PIERRE — The Pierre Educational Foundation has been gifted the largest donation in the group’s history. The estates of Alvin and Evelyn Benesh Evelyn Family have gifted over one-point-six million dollars to the Foundation to benefit future T-F Riggs High School graduates. The donation will set up two distinct scholarships through the Pierre Educational Foundation. The Evelyn Benesh Music Scholarship will provide money for students pursuing a career in musical arts. The Alvin H. Benesh Engineering Scholarship will be focused on students looking at an engineering degree. Alvin Benesh was a federal highway engineer in Pierre while Evelyn was a conservatory trained pianist who taught piano to Pierre students and had a studio built in their home. Students can begin applying for what’s being referred to as substantial scholarships starting in 2023. Foundation president Bob Lowery says the generous gift will provide opportunities to generations of future Riggs graduates.
