Local scholarships are available to assist graduating high school seniors with the cost of college. Today we highlight scholarships offered by Ruth C. Kaplan Trust, Bob’s Advanced Auto & Tire, Kim Ferrari Memorial, Bank of Pontiac, Coal City Alumni Memorial, Ed Rashke Memorial and Kendall-Grundy Community Action
Academic achievement and involvement in school activities are the main qualifications for receiving the Ruth C. Kaplan Scholarship. The financial awards are made possible through a trust established in memory of Ruth C. Kaplan and administered by the Coal City School District. Since 1988, CCHS has provided the awards based on interest earned from the trus.Applicants must include two letters of recommendation and an essay. Completed applications are due by April 11.
Bob and Debbie Davis support the community in many ways and one of those is with the Bob’s Advanced Auto & Tire Scholarship. The $1,000 award is presented in the spring to assist a Coal City High School graduate with the cost of earning a college degree at an approved/accredited college or university. Applications are due April 14.
The Kim Ferrari Memorial Scholarship was established by Kim’s family and friends in recognition of her entrepreneurial spirit. The $500 scholarship seeks to assist Coal City High School graduates interested in pursuing a degree in business. Applicants must be accepted to an approved/accredited college or university and be a full-time student. In order to be considered for the financial award a student must submit a completed application by April 14, including a letter of recommendation and essay.
Bank of Pontiac annually offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors. This year, the financial institution is offering two scholarships, one for a student majoring in business and the other to a student studying in the field of agriculture. Both are $1,500 and election is based on financial need, achievement and class standing. Applications are due April 15.
The Coal City Alumni Memorial Scholarship was established to accept donations in memory of deceased alumni of the Coal City School District and to perpetuate their memory by providing funds to make higher education possible to graduating seniors at Coal City High School. The recipient will be selected on the basis of scholastic ability, leadership and financial need. Applicants need to provide a statement on the topic of “How do you feel about service to your fellow man?” Applications are due April 17.
In 1986, Coal City High School was granted funds by the late Ed Rashe to provide Coaler graduates with scholarships. The funds were placed into a trust and the interest is used to assist a deserving graduate to cover the cost of their future education. Rashke was a teacher and coach at the school from 1934-1944, and the funds presented in his memory go to a student athlete who has earned at least two varsity letters and has a demonstrated record of academic achievement and leadership in their school and community. Applications must be received by April 17.
Kendall-Grundy Community Action is offering scholarships to income eligible students enrolling in an accredited Illinois educational institution. The financial award is offered through the Community Services Block Grant Scholarship that is funded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Scholarships may be used for tuition and fees, textbooks, supplies or room and board.Eligibility guidelines can be obtained at https://www.kendallhealth.org/community-action/#scholar
The deadline to apply is April 19.
Additional information and applications for these and other local scholarships are available on the Coal City School District website at www.coalcityschools.org. Visit the student link on the top of the high school page and click on the local scholarship link within the Student Services tab.