A Fallon native and Churchill County High School graduate who operated Nevada Seafood for almost six decades left behind a generous gift for her alma matter.
Bridget Jean Selmi, who died last summer, wanted her legacy to continue. Through her niece, Brenda Reynolds, Selmi’s IRA was divided into three beneficiaries, including Churchill County High School’s scholarship fund. Reynolds presented to the Board of Trustees last week a donation of $200,000, which was approved to be cashed out.
“This exceptionally generous donation from the estate of Ms. Bridget Jean Selmi has overwhelmed us. We are excited to be able to now offer a scholarship in Ms. Selmi's name to deserving seniors each year for years to come,” Churchill County School District Superintendent Dr. Summer Stephens said.
The next step, Stephens said, is to secure the funds from the estate and work with the high school’s scholarship committee and donor’s family to determine the criteria for the scholarship and then open it to the Class of 2021 seniors.
“Jean was a loving and generous person helping people financially throughout her 88-yearlong life,” Reynolds said. “Having a value of approximately $200,000, the funds will help deserving Churchill County High School graduates achieve their dreams.
Selmi graduated from Churchill County High School before moving to Reno to attend Reno Business College. Selmi, who spent her time on the Hanifan family farm in the St. Clair District, joined an accounting firm where she discovered a love for figures and balancing books. In 1956, she worked for Nevada Seafood, a food distribution company, as a bookkeeper.
Over several years of hard work, Selmi learned the business and persevered through two floods, a fire, partnership changes and economic downturns, and operated it successfully for 56 years. She employed many people who were attending school and working part time. They went on to become teachers, managers, technicians, business owners and more.
