The David A. Heikinen Commitment to Diversity Award is available to help graduating Houghton High School seniors. Heikinen died January 14, 2023.

Throughout his 36 years of teaching at Houghton schools, one of Heikinen’s guiding principles was to recognize and respect students as individuals with diverse ways of learning, diverse lifestyles and diverse goals.

He encouraged his students’ to aspire to be independent adults, secure in their own identities and respectful of the diversity of others.

He firmly believed that a diversity of interests, backgrounds and ideas contributes to a thriving and unified community.

This scholarship award is intended to help graduating seniors in whatever career choice they make, whether it be a college profession, a vocational trade or musical or artistic pursuit.

The award will go to those students who demonstrate an attitude of self-respect for their own individual choices and differences as well as respect and acceptance of others.

Donations to the David A. Heikinen Commitment to Diversity Award may be sent to: Anders Hill, Superintendent, Houghton-Portage Township Schools.