Robert C.J. Traub & L.M. Reszka Memorial Scholarship

The Robert C.J. Traub Memorial Scholarship

The Robert C.J. Traub Memorial Scholarship Travel Fund began in 1956. The purpose of the Scholarship is to contribute to the general cultural enrichment of the recipients and not primarily to advancement of their technical education in art or music.

Ms. Bates, granddaughter of C.J. Traub and his wife, Elizabeth, established the scholarship over 50 years ago to benefit Bloomfield Hills students. The fund is structured as a lasting endowment, intended to provide ongoing support so that future generations of students can be recognized and encouraged in their artistic pursuits.

L.M. Reszka Memorial Scholarship

The L.M. Reszka Memorial Scholarship, established in 2026, was created to celebrate and support students whose talents in art and music reflect not only technical skill, but a deep appreciation for cultural enrichment and creative expression. The scholarship honors the belief that the arts play a vital role in shaping thoughtful, engaged individuals and vibrant communities.

The scholarship was made possible through an initial endowed gift from Llewellyn M. Reszka, with the fund designed to continue in perpetuity, ensuring that future generations of students will have the opportunity to be recognized and supported in their artistic pursuits.

A Message to Students and Families

Bloomfield Hills Schools is proud to celebrate two meaningful scholarship opportunities that reflect our longstanding commitment to the arts and to the students whose creativity and expression enrich our schools and community.

The Traub Scholarship

For more than 60 years, the Traub Scholarship has been a cherished part of Bloomfield Hills Schools’ culture. Established through a generous gift from Elizabeth Taylor Traub in honor of her husband, Robert C. J. Traub, the scholarship recognizes his deep love of art and music. Held in trust and continuing in perpetuity, the Traub Scholarship has supported more than 200 Bloomfield Hills High School students since its inception.

Awarded annually, the Traub Scholarship is divided equally between one art student and one music student. This extraordinary opportunity enables recipients to travel abroad and experience the rich cultural heritage and history of European countries where Western art and music were born. Past recipients frequently share that these experiences deepen their understanding of their discipline and strengthen their appreciation for the arts in lasting ways.

Bloomfield Hills Schools is grateful to Elizabeth Taylor Traub for her vision and generosity, and to her granddaughter, Lucy Bates, for sustaining the Traub legacy well into the 21st century.

L.M. Reszka Memorial Scholarship

Beginning in 2026, Bloomfield Hills Schools is honored to introduce the L.M. Reszka Memorial Scholarship, a new endowed scholarship created to continue in perpetuity and further support artistic excellence and cultural enrichment. Established through a generous gift, this scholarship reflects the belief that art and music are essential to a well-rounded education and a vibrant, connected community.

Each year, one Bloomfield Hills High School student in visual art and one student in music will be selected by a panel of Bloomfield Hills Schools teachers and administrators to receive a scholarship. The L.M. Reszka Memorial Scholarship is designed not only to recognize technical skill, but also to encourage students to deepen their appreciation for the arts and the role creativity plays in shaping perspective, empathy, and understanding.

Our Commitment to the Arts

At Bloomfield Hills Schools, we believe the arts inspire curiosity, foster empathy, and enrich the human experience. Through the continued generosity of the Traub family and the establishment of the L.M. Reszka Memorial Scholarship, we are proud to support aspiring artists and musicians and to ensure that this legacy of creativity continues for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Rick West
Superintendent

Important Dates

Dates and Deadlines
Applications available	February 18, 2026
Applications due	March 18, 2026
Art Display Set-up	TBD
Music Adjudication	April 23, 2026
Art Adjudication	April 24, 2026
Assembly/Reception	April 27, 2026
Art Display Takedown	May 1, 2026

Eligibility, Criteria, Adjudication, and Selection

Purpose

The purpose of the Traub/Reszka Scholarship is to enable students of good character who show special proficiency or promise of achievement in art or music to enjoy a trip abroad following graduation from high school and before entering college. The intent of the scholarship is to contribute to the cultural enrichment of the recipients and not necessarily to advance their technical education in art or music.

Eligibility

Application

Criteria

Demonstrate ability and/or potential in the field of art or music (a student may apply for both).
Complete an essay of what they hope to visit and accomplish on their trip abroad.
Submit a resume of past accomplishments, achievements and education in their chosen field.
Demonstrate character, responsibility and sharing of talent with the high school community.
Show their intent for further development of their talent.
Show proof of grade point average.

Adjudication

Art applicants will prepare a one-person show representing the best of their work for exhibit and plan how best to display it. Film slides of completed work may be substituted when original work is not available. Music applicants will give a 10 minute performance with vocal or instrumental selections of their choice.

Traub Scholarship

The Adjudication Committee is comprised of art and music staff from the high school, and BHHS administration. The Committee will interview each student about their field, intentions and expectations or to clarify the content of their written application or presentation.

Reszka Scholarship

The Adjudication Committee is composed of art and music staff from the high school, and BHHS administration. The Committee will interview each student about their field, intentions and expectations or to clarify the content of their written application or presentation.

Selection

Traub/Reszka Scholarship recipients are announced at a special assembly as soon as possible after completion of the adjudication. The award will be mailed to the selected students before the end of the school year, less $100.00. The balance of $100 is paid when the students return from their trip, complete a final essay about their travels and submit it to the Superintendent of Bloomfield Hills Schools. The essay and a final expense report are forwarded to the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

Additionally, the Traub/Reszka art recipient is required to donate a 2D representative piece of artwork to the District. This artwork will be on display at Bloomfield Hills High School for one year. Music scholarship recipients will be requested to perform at a school and/or district function.

Requests to postpone the trip will be considered only for the following reasons*:

Illness of the winner
Death in the winner’s immediate family
U.S. State Department travel warnings issued for Europe

In the event that the Adjudication Committee determines that none of the applicants meet the criteria and choose not to award the scholarship, the funds will remain with the Trust.

*If the scholarship recipient does not meet any of the exceptions for postponed travel, the award will go to the student selected as an alternate.

Scholarship News & Updates

2025 Traub Scholarship Presentation

Traub Through the Years