As we continue to highlight various scholarships available to graduating seniors, today we feature the Coal City High School Student Council, Dennis Neary Memorial. Grundy County Law Enforcement Managers Association, CCUEA Teachers, Kessler-Wharrie Memorial, Suzanne Cassani Memorial, Touchdown Club. Constellation, Coal City Athletic Boosters, Amiee Gerhardt and Donald L. Pfeifer Memorial Scholarships.
Each year the Coal City High School Student Council presents two $250 scholarships to graduating seniors who have demonstrated leadership, scholastic ability, are of good character, and who have been involved in school and community activities. Applications are due April 22.
Named in honor of its late police chief, the Coal City Police Department presents the Dennis M. Neary Memorial Scholarship to a graduating senior enrolling as a full-time student in an institute of higher learning with a focus on criminal justice. Applicants must complete the application form, submit and essay and provide three references. Applications are due April 18.
The Grundy County Law Enforcement Managers Association will present $2,000 in scholarships to 2025 graduates. Those selected for the financial awards will be students attending a college or university as a full-time student in a degree bound program preferably related to criminal justice or law enforcement. The ideal applicant is one that has a proven record of work ethic, interest in their community and public service. Completed applications are due by April 18.
To promote education and training in the field of elementary, middle and secondary education, the Coal City Community Unit Education Association [CCUEA] established a scholarship to assist future educators with the cost of obtaining a degree. CCUEA, the union that represents the school district’s certified staff, provides up to $500 annually to graduating seniors and/or alumni enrolled in a program of study that will result in a teaching certificate. Completed application forms are due April 22.
The Kessler and Wharrie families established a scholarship to honor the memories of their families by providing funds for individuals pursuing a career in the trades—automotive, construction, electricians. Selection will be made by the family and based on a student’s moral character and passion for their chosen field of study. Applications are due by April 22.
Established in memory of Suzanne Cassani, the scholarship in her name serves to assist graduating seniors entering the medical field with a $500 scholarship. The Cassani Family annually hands out two awards to students who are strong academically and have been accepted into a medical program at a college or university. Applications are due April 22.
The Coal City Touchdown Club honors senior players with its annual scholarship. Eligible recipients are those who have played football all four years for the Coalers and are enrolling as a full-time student in a college, trade or technical school. Two $500 scholarships will be available in 2025. Scholarship applications are due April 24.
The Aimee Gerhardt Memorial Scholarship was established by her aunt and uncle, Debbie and Bob Davis, to honor the memory of a young woman who lived life as if everyday were her last. Aimee passed away in 2018 after a short battle with rhabdomyosarcoma. The $1,000 scholarship in her name is presented to up to two Coal City High School seniors on the basis of being a well rounded student who demonstrates leadership, work ethic, integrity, perseverance, passion for others, commitment with a purpose and a significant commitment of volunteer service to the community. An essay on the topic of creating a better world and two letters of recommendation are required along with a completed application. Submissions are due by April 30.
The Coal City Athletic Boosters offer scholarships to graduating seniors who have participated in an athletic program all four years of high school. To be considered for a financial award the applicant must have a cumulative gpa of 3.0 or higher and have applied and expect to attend a post secondary institute following high school. Additionally, applicants must provide a letter of recommendation from a coach and submit an essay on the topic of their most memorable event as a Coal City varsity athlete. Additional requirements must be met and are listed on the scholarship application that is due by April 30.
The family of Donald L.Pfeifer, Sr. created a scholarship in his memory to assist a graduating senior or alum of Coal City High School with the cost of obtaining a degree in nursing. Applicants are asked to provide the family with a short explanation of why they want to pursue a career in medicine. Applications are due May 2.
Constellation Energy annually recognizes a graduating senior with a financial award to assist in their future studies in a technical, science or engineering field at a community college, university or similar institution of higher learning. Applicants are required to include two letters of recommendation and an essay on their high school experience with their application that is due on April 24.
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.