Esko Educational Foundation

"Furthering the Education of Esko Students through Scholarships"

The Esko Educational Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that began through the generosity of a 1934 Esko graduate and valedictorian, Ruth (Kuusisto) Logsdon. Even though she spent most of her adult years on the East Coast, Mrs. Logsdon placed high value on the things she learned here and, upon her death in 1993, she bequeathed a substantial legacy for local scholarships.

The Esko Educational Foundation was organized as a direct result of this unexpected gift. More than 20 additional scholarships have since been established and the EEF’s volunteer citizen board now makes annual scholarship awards valued at nearly $60,000.

The EEF raises funds to provide financial assistance to deserving Esko students by sponsoring events such as the annual Burkholder 5K Walk Run during the Esko Fun Days celebration. The foundation also provides assistance to individuals who wish to establish scholarships in honor of an individual, organization or specific cause. For more information regarding the establishment of a new scholarship or to make a donation to the general scholarship fund write to the foundation at the address below. Inquires can also be made by emailing the foundation at [email protected]

Esko Educational Foundation
PO Box 27
Esko, MN 55733
Contact: Esko Educational Foundation

24th Annual Kristin Burkholder 5k Post Race Recap

On Saturday, August 7, 2021, the Esko Educational Foundation hosted the 24th Annual Kristin Burkholder 5k Run/Walk. The event was held at the Esko Sports Complex and raised approximately $4000 to fund a scholarship that is awarded annually in Kristin’s memory. In addition, students elected to donate a portion of their registration fee to a school activity of their choice. As a result, donations will be made to the following programs: cross country, girls softball, theater, trap shooting, and volleyball.

Approximately 100 people were on site for the race. Awards were given to the top two runners in nine (9) categories. The runner with the best time for men was Connor Thoennes with a finishing time of 17:40 and for women Emma Williams with a finishing time of 22:11.

Community sponsors included RAM Mutual Insurance, Barnes Care, Buffalo Valley, Inc., Family Tradition Restaurant, Burning Bush Landscape, Theobald Family Eye Care, ABCO Plumbing & Heating, Community Memorial Hospital, Community Printing, Inc., Dry Dock Bar, Restaurant & Banquet Facility, duluthrunner.com, Finn & Feather Hair Designs, The Smith Company, Inc., Arrowhead/Waller Insurance Agency, LLC, Daugherty Appliance, Hair Design by Sherri, Members Cooperative Credit Union, National Bank of Commerce, Esko Fire Department, Explore218, Super One, Tomhave Dental Associates, Thrivent Financial, Tortoise & Hare Footwear, Trophy Barn.

The Esko Educational Foundation would like to thank ALL of our amazing volunteers and the community for their support of this year’s race. We’re looking forward to next year’s race which will be held on August 6, 2022. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Burkholder5K for updates.


On April 24, 1997, 12 year old Kristin Burkholder died from injuries suffered from a pedestrian-car accident while running for track practice along Canosia Road in Esko. Proceeds from the race benefit the EEF Kristin Burkholder Memorial Scholarship Fund.