Melissa Morrison Memorial Scholarship 


The Melissa Morrison Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of Melissa Morrison,  known for her enthusiasm, generosity, and unwavering commitment to serving others.

For more than 25 years, Melissa was deeply involved in the Girl Scouts, continuing to mentor and support young leaders even after her daughter graduated. She was also a passionate soccer player and coach. After moving to Humboldt County from Southern California, she became active in the local adult soccer league and, alongside her husband, coached with the Humboldt Youth Soccer League, inspiring young athletes to love the game. Professionally, she dedicated over 14 years to managing Inside Sports, overseeing operations, registration, referees, and field coordination.

Melissa continued playing soccer until 2019, when she was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). She faced her illness with courage until her passing in April 2022.

This scholarship reflects Melissa’s belief in volunteerism, leadership, and giving back. It will be awarded to students who demonstrate meaningful involvement in their communities, particularly through service to youth organizations or programs that have positively impacted them. Examples include mentoring, coaching, refereeing, or volunteering with local youth initiatives.

2026 Scholarship Award:  At least two awards will be given this year; minimum amount of first award to be $750.00, second award minimum amount $500.00.

Scholarship criteria:

  • Scholarship is available for any accredited two-year or four-year school, including trade schools, or programs that will help applicant to acquire higher level of skills to enhance  career growth

  • Must be Humboldt County high school senior or graduate, up to age 22, by March 31 of current year

  • Bad spelling/poor grammar were pet peeves of Melissa’s and will be counted against applicant

  • Must provide proof of enrollment and registration for course/s in order to receive funds

    • Recipients will be required to provide proof of school enrollment document that shows their name, identifies school of enrollment, indicates dates of courses and the course titles (12 units minimum to be eligible for disbursement) Recipients must also provide mailing address for school finance office. Check payment will be sent to the school of enrollment for reconciliation with the student's account. Scholarship awards must be claimed within 12 months of the date of award.

To apply, complete the application, found here: Melissa Morrison Memorial Scholarship Application with all required documents by 5 pm on April 24, 2026:

  • Provide history of volunteerism, leadership and/or community involvment

  • Answer two prompts; 1. Passion/Commitment, and 2. Volunteerism; What Does It Mean To Me (500 word limit per prompt, separate files, pdf only)

  • Provide copy of official, signed, current high school or college transcript

  • Provide one to two letters of recommendation from a non-relative instructor, principal, counselor, supervisor, employer, or community leader

Scholarship Recipients

2025 Karsyn Hammer, Eureka High | Luella Rich, Arcata High | Mason Blair, Arcata High

2024 Gwyneth Morse, Arcata High

2023 Kyla Berman, Arcata High