Nearly $5,000 was raised during this year’s Jason Arnold Memorial (JAM) Golf Outing, which took place July 23 at Spruce Ridge Golf Course.

The memorial is hosted in honor of Jason Arnold, a 1979 graduate of Niles High School who taught in Berrien County for more than 20 years.

Freida Arnold, Jason’s mother, said her son was actively involved not only teaching youth in the classroom, but also participating in area youth programs including soccer, basketball and baseball.

“His life was all about young people and education,” she said.

Each year the Jason Arnold Memorial foundation awards one Niles graduate and one Buchanan graduate with a $l,000 scholarship. This scholarship program was created by Jason’s family and friends in 2010 and is funded annually by the Jason Arnold Memorial Golf Outing.

“Those who give financially every year to support this scholarship program are doing something that would have made Jason very happy,” Freida said.

Jeanne Blank, one of the event organizers, said the outing enjoyed its best turnout yet, raising nearly $5,000. Twenty-three teams participated.

“Spruce Ridge Golf Course goes above and beyond for our event, and we would really like to thank them and their staff for their hard work,” Blank said. “Robert and I truly appreciate everyone’s continued support and generosity and look forward to No. 8 in 2017.”

Blank said the foundation has awarded $9,000 in scholarships since it started.

Dylan Fillwock, of Niles, and Kaitlin Ward, of Buchanan, were this year’s scholarship recipients.