The Scott Melby Memorial Foundation Scholarship
The Scott Melby Memorial Foundation (SMMF) was established in 2017 in memory of Raging Waves Cofounder Scott Melby, who died in 2016 after a valiant two-year battle with leukemia. Scott’s faith and love for his family influenced everything he did. He was beloved by the Raging Waves community, and regularly gave his time, expertise, wisdom and compassion to the staff and guests of Raging Waves above and beyond what was necessary, and strove to give others the tools and opportunities they needed in order to succeed in life
Scott felt strongly that a good education was a requirement to success. Therefore, one of the objectives of the SMMF is to award a one-time $500 tuition scholarship to four students per year who exhibit character qualities that Scott displayed throughout his life. There are three qualities that the foundation looks for in potential scholarship candidates:
- Taking initiative. The candidate actively looks for tasks that need to be done – and does them – instead of waiting to be told what to do.
- Follow through. The candidate consistently commits themselves to a task and sees it all the way through to completion.
- Growth mindset. The candidate does not see themself as “fixed” in ability or potential, but rather takes criticism well and actively seeks advice and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
We are excited to announce the 2018 Scott Melby Memorial Foundation Scholarship recipients!
Name: Heather Briggs
1. Where do you go to school? What year are you? What is your major?
I attend Eastern Kentucky University. I am going into my sophomore year, majoring in Health Service Administration.
2. How long have you worked for Raging Waves Waterpark?
I’m completing my fourth year. (And cannot wait for many more!)
3. What is your favorite part about working at Raging Waves?
My favorite park of Raging Waves is honestly just being a part of such an amazing place. I love meeting the different people that come through. I’m extremely grateful to meet such extraordinary people and to develop some of the best friendships I’ve ever have!
4. What is your favorite memory from working here?
I honestly have so many favorites, it’s hard to choose! My lovely coworkers like to mess with me and sneak up behind me to scare me, and when we’re all laughing so hard we have tears in our eyes, those are indeed my favorite memories.
Name: Abby Tholen
1. Where do you go to school? What year are you? What is your major?
Western Illinois University, Sophomore, Accounting Major
2. How long have you worked for Raging Waves Waterpark?
4 years, (3 lifeguard, 1 supervisor)
3. What is your favorite part about working at Raging Waves?
My favorite part of Raging Waves is all the amazing people I have met. I have met so many of my friends here!
4. What is your favorite memory from working here?
When I was guarding at the wave pool and I jumped in to save two little boys. Guards were telling me all day that the mother was trying to find me to thank me.
Name: Christina Nicol
1. Where do you go to school? What year are you? What is your major?
The University of Tampa, Junior, Psychology
2. How long have you worked for Raging Waves Waterpark?
5 years
3. What is your favorite part about working at Raging Waves?
My favorite part about Raging Waves is being able to make a difference in a guest’s day or in one of my lifeguards’ day. I do everything I can to make sure everyone leaves here with a smile on their face. Everyone here is a family member and I don’t know what I would’ve done without my family, especially this year.
4. What is your favorite memory from working here?
My favorite memory from working here is when I got a bead from my first real save. My supervisor gave me his because of how proud he was. Now as a supervisor, I give my beads to the guards because I know how much it means to them.
Name: Abigail Herwaldt
1. Where do you go to school? What year are you? What is your major?
Loras College, Junior, Marketing.
2. How long have you worked for Raging Waves Waterpark?
4 Summers
3. What is your favorite part about working at Raging Waves?
I love how personal Raging Waves is. Whether I am a team member or guest, I always feel valued. Our managers and supervisors continually thank us for our work and encourage us to reach our full potential. As a guest, I have always felt like the staff really cared about making sure you were having the best day possible.
4. What is your favorite memory from working here?
I love it when guests make me smile or laugh. It makes my day when they tell me I’m doing a good job when we have a rush or when I see a child’s excited face as I hand them their ice cream. One story that always makes me laugh was when a vegetarian asked me if there was beef in our cheeseburgers.