rodrick Campbell graduated from Twisp High School in 1967. He was president of his class, and went on to become a chef. He died this past spring, and directed that a large portion of his estate be used to help Methow Valley students pursue secondary education. His directive was to assist students who are not at the top of the class, but rather hard-working students with average grades, who need financial help to achieve their post-high school career goals.

Three of Campbell’s cousins met with Methow Valley School District Superintendent Tom Venable recently to discuss carrying out Arnie’s wishes. The superintendent put them in contact with Jennifer Zbyszewski, Methow Valley Education Foundation board president. Methow Valley Education Foundation provides scholarships to Methow Valley students with financial need to help them attend colleges, universities, vocational and technical programs.

Campbell’s cousins describe Arnie as a former Twisp High School graduate, who went on to attend Washington State University and the Horstmager Culinary Institute. He was a chef and an avid skier, who placed a high value on all students having access to a wide range of secondary education opportunities.

On September 28th, during a Methow Valley School District board of directors meeting, Superintendent Venable presented Zbyszewski with a check for $250,187 on behalf of Arnie Campbell’s estate. The Methow Valley Education Foundation will establish the Arnold R. Campbell Memorial Scholarship with this donation.

“The Methow Valley Education Foundation is honored to accept this generous donation, which significantly expands our ability to support students on their post-high school journeys,” Zbyszewski said.

The newly established Arnold R. Campbell Memorial Scholarship will enable the foundation to provide scholarships to more Methow Valley students going on to secondary education in vocational and technical programs, or to colleges and universities, for many years to come.

“As Arnie stated in his directive, students will be awarded scholarships ‘because of their desire to learn and do more with their lives, and not necessarily based on past academic performance,’” Zbyszewski said. “Arnie is leaving a legacy that will make a real difference in the lives of many Methow Valley students.”