Norwell High School Creates Scholarship to Honor Alum Sam Peterson

The SAM scholarship will support students who embody Sam's spirit of service and motivation.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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After the unexpected death of Norwell High School alum Sam Peterson last summer, his family has established a memorial scholarship in his honor through the Wells County Community Foundation. The SAM (Serve and Motivate) scholarship will award $1,000 to a Norwell senior who shares Sam's interests in teaching middle school math, youth ministry, community service, and school involvement. The scholarship aims to inspire students to follow in Sam's footsteps of profound kindness and dedication to helping others.

Why it matters

Sam Peterson was a beloved member of the Norwell community, known for his inclusive spirit, servant leadership, and passion for making a difference. The scholarship created in his memory will ensure his legacy lives on by supporting students who embody those same values and want to positively impact their community, just as Sam did.

The details

Sam Peterson was a 2023 graduate of Norwell High School who excelled as a swimmer, youth ministry volunteer, and airman at the 122nd air base. After his unexpected passing last summer, his family decided to establish a memorial scholarship through the Wells County Community Foundation to honor his memory. The SAM (Serve and Motivate) scholarship will award $1,000 to a Norwell senior pursuing a career in middle school math education or youth ministry, with a background in community service and school involvement. The scholarship selection committee will choose a recipient who embodies Sam's spirit of kindness and dedication to helping others.

  • Sam Peterson passed away unexpectedly in the summer of 2023.
  • The SAM scholarship was established in 2026 through the Wells County Community Foundation.

The players

Sam Peterson

A 2023 graduate of Norwell High School who was known for his inclusive spirit, servant leadership, and passion for making a difference in his community.

Cathie Peterson

Sam's mother, who describes him as someone who had a special way of making people feel valued.

Sawyer Peterson

Sam's sister, who is proud to see his name on the Norwell Military Wall of Honor.

Wells County Community Foundation

The organization that is administering the SAM scholarship to honor Sam Peterson's legacy.

Norwell High School

The school that Sam Peterson attended and where his memory is being honored through the scholarship and other tributes.

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What they’re saying

“He was also just a servant. He's always willing to do things for other people, to do whatever he can to help out. He was just great.”

— Sawyer Peterson, Sam's sister

“Just to see his name on the wall, I'm a very proud sister.”

— Sawyer Peterson, Sam's sister

“He wanted to teach middle school math, which I think is crazy. His hope was to even come back here to Norwell and teach.”

— Cathie Peterson, Sam's mother

What’s next

The Wells County Community Foundation will select the first recipient of the SAM scholarship in 2026.

The takeaway

By establishing a scholarship in Sam Peterson's name, Norwell High School and the Wells County community are ensuring his legacy of service, kindness, and dedication to helping others will continue to inspire future generations of students.