Kirk Gibson gathered with family, friends, and school officials to present about $32,000 in scholarships to Clarkston and Waterford Kettering students, as well as share ideas on how to further benefit students.
“This is one of the ways we can lift up and support young adults,” said Gibson, who hit game winning World Series home runs for the Detroit Tigers in 1984 and the Dodgers in 1988.
He created the Kirk Gibson Foundation in 1996 to provide college scholarships in honor of his parents, Robert and Barbara.
“It’s such a wonderful thing to give a child opportunity,” said Barbara, former teacher and drama department head at Clarkston High School. “I’m so thrilled every single time to come back to Clarkston – it’s my second home. I’ve always had people behind me in teaching, and the kids always did good.”
Kevin Gibson, Kurt’s son, also took part in the discussion, as he is increasing his role in the foundation.
The scholarships help deserving students achieve incredible things, said Amy Seaman, drama teacher at Clarkston High School and Barbara’s former student.
Clarkston State Bank hosted the lunch meeting at The Fed restaurant in downtown Clarkston, May 23.
“It’s nice to get Waterford and Clarkston together at the same table,” said J. Grant Smith, CSB president and CEO.
Kirk was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2015, and the mission of the foundation has also been expanded to raise awareness and funding for Parkinson’s Research.
– Phil Custodio