| Memorial Gifts
Unique scholarships honor a remarkable young man – Dennis Dietz
The view from Evalyn and Darold Dietz’s rural Cowlitz County home is expansive and deeply stirring, unfolding over verdant meadows to the distant rolling hills beyond. Across the valley, the flickering light of a lantern can occasionally be seen on the far horizon. Its glowing flame burns bright to honor the memory of Dennis Dietz (pictured at right) – who died tragically in a 1994 car accident at only 18 years of age and now rests in the hillside cemetery visible from his parents’ window.
Lit to honor Dennis’ birthday and special days, the lantern’s light shines as a vibrant reminder of how powerfully his memory lives on in the hearts and minds of his family and community, and what inspiration that memory gives to the philanthropic work that bears his name.
Even at a young age it was clear that Dennis was a child of rare depth and soulfulness. Unusually sensitive and observant, he loved to ride the tractor with his father – content to sit for hours on end absorbing nature’s intricate details. He thought deeply about his world; brought kindness and a sweet sincerity to all those he loved; and lived his life wholly and whole-heartedly.
Steadfast friend to many, gifted athlete, and Honor Roll student, Dennis biked 15 miles each day to R.A. Long High School. Not every aspect of academics appealed to him but – once his imagination was sparked – his thirst for knowledge was insatiable and his work ethic formidable. Perhaps because of his great interest in travel, he took three foreign languages simultaneously. He also enthusiastically embraced photography, painting and pottery.
Dennis had a view of the world that transcended his chronological years, as revealed by the poster that adorned his bedroom wall – the compelling image of a starving Biafran child. Asked why he chose such a distressing subject, he answered simply: “So I don’t forget.” He had a profound capacity to see suffering in parts of the globe he had never visited, and the compassion and commitment to want to do something about it.
It was just as the world was opening up for him that the worst tragedy that any parent could imagine befell the Dietz family. And it was during their long journey through this unfathomable loss that Dennis’ family determined that they would honor his memory in a way that celebrated who he was, while giving hope and inspiration to others. Out of this passionate desire was born the Dennis Dietz Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Most scholarships go to stand-out students who apply for the award. But these scholarships, selected by a committee at R.A. Long High School, honor students who, like Dennis, have a passion for life and learning, and a special interest or ability that deserves to be nurtured.
Whether a linguist, a potter, or a student with academic potential who faces challenges at home, each recipient is chosen for their unique spark of desire or talent that might not otherwise be recognized. An average of 15-16 students annually are honored and surprised by this award, receiving both welcome financial support and the invaluable gift of encouragement that might serve them for a lifetime.
Axel Swanson, now Cowlitz County Commissioner, vividly remembers receiving his scholarship in 1997. Two years of hard work during his Junior and Senior years at R.A. Long had not been enough to turn around his earlier poor grades.
“This award was so special to me,” remembers Swanson, who later earned degrees in political science and law. “I was a student who had struggled badly. I really looked up to Dennis, who was such a caring and progressive spirit – a huge influence to people at school – Dennis and his scholarship have inspired me to give my best to everything.”
For the Dietz family there has been great comfort in honoring their beloved son. A bountiful garden – Den’s garden – greets people as they arrive at the Dietz home; and his graveside lantern offers a beacon of remembrance on special days. And, each June, a new class of scholarship recipients goes forward into the world, honored for their desire to embrace life through their unique gifts – just as Dennis did, with a passion that will forever ripple out into the community he loved.
[Use photo #35]
Memorial Gifts
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