Named Scholarships
Honoring those who have made a difference
These scholarships recognize individuals whose lives, talents, service, and generosity have made a lasting impact on Nordhoff students and the wider Ojai community. Some were established in memory of people we have lost, while others honor those whose contributions continue to inspire our students.
Each scholarship carries that legacy forward by helping Nordhoff students pursue their education, talents, and aspirations.
In Honor Of · Athletic Achievement Scholarship
Coach Probyn
Coach Mike Probyn, paced the sidelines for the Nordhoff Rangers for
fifty seasons. Originally from Dearborn Michigan, Mike and his family
moved west in 1962 settling in Ojai. Probyn, class of 1968 has been a
staple of our community for many years. He is a proud member of the lone
1967 boys basketball CIF championship team. Coach describes himself as
a role player on this talented team. That same season, he was awarded the
“Most Improved Player Award.” This award has been renamed in his honor;
“The Mike Probyn Most Improved Player Award.” Upon graduation, Coach
attended Ventura College where he continued to play basketball. However,
in September of 1969, he was drafted into the United States Army to help
fight in the Vietnam War. Probyn served his time and returned to the Ojai
Valley in 1971. In 1975, he returned to Nordhoff to serve as the JV Coach
under Hall of Fame Coach Dick Sebek. Probyn would go on to be the JV
Coach for 27 seasons before being promoted to head coach in 2002. He
served as the head coach for 10 seasons before resigning. He could not
completely leave the game, he stayed on staff as the Freshman coach for
another 13 seasons before officially retiring in 2025.
Coach Probyn is known for his commitment to defense, team-building
and also his undeniable humor. He impacted hundreds of lives throughout
his time at Nordhoff and hopes to help many more achieve their goals.
Coach was unable to finish his college education due to his call of duty. He
wishes nothing more than to help provide financial assistance to a
graduating Senior who committed himself to the program for four seasons,
was a scholar-athlete, and is attending a four-year university. Donations to
this scholarship are greatly appreciated, thank you in advance!
Criteria
- 4 years in the program
- reputable performance
- Scholar-athlete (3.0 GPA or above)
- leadership/community service
- NO disciplinary issues
fifty seasons. Originally from Dearborn Michigan, Mike and his family
moved west in 1962 settling in Ojai. Probyn, class of 1968 has been a
staple of our community for many years. He is a proud member of the lone
1967 boys basketball CIF championship team. Coach describes himself as
a role player on this talented team. That same season, he was awarded the
“Most Improved Player Award.” This award has been renamed in his honor;
“The Mike Probyn Most Improved Player Award.” Upon graduation, Coach
attended Ventura College where he continued to play basketball. However,
in September of 1969, he was drafted into the United States Army to help
fight in the Vietnam War. Probyn served his time and returned to the Ojai
Valley in 1971. In 1975, he returned to Nordhoff to serve as the JV Coach
under Hall of Fame Coach Dick Sebek. Probyn would go on to be the JV
Coach for 27 seasons before being promoted to head coach in 2002. He
served as the head coach for 10 seasons before resigning. He could not
completely leave the game, he stayed on staff as the Freshman coach for
another 13 seasons before officially retiring in 2025.
Coach Probyn is known for his commitment to defense, team-building
and also his undeniable humor. He impacted hundreds of lives throughout
his time at Nordhoff and hopes to help many more achieve their goals.
Coach was unable to finish his college education due to his call of duty. He
wishes nothing more than to help provide financial assistance to a
graduating Senior who committed himself to the program for four seasons,
was a scholar-athlete, and is attending a four-year university. Donations to
this scholarship are greatly appreciated, thank you in advance!
Criteria
- 4 years in the program
- reputable performance
- Scholar-athlete (3.0 GPA or above)
- leadership/community service
- NO disciplinary issues
In Memory Of · Theater Arts Scholarship
Carol Ann Garramone
Carol Ann Garramone, a retired New York City public school teacher and guidance counselor, worked with the most underserved youth in the city. She moved to Ojai 32 years ago following an early retirement, seeking a more peaceful life as the public school system underwent changes that didn’t align with her goals and passion for the most vulnerable population. She built a beautiful new chapter—creating not just a home, but a vibrant community through her deep involvement in local theater throughout the county.
Carol found great joy on the stage as an actress, bringing together talented individuals and forming lasting connections. In later years, she was a devoted audience member—almost always seated in the front row—cheering on performers with enthusiasm and pride. Her passion for the craft never waned; she continued studying acting into her 80s.
While Carol was a bright stage light, she shone brighter as a champion of young artists in the Ojai community. She was a constant presence at youth performances, rarely missing an opportunity to support aspiring actors, whether in film or theater. She took particular delight in watching young performers grow and evolve over time. She was an especially devoted supporter of the Nordhoff High School drama program and its director, John Hoj.
Carol’s effervescent joy for life and her genuine connection with others touched every space she entered. Her enthusiasm, generosity, and unwavering support left a lasting impact on those around her.
Before her passing on March 23, 2026, at the age of 85, after a battle with cancer, Carol expressed a heartfelt wish: to establish a scholarship in her name for a Nordhoff High School theater arts student who embodies her love, passion, and curiosity for acting and for life. In her own words, she hoped to support “someone who wants to take a risk on themselves by pursuing acting, but might need the financial support to do so.”
Donations to Carol’s memorial scholarship are deeply appreciated and will help ensure that her legacy continues to inspire and support future generations within the Ojai community.
Carol found great joy on the stage as an actress, bringing together talented individuals and forming lasting connections. In later years, she was a devoted audience member—almost always seated in the front row—cheering on performers with enthusiasm and pride. Her passion for the craft never waned; she continued studying acting into her 80s.
While Carol was a bright stage light, she shone brighter as a champion of young artists in the Ojai community. She was a constant presence at youth performances, rarely missing an opportunity to support aspiring actors, whether in film or theater. She took particular delight in watching young performers grow and evolve over time. She was an especially devoted supporter of the Nordhoff High School drama program and its director, John Hoj.
Carol’s effervescent joy for life and her genuine connection with others touched every space she entered. Her enthusiasm, generosity, and unwavering support left a lasting impact on those around her.
Before her passing on March 23, 2026, at the age of 85, after a battle with cancer, Carol expressed a heartfelt wish: to establish a scholarship in her name for a Nordhoff High School theater arts student who embodies her love, passion, and curiosity for acting and for life. In her own words, she hoped to support “someone who wants to take a risk on themselves by pursuing acting, but might need the financial support to do so.”
Donations to Carol’s memorial scholarship are deeply appreciated and will help ensure that her legacy continues to inspire and support future generations within the Ojai community.
In Memory Of · Dance, Music or Theater Arts Scholarship
Benny Schurmer
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Benjamin “Benny” Scott Schurmer, class of 2022, passed away unexpectedly while a second year student at Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) where he studied his passion for Theater Arts. Growing up Benny was a gifted athlete. He found the most joy in the sport of golf and excelled as a prized member (team and league MVP) of the Nordhoff golf team.
Benny had a great love for the theater and musical arts. He was a natural talent and was destined to become a star. Benny had a beautiful voice and excelled in playing numerous instruments. He held many theatrical roles including leads as The Cowboy Trio in Crazy For You, and Emmett in Legally Blonde while attending NHS. After high school Benny played Tommy in the production of The Music Man, and was cast in a major role in the SBCC play, Emma. Benny was a friend to all - his kindness, warmth, and charisma were contagious. He was a leader, always inclusive and compassionate towards others. His creative energy was boundless and his humor was captivating. In Benny’s honor, this scholarship has been set up to help an aspiring Nordhoff Dance, Music or Theater Arts student realize their dreams. Thank you for helping Benny’s memory live on in our hearts forever with your donation. -The Schurmer Family |
BENNY SCHURMER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
$25.00 - $500.00
Thank you for your consideration in donating to the Benny Schurmer Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will benefit a Nordhoff student that wishes to pursue the musical and theater arts after high school.
"The Benny " Golf Tournament Entry Fee
$175.00
Join us at Soule Park for the Benny Schurmer Memorial Golf Tournament on October 25, 2026 at 8:30 AM. Proceeds from the tournament support the Benny Schurmer Memorial Scholarship, benefiting Nordhoff High School students pursuing music and theater arts after graduation.
To Learn more about Benny, click HERE.
In Memory Of · Musical Arts Scholarship
Camille Collett Cromwell Chandler
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Cromwell Chandler Scholarship for the Musical ArtsCamille Collett Cromwell Chandler, class of 2000, was a Peer Mediator, a softball and water polo player and a part of The Spanish Storytellers. But her greatest love was music, especially musical theater. In Junior High she started out in the Ojai Shakespeare Festival as an intern, eventually playing Queen Tatiana in Midsummer’s Night Dream and in the renaissance singing group Harmonia Mundi. She became an archipelago singer in Nordhoff’s Music Department and participated in each musical capping her Senior year as Polly in “Crazy for You.” So in Camille’s honor this scholarship is intended to help a Nordhoff senior study the Musical Arts. Thank you for helping another Ranger reach for the stars.
Her loving Family. |
In Memory Of · Ceramics Arts Scholarship
Gray Duncan
A scholarship fund in Gray Duncan's name has been established for a graduating senior at Nordhoff High School who wants to pursue a ceramics career studying at a higher education institution or through an apprenticeship. Mr. Duncan's support and mentorship for almost 30 years with students will continue to live on with your contribution.
In Memory Of · Theater Arts Scholarship
John C. Slade
The tragic death of John C. Slade sparked an outpouring of love and hundreds of Facebook memories of John’s impact on so many lives: as a teacher at Nordhoff High School, as an actor/director in the Ventura County arts community, in his career as a professional stage, film and television actor, and as a husband, father and friend. To enshrine his memory and spirit, the John C. Slade Memorial Theatre Scholarship Fund was established for a graduating senior at Nordhoff High School who wants to pursue a theater major in an institution of higher education. The first scholarship was awarded in 2018.
For cash or check donations, mail to Nordhoff Parent Association, Nordhoff High School, 1401 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai, CA 93023. Please make checks payable to Nordhoff Parent Association, listing in the memo line of the check please include the name of the scholarship. All contributions to the scholarships or to the NPA is considered a tax exempt donation as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.