W.F. West and John Coffman Trust Scholarships

History:

William F. West: A longtime civic leader and business owner in Chehalis, William F. West, alongside his wife, Blanch E. West, made a significant contribution to the community. In 1947, they donated eighteen acres of land for the location of what is now W.F. West High School. In 1956, they established a 2.2 million-dollar trust to fund scholarships for Bearcats pursuing postsecondary education. This trust has provided vital financial support to numerous W.F. West graduates since its inception in 1968.

John Freeman Coffman: A local business owner, John B. Coffman, along with his wife Zylpha, created the John Freeman Coffman Scholarship Trust in 1972 after the tragic death of their son, John, who passed away shortly after graduating from W.F. West. This scholarship trust was named in honor of John Freeman Coffman and seeks to help students who may be hindered from furthering their education due to financial constraints.

Scholarship Purpose:

These scholarships were established to support W.F. West graduates with financial need, ensuring that talented and capable students are not denied the opportunity to attend college or pursue further education because of financial barriers. The scholarships aim to continue the legacy of both the West and Coffman families by providing assistance to students striving to achieve their academic and career goals.

Legacy / Endowment Details

• The W.F. West Scholarships are funded by a trust established by William F. and Blanch E. West. Since 1968, these scholarships have been awarded annually to W.F. West graduates who need financial assistance to pursue higher education.
• The John Freeman Coffman Scholarships were created in 1972 by John B. and Zylpha Coffman in memory of their son, John. This trust provides scholarships to students whose financial needs may otherwise prevent them from continuing their education.