By Bennington Public Schools Foundation
The Bennington Public Schools Foundation is proud to announce its newest Forever BPS Legacy Gift: the James & Susan Dick Memorial Scholarship, established by Bennington community members Jeremy and Jen Dick, to honor Jeremy’s parents and their lifelong commitment to education.
This endowed scholarship will support Bennington High School seniors pursuing a career in education, with the first application opportunity opening December 1, 2026, for the Class of 2027.
Education played a defining role in the lives of James and Susan Dick. Both were first-generation college students who went on to achieve advanced degrees in education from Indiana University. James “Jim” Dick dedicated his life to teaching and shaping future educators, serving at institutions including Buffalo State University and the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Teacher Education.
From his early days growing up in Talma, Indiana, Jim developed a passion for learning that carried throughout his career. He began as a high school history teacher while pursuing his master’s degree, later earning his doctorate and moving into higher education. Beyond the classroom, he contributed to economic education initiatives at both the state and national levels, even traveling internationally to train educators in former Soviet republics.
Following the unexpected passing of his wife Susan in 1983, Jim raised their son Jeremy as a single father, demonstrating resilience, dedication, and a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives.
“Education was incredibly important to my parents,” said Jeremy Dick. “They instilled that value in me, and while I didn’t pursue a career in education myself, my wife Jen and I wanted to honor their legacy in a meaningful way. Supporting future educators in Bennington felt like the perfect tribute.”
“It has been an honor to work with Jeremy and Jen on this donation. I’ve enjoyed learning more about Jeremey’s parents and the lasting impact they’ve had on education,” said Blake Thompson, BPS Foundation Executive Director. “Seeing our Forever BPS program in action is so rewarding for our organization and we are so thankful that they thought of us when creating a lasting legacy for James and Susan.”
About Forever BPS
The James & Susan Dick Memorial Scholarship becomes the eighth Forever BPS Legacy Gift established through the Foundation, joining a growing group of funds that provide lasting support for students and staff. Other legacy gifts include the Darrell & Coe Leta Logemann Senior Scholarships and Staff Professional Development Grants, Lee & Kathy Bunz Family Scholarship, Gene Baldwin Memorial Scholarship, L Saunders Memorial Scholarship, and Jeff Glover Memorial Scholarship.
The Forever BPS program offers community members an opportunity to create a lasting impact on Bennington Public Schools. Through planned giving, donors can support future generations of students while aligning with their current giving goals with personal values.
To learn more about ways you can leave a legacy through the Forever BPS program, contact Executive Direction Executive Director Blake Thompson at 531.329.3710 or bthompson@foundationforbps.org.
