The Foundation

Initially, Academic Masters was wholly funded by a handful of local businesses, motivated to contribute to promoting a high level of academic and music competition among our local high schools.

Over the years, it was difficult to maintain and ensure the level of funding from sponsors and benefactors to continue the same award levels for Academic Masters – then about $10,500 per year. It became impractical to expect to fund the entire competition from such a limited number of benefactors, particularly since some of the original sponsors are no longer in business.

In 2002, Mr. Alvin Spears approached retired Grants Pass teacher Burt Eikleberry about creating a foundation to sustain this extraordinary competition. The Foundation’s sole mission is to raise sustainable funding for Academic Masters and to provide support in ensuring the Competition’s future. The current members of the Foundation Board are:

Dave Matheny, President

Lise Van Brunt, Vice President

Heidi Morris, Treasurer

Michele Napier, Secretary

Megan Brown

Matt Knight

Pam McNulty

Mike Durrant

Marty Zottola

Greg Patch, Historian

Damian Crowson

Cynthia Harelson

Michelle Rhodes, RCC Liaison Officer