Melissa Morrison Memorial Scholarship 


This college scholarship fund has been established to honor the memory of Melissa Morrison. Melissa carried a unique enthusiasm and passion for many things in her life, and she wore the crown of volunteering and giving. She was not only a volunteer to her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop, but she remained a dedicated and devoted volunteer for many years after her daughter went on to college. In all, Melissa gave over 25 years to Girl Scouts. She was also a talented and very athletic soccer player, who, upon moving to Humboldt County from Southern California, became very active in the local adult soccer league.  In the early 2000s, Melissa and her husband started coaching soccer for Humboldt Youth Soccer League. They were highly influential in impressing upon the youth players to develop their own love and passion for the game. It was also her love and knowledge of soccer that propelled her to begin work with Inside Sports, where for over 14 years she was the backbone of that organization, directing and administering the entire program from registration to referees to field locations. Melissa continued to play both indoor and outdoor league, until 2019 when she began to experience physical setbacks that would eventually lead to a diagnosis of ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects cells in the brain and the spinal cord, resulting in decreased muscle strength.  As muscles get weaker, it gets harder to walk, talk, eat, and breathe and eventually the muscles become paralyzed or atrophy (die). While medications and therapies can help slow ALS and reduce discomfort, currently there is no cure for this debilitating, progressive, and fatal disease. On April 13, 2022, Melissa’s valiant battle with ALS ended.

Through Girl Scouts, Melissa provided many unique opportunities to introduce young girls to new experiences while developing leadership skills. One of Melissa’s key strengths was to  inspire others to speak up for themselves, and to purposefully give back to the organizations who lifted them up and gave them a purpose, whether it was a civic organization or a sport team. This scholarship values volunteerism and the notion that being an active part of one’s community helps the community grow and thrive.

Applicants will have a history of either volunteering for local youth organizations, or perhaps will have an associated history that demonstrates giving back (e.g. - by becoming a referee for a youth sport or volunteering/mentoring for local youth organizations.)

2024 Scholarship Award:  $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

To apply, complete the application, found here: Melissa Morrison Memorial Scholarship Application and email the required documents to: humboldtyouthsoccer@gmail.com, with all required documents, by 10 pm, pst, on April 30, 2024:

  • Copy of high school or college transcript

  • 350-500 word essay VOLUNTEERISM; WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME?

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