Jim and Ruth Keyton (both deceased) met in 1960 and both attended Eastern HS. Jim played football and wrestled for the Quakers and earned a scholarship to Western Michigan to play football. Ruth followed her first love’s career from home in Lansing. Their love sustained the distance for 2 years but ultimately, Jim decided to leave school and come home to marry his high school sweetheart. Jim and Ruth welcomed their first child, Tracey (class of ‘78), then Jimmy (‘80), Kelley (‘81), Michelle - deceased (‘82), Lesley (‘83), Kerry (‘85), Nikki (‘89), Tori (‘94), KC (‘96), and TJ (‘98). They raised their children on the east side of Lansing in a home which is still occupied by the family. All 10 children graduated from high school with respectable academic achievement. 9 of 10 children possess Bachelor degrees, 7 of 10 obtained their Masters degrees, 1 Doctorate, and several family members have multiple graduate degrees. 7 of 10 children played college athletics and 7 went on to be educators or work in the education field. Jim and Ruth raised their children to understand the importance of discipline, leadership, good character, resilience, service, and helping those in need. The Keyton parents fostered over 10 children and adopted 3 children. Prior to Mrs. & Mr. Keyton’s passing, they always talked about giving back to the community and wanted to create a scholarship to help students in need at their home school of the Quakers! While they did not live to see it come to fruition, they would be very proud to witness this scholarship fund and pleased that many young people are going to get the chance to be helped along in their journeys after high school.