The Paul Kranz Scholarship was established in 2022 by his children — Stephen, Michael, and Paula Kranz — to honor his impact on the academic and athletic community in North Dakota. This scholarship was endowed to permanently support BPS students who are in good academic and behavioral standing and who have demonstrated perseverance and grit. The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from BPS to continue his or her post-secondary education at the University of Jamestown.
In his 37 years of teaching social studies in Terry, Montana; Kenmare, Belcourt, and Bismarck, North Dakota, high schools, Paul Kranz influenced thousands of students, inspiring curiosity about the humanities. As a high school basketball coach for 15 years, he also helped shape the athletic community in the state, inspiring teamwork and tenacity on the court as a coach and later refereeing high school and college basketball for over 30 years across the state. As a graduate of the University of Jamestown and member of the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame for his athleticism and career scoring record, he has cared deeply about attracting talented students to the university for the pursuit of higher education and their own passions.
