John and Cathy Schmitz Endowment for the Betterment of Williston Schools

Ted and his wife, Lois Schmitz. Two smiling, older Caucasian people. Both have white hair and thin, wire-frame glasses. The man is in a white shirt and the woman in a light blue jacket.

John and Cathy are both Williston High School graduates and faithful supporters of the Coyote Family.  Cathy graduated from WHS in 1974, and went on to the University of North Dakota, where she earned her Juris Doctorate degree. She was a lawyer in Williston for 30 years before her retirement, also serving as school board president for 8 years.

John graduated in 1971, and earned a teaching degree from NDSU, although he decided to pursue a career in the oil and gas industry rather than the classroom upon his graduation.  He has also farmed on the family farm for his entire life.  John also serves as the President of the board of directors for the Williston Coyote Foundation.

John and Cathy always stressed the importance of education to their children (and all their children's friends).  They are proud to be able to give back to the Williston Coyote Foundation to help with student scholarships and grants to the schools.

Sadly, John lost his life to cancer in 2020, but in true John fashion, he directed all memorials to the Williston Coyote Foundation to ensure his endowment would be able to help the Coyote Family in so many ways even in his absence. His leadership and love of the orange and black is truly missed.

Scholarship amount: $1000

2019 John and Cathy Schmitz Endowment Scholarship Winner