Special thanks to Derek Melot and the donors of the Jesse Melot Memorial Scholarship.
Who was Jesse Melot?
Jesse James (Sherman) Melot was born in Lansing in 1981 and was a proud resident of mid-Michigan. He lived his life in the service of others. A graduate of Fulton High School and Siena Heights University, Jesse was never happier than when sharing laughter and music with friends and family. He played the violin as a youth and tinkered with the guitar as an adult. He led an active life, from varsity basketball, track, and cross country for the Fulton Pirates to the completion in 2018 of the Crim Road Race in Flint and the Capital City River Run half-marathon in Lansing.
Jesse's deep-rooted love for his home state of Michigan was evident in his interests and pastimes. He was keenly interested in new cars, a quintessential symbol of Michigan's automotive heritage. His weekends were often spent in quiet contemplation on the shores of Michigan's majestic lakes, from the vast expanses of Michigan and Huron to the serene beauty of Charlevoix and Tubbs. His love for Michigan was a part of his identity, a thread that connected him to his roots.
Jesse's life was a shining example of selflessness and commitment to community service. His loving and generous spirit was a beacon of light for all who knew him. Jesse was always there for his friends and teammates, whether it was a smile, an encouraging word, or a sympathetic ear. His dedication to Ele's Place, where he volunteered for a long time, was a testament to his compassion.
He worked with grieving children and provided moral support to fellow volunteers, always ready to offer encouragement. His career in the insurance field, specializing in customer service, reflected his commitment to helping others. Despite this, his love for the planet and its wonders remained undiminished. He captured the beauty of sunsets, flowers, and spectacular vistas from his travels worldwide on his camera and, later, his phone.
JESSE MELOT SCHOLARSHIP FUND
What is the Jesse Melot Scholarship Fund?
The fund, started in 2019, provides an annual scholarship for advanced education top a volunteer or attendee of Ele's Place, a center for grieving children and their families.
The fund honors Jesse Melot, who served as an Ele’s Place volunteer for many years prior to his untimely death at age 37 in 2018.
How does the fund operate?
A Scholarship Committee made up of Ele’s Place representatives, Melot family members and education leaders will vet applications from volunteers and clients, selecting one each year for the annual scholarship. The initial goal is to issue a $10,000 scholarship each year.
Where does the money come from/go?
Fundraising continues to create an initial reserve of $100,000. Organizers expect to hold annual events to replenish and enlarge the fund, with the community’s help.
Who handles the money/where can I donate?
The Jesse Melot Fund exists as an investment account of Ele's Place, managed by Plante Moran and Schwab. This fund will comply with all IRS regulations as a charitable scholarship fund. It will be overseen by Ele’s Place’s Finance Committee and by a Finance Advisory Committee of the Jesse Melot Memorial Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made by check to Ele’s Place, 1145 W. Oakland Ave., Lansing, MI 48915, or online. (Please be sure to designate your amount to the Jesse Melot Scholarship Fund in the comment field.) For additional donation questions, contact Ele’s Place at 517.482.1315 or [email protected].
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. The fund’s affiliation with Ele’s Place allows it to offer a charitable tax deduction to donors.
The Jesse Melot Memorial Scholarship
Ele’s Place is honored to administer the Jesse Melot Memorial Scholarship. The fund started in 2019, provides an annual tuition scholarship for advanced education to a volunteer or attendee of Ele’s Place, a center for grieving children and their families. The fund honors Jesse Melot, who served as an Ele’s Place volunteer for many years before his untimely death at age 37 in 2018.
Applications will be collected between January - April 30 annually. Applications will be reviewed, and the award recipient will be announced in mid-June. Requirements to apply for this $10,000 scholarship are:
- You must be a graduating senior, current college student, or nontraditional college attendee
- You must be a current or former Ele’s Place participant or volunteer
- You must be attending or plan to attend an accredited College, University or Trade Program.
- Preference will be given to those students who plan to follow a course of studies in Social or Human Relations
- Preference will be given to those applicants who are first-generation college attendees
To apply, please submit the application form, as well as a 300-word or less personal statement regarding why you are a good recipient of the Jesse Melot Memorial Scholarship.
Applications may be delivered to Ele’s Place, mailed to 1145 W. Oakland Ave, Lansing, MI, 48915, or emailed to [email protected].
Applications are due April 30.
If you have questions regarding the scholarship or the application process, please contact Sue Sanford at Ele’s Place at 517-482-1315 or [email protected].