The Byron "Skip" Willis Scholarship Fund was formed in June 2016 to honor the legacy of Coach Skip an award winning coach, community icon, mentor, and father-figure to countless young men and women during his lifetime. He focused on basketball and football as his heart's passion. Training, developing, nurturing and encouraging boys and girls of all ages became his life's goal. He made a positive d
ifference that still reverberates today in the lives of countless men and women who relied on and trained under him. Starting out at the Franklin Wright Settlement as a neighborhood boy going to school to shoot some hopes, Skip went on to become Director of the center while molding the lives of countless children who passed through the center during his over 30 years of employment there. He was also in management at the Sophie Wright Settlement. Skip coached teams at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School, Highland Park Community College, Wayne State University and the Detroit Dogs Basketball Team. As assistant coach with Hall of Famer George Gervin, they led the Dogs to an American Basketball Championship. Skip has also coached against some of the NBA legends: Regie Theus, Paul Westhead, and Scott Brooks to name a few. Because of his dogged determination and unrelating quest to push those who worked and trained under his expertise to "keep playin' til there is NO time on the clock" this scholarship fund was established. To honor him, to continue his legacy, and to encourage and inspire others to contribute to this most worthy cause so that his dream and life-long work with children can continue to flourish. Application Requirements
- Graduating senior with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Participated in varsity sports
- (2) letters or recommendations
- Documentation of (3) or more community service
- (1) essay comparing students' personal accomplishments to Coach Willis'
Timing
- Submission due by first week of December
- Applicants rewarded in January (of the following year)
