In 1999, this scholarship was named to honor Robert O. Wallis, an educator for over 30 years, having served 28 years with the Sault Area Public School system as a teacher, coach, athletic director and principal. Following his retirement, he became active with both the local chapter and state organization of the Chippewa-Mackinac Area Retired School Personnel (CMARSP) and served 10 years on the state board of directors. The chapter is an association of retired public school and state university personnel whose purpose is to promote social, professional and economic status and general welfare of retired school employees. Scholarship recipients must be pursuing a profession in the field of teaching, a resident from Chippewa or Mackinac County, and has earned a minimum 3.0 GPA.