The CML Champions Fund is a managed component fund established in 2021 in memory of Connie and Merece Lubarski. The fund is committed to supporting educational scholarship and opportunities of Stephen-Argyle Central, the development of the communities of Argyle and Stephen, and strategically supporting the overall development of NW Minnesota.
The CML Champions Fund provides the largest scholarship awarded to a graduating senior at Stephen-Argyle Central – $5,000. The initial scholarship awarded was to Macy Haugen in 2022. Claire McGlynn earned the scholarship in 2023. In 2024, the CML Champions Fund Board determined that they had three worthy recipients of the scholarship and awarded Carsen Safranski – University of North Dakota, Jennifer Sargent – Northland Community & Technical College, and Regan Swanson – Minnesota State University – Moorhead with a $3,000 scholarship each to support their high educational opportunities. This was the first award since the passing of Connie in September of 2023.
The CML Champions Fund is committed to supporting innovative growth in the communities and improving the quality of life for those residing in our region. Two projects that demonstrate this mission are currently in progress. A grant of $10,000 has been made to support the purchase and construction of a greenhouse at Stephen-Argyle Central to be used in the Agricultural Sciences and Food Science programs. We are excited to announce that the funds for the project have been secured, and the construction of the project is scheduled to start this fall. The picture below is the greenhouse that will be installed once the foundation has been installed.
The MCL Champions fund continues to seek support for the mission and vision of the fund. Visit http://www.sack12.mn.us/connie-merece-lubarski-champions-fund.html for information on how to contribute to the fund or develop a project proposal. You can also follow the fund on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551617875295. The fund’s current financial status includes $348,931.00 in net assets. The overall goal continues to be $500,000 in net assets by Meet Your Neighbor Day 2026.
To contribute to the CML Champions Fund please send donations to:
Northwest Minnesota Foundation
Attn: CML Champions Fund
201 3rd Street NW
Bemidji, MN 56601
Or donate online by following the directions below: www.nwmf.com, Give Now, Choose Connie and Merece Lubarski Champions Education Fund from the “Please direct my donation to” drop-down menu; follow the prompts for submitting your donation. If you have questions or would like additional information regarding the fund, contact a CML Champions Fund board member.
