Legacy Fund Carries Forward Claire Ann Shover Nursery School’s Vision for Early Childhood Education in Fergus Falls 

A beloved piece of Fergus Falls history continues to shape the future of local children through the Early Childhood Education & Amenities – Claire Ann Shover Legacy Fund, a Component Fund of West Central Initiative.

Originally established in 1933, the Claire Ann Shover Nursery School created the community’s first formal early childhood education opportunity, grounded in a vision of supporting each child’s physical, mental, and social development. For nearly 90 years, the school served generations of families before closing in 2022, when community needs outgrew what the school could provide.

Today, that legacy lives on through the fund.

A Legacy Carried Forward

“The Claire Ann Shover Legacy Fund continues the school’s long-standing mission by supporting programs that help children learn, play, and build relationships,” said fund advisory board member Emily Sivertson.

Sivertson’s connection to the fund is personal. A former Claire Ann Shover Nursery School student herself, she later enrolled her son and eventually served as Board President before the school closed. When the opportunity arose to transform remaining assets into a lasting community resource, she helped bring together former educators and community members to carry the mission forward.

“We wanted to make sure the impact didn’t end with the school,” she said. “This fund allows us to honor that legacy while continuing to meet the needs of future generations.”

Investing in Children, Strengthening Community

The fund supports programs and amenities that nurture whole-child development across Fergus Falls. Early grants and contributions have already made an impact, including support for the Fergus Falls Splash Pad (pictured left), Otter Cove Children’s Museum (pictured above), and scholarships through Dollars for Scholars. Additional grant rounds have funded initiatives focused on children’s development, helping expand access to enriching experiences for local families.

Investing in children, Sivertson noted, is one of the most effective ways to strengthen a community. “When kids have opportunities to grow physically, mentally, and socially, they become healthier, more confident, and connected. By investing in our youngest residents, we’re helping ensure a strong, resilient, and vibrant future for Fergus Falls.”

Community members are invited to support the fund and help extend its impact for generations to come. Donations can be made on the fund’s giving page.