SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
Awarded in memory of Captain Jeff Kuss

"Captain Jeff "KOOCH" Kuss was a private pilot by the age of 15, but didn't stop there when it came to aviation and his pursuit of his dreams in the clouds. He was lucky enough to take flight lessons while still in high school.  Jeff, a native of Durango, Colorado, graduated from Durango High School in 2002. He attended Fort Lewis College in Durango and graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics in 2006.  He was a true Coloradan but left his home state to pursue a career as a Marine Corps Officer and pilot.

Commissioned in 2006 as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, Jeff received his Wings of Gold in November 2009 after completing flight school. Jeff was a standout student pilot and always willing to help others study or practice. As a top performer, he was selected to fly the F/A-18 Hornet. Jeff's first fleet squadron was Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 "Checkerboards" at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.  He continued to excel and he subsequently graduated from U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) in 2012 and completed a combat deployment with Carrier Air Wing THREE aboard the USS Harry S. Truman. Jeff contributed to VMFA-312 earning the Robert M. Hanson Award as the Marine Corps Association Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year.

Seeking a new challenge, Jeff joined the Blue Angels in September 2014 where he began his duties as Narrator, Blue Angel Number 7, and then moved to Opposing Solo, Blue Angel Number 6, in 2015.  Jeff was killed on June 2, 2016 while performing a rehearsal flight for the Great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna, TN."
(Credit to the Wingman Foundation for these details on Captain Jeff Kuss’ life) 

Special Note: If you are interested in aviation, please make sure you look at these other Captain Jeff Kuss Memorial scholarships:

• Capt Jeff Kuss Aviation Scholarship | The Wingman Foundation

• Captain Jeff Kuss USMC Scholarship | Capt Jeff Kuss Memorial Project

Award Amount: $1,000 non-renewable to the student’s choice of school, inclusive of a Trade School/Vocational School, 2-year Associate programs, or 4-year Bachelor programs.

The Durango High School Alumni Association bestows this award on one DHS Senior who best demonstrates the essential attributes to be considered “distinguished” among their peers. This student will demonstrate:

• Passion and perseverance to pursue a goal or interest

• Self-discipline and respect for others

• Integrity in all areas of life

• Most importantly, the kind of positive and responsible charisma that inspires others to reach higher themselves

The DHS Alumni Association believes that these attributes best equip a student for the joyful, lifelong pursuit of excellence in self and for others. These qualities were exemplified in the life of the late DHS Alumnus, Captain Jeff Kuss.
 

ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
GPA Requirement: This award has no minimum GPA and is not given for specific academic or athletic performance.

Eligibility: To be considered, a candidate must receive at least THREE (3) nominations. Every qualified nominee will receive consideration, regardless of the number of nominations beyond the required three (3).

Who can nominate a student? Any DHS Teacher, 9-R Staff Member, 9-R Administrator, and DHS Student can nominate a graduating DHS Senior.

Deadline to Nominate: March 11, 2025 @ 5PM MST

Selection: The recipient will be selected by the DEF Scholarship Committee, in conjunction with representatives from the Durango High School Alumni Association.
 

Have questions? Contact Wendy Allsbrook Javier at

970-769-7600 or 9rfoundation@gmail.com