OSCEOLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Don’t forget to leave your tracks !”
LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP BOOKLET
Dr. Jenna S. Christensen, Counselor
Osceola Public Schools Osceola, Nebraska 68651
(402) 747-3121 x105
Application forms for these scholarships are found on the school website. Limited paper copies can be found outside the Counseling Office on the bulletin boards. Students are responsible for submitting applications by their due dates in the manner indicated by the scholarship descriptions. Due dates are subject to change and are the responsibility of the student to secure. Selection committees will make their decisions and most scholarships will be announced at “Honors Night.”
In addition to the local scholarships in this packet, students should check with high school and college departments for specialized scholarships: I. E. music, family consumer science, business, art, etc. Scholarship postings will be updated online on the school’s website. If you see something on there that doesn’t have an application, please let me know. If it isn’t on the website as an application, it will tell you where to find the application.
THE APPLICATION
A well-prepared application will go a long way toward making a good impression. A poorly written application can seriously hinder competitiveness. Scholarships should be typed. (Some committees won’t even look at a hand-written application.)
Be sure to complete all information on the application and to include your social security number. ACT scores and transcripts must come from the school office and may not be given directly to you. Secure all necessary signatures that the application requests.
Your application represents YOU to people who may have never met you. If it is neatly done, you will be judged accordingly. Careless erasures, ‘White-out’ corrections, and misspelled words leave a negative impression and may cost you a scholarship or grant. Presentation is everything. The student is expected to complete his/her own scholarship applications. It’s YOUR scholarship application.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Guides for requesting letters of recommendation are in the counselor’s office. It is helpful to give a resume of your activities, accomplishments, and future plans to your sponsor. Ask early--and ask if they can give you a good recommendation. Follow up by contacting them shortly before the due date and asking if they have sent the letter. Be sure you have filled out all information on the application which you are responsible and that you have included postage and addressed envelope--when necessary.
GENERAL FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION
In order to determine if a student is eligible for financial aid other than scholarships, a financial aid application form must be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov Some colleges will not give a student ANY scholarship money until this is done. Students who are playing sports in college must also do this as it could get you even more aid.
Please check with your intended college or university on their specific FAFSA filing date. There’s nothing worse than missing out on free money because you didn’t pay attention!!!
The most common types of financial aid aside from scholarships include:
~Pell Grants ~Work Study
~SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants)
~Educational Loans
INCLUDED IN THIS PACKET ARE THREE CATEGORIES OF LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS. PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH CATEGORY. All scholarships should be turned in to the counselor’s office by the deadline date unless otherwise noted.
The following list of scholarships is decided by the Osceola School Foundation. A student may apply for one or more of these with one application. On your application, you MUST indicate for which scholarship(s) you wish to be considered. Failure to do so will result in you not being considered for any of the scholarships.
THE OSCEOLA SCHOOL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
· Albert Ryan Trust Amount varies from $500-1,000. Based on overall excellence in academics, activities, and community service.
· Alaina Hegi Memorial Scholarship Given to a graduating senior who has been involved with community service, is excellent in grammar and spelling, may have a post-secondary major or minor in Spanish, and/or has service as a teacher’s aide.
· Bertha and Morris Dunn Memorial Scholarship This is a $500 given to a graduating senior to further his or her education.
· Dr. Clarence & Agnes Davis Scholarship Minimum of $250. Student must be entering the medical field.
· Glenda Coffin Scholarship Amount $250. Student must be planning to enter the field of music either performing or music education or therapy. Based on leadership, scholarship, character, and general potential in music.
· Mike & Nora Snodgrass Scholarship $500. Given to a student entering a health care program of study.
· Ken Sipes Memorial Scholarship Amount $500. Given to a graduating senior whose parents are/have been educators or to graduating seniors who are pursing a degree in education at a 2 (transfer program) or 4-year college. Original recipient will need to be continuing an educational degree at a 2 (transfer program) or 4-year college. Other considerations: average students who have a strong work ethic and who show promise in attaining a post-secondary education. Possibility of renewal in college if the scholarship is not given to another qualifying high school senior.
· Sandee M. Treadway Scholarship Amount $500 (tuition & fees) First priority is to a person entering the medical field, second priority to a person entering the teaching field. All applications will be considered.
All of the above scholarships are applied for through the OPS Foundation application and it is due no later than March 15th to the Counseling Office.
CATEGORY B SCHOLARSHIPS
THE SCHOLARSHIPS IN THIS CATEGORY WILL REQUIRE SEPARATE APPLICATIONS FOR EACH SCHOLARSHIP. AWARD AMOUNTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND ARE AT THE DESCRETION OF THE SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEES.
The M.G. Lindburg/Kosch Memorial Scholarship to Northeast Community College in Norfolk.
Applications are available online, as well as on the Scholarship boards by the Counseling Office. Please follow the instructions for submission of application, which can be found on the scholarship application itself. Due Date: February 1
Raymond & Esther Wagner Scholarship
Selected on a combination of scholarship, character and desire. Applications are on the school website, as well as on the scholarship boards outside the Counseling Office. Due date: March 1. Amount: $300. Mail completed scholarship application and letters of recommendation (in sealed and initialed envelopes) to the address listed on the application.
Evelyn Scholz Scholarship for Teaching
Offered on an annual basis in an amount of up to $5,000 to a past or present graduate of Osceola Public Schools for the purpose of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in teacher education at UNL, UNK, or UNO. See application online or outside the counselor’s office for complete guidelines. Due: March 15 to the school counselor.
Polk County Foundation Scholarship
Must be a senior residing in Polk County. Amount $500. Due March 15. Application available from counselor or on school’s website.
Leo Albers Scholarship
The total number and amount of scholarships varies with interest rates--usually 3-6 scholarships given. Amounts vary from $200 to 700. Deadline March 15.
Mildred Richmond Scholarship
Student must be going in to teaching. Application due March 15. Amount is $1,000 over a 4-year period of time.
The Olympic Spirit Scholarship
$1000 scholarship given to a “Shelby Area” graduating senior who exemplifies the Olympic Spirit by dedication, leadership, and academics. Due to the counselor by March 16.
York Area Chamber of Commerce & Corn Growers Agricultural Scholarship
Graduating Senior must reside in York County—amount $500. Due March 16th.
C E A Scholarship
A $50-200 scholarship, depending upon funds. Interested graduating seniors, both male and female, should write a letter to the committee. Contents of the letter: future plans and what they will do with the money if they are selected for the scholarship. Due March 16th to the Counseling Office.
Lost Island Agricultural Scholarship
$500 scholarship offered to graduating seniors in the Columbus area who are planning a career in agriculture at an institute of higher education. Application available in counselor’s office. Also need one letter of recommendation from a high school teacher who has taught you in your high school career. Applications due into the Counseling Office by March 17th.
Midwest Covenant Home Scholarship
Awarded to a student with at least a ‘C’ average who is entering the Healthcare field. Applications are due April 20th to the Counseling Office. Amount to be awarded: $250.
Grand Masonic Lodge #65
Goes to student going to college who best exemplifies good moral character and citizenship. Student follows Masonic Lodge scholarship sheet and is handed in to the Counseling Office by April 1. Amount varies.
American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship
The Osceola Chapter of the American Legion Auxiliary has a $100 scholarship with a deadline of April 1. The application is on EdLine and is to be mailed to the current president of the women’s auxiliary.
Order of the Eastern Star Scholarship
This scholarship is due April 1 to the president of the local Eastern Star. Applications are available online on the school’s website or on the scholarship board outside the Counseling Office. The scholarship is given each year to the student who best exemplifies good citizenship and high moral character.
Pinnacle Bank Scholarship.
One, $1000 scholarship to be awarded to students and to the school of choice. All seniors are eligible. Selection based upon grade point average (GPA), extra-curricular activities, and the overall quality of the submitted scholarship’s appearance. Deadline is April 7th and is due into the Counselor’s Office.
James M. Cox Foundation Scholarship
A need-based scholarship of $1000. This is open to residents of Polk, Merrick, Butler and 38 other counties. Must demonstrate financial need. Applications are due April 15th. Application is available on EdLine or from Counseling Office.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Christian Growth Scholarship
Applicant must be a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for a minimum of six (6) months. Applicants will be considered on the basis of church service, merit, and community service. Due April 15th to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Osceola, Nebraska.
Class of 1981 Bev (Schott) Vrbka Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is for a student graduating from Osceola HS who is in the top 50% of his or her class. Applicants will be judged on their athletic achievements for all four years of high school. Applications are due into the Counseling Office by April 15th.
Polk County Farm Bureau
Scholarship goes to a deserving graduating senior whose parent/parents are members of the Polk County Farm Bureau. Preference will be given to agricultural related studies but consideration will be given to each application. Due April 15th to Polk County Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 521, Osceola, NE 68651.
Osceola Lion’s Club Scholarship
Scholarship is awarded upon the discretion of the committee. Scholarship is given for second semester college expenses. Deadline April 15. Amount $500.
Rex Dake FFA Scholarship
For graduating seniors who are active in FFA. Application is on EdLine. Turn your application in to the counselor’s office by April 15th.
Osceola Wrestling Scholarship
Application due April 15th--amount varies.
Knights of Columbus Scholarship
Fill out an application, which you may secure from the display area. Hand in to counselor by April 16th.
Osceola Education Association (OEA) Scholarship
Amount $400 will be given to a graduating senior. Consideration will be given, but not limited to, students entering the education field. Application due April 15th.
PEO Book Scholarship
Given to a graduation female senior. Money to be used for book expense in college. Application due April 30th to counselor’s office.
Osceola Public Schools Alumni Association Scholarship
Awarded to a graduating senior. Application will be sent out by the Alumni Association and is to be mailed as instructed by May 10th. Must attend the banquet to receive the scholarship.
Osceola Good Samaritan Center
Scholarship amount varies ($100 to 200) but recipient must be an employee or former employee of Good Samaritan. Application is due August 1st for fall semester and December 15th for second semester. Send application to the Osceola Good Samaritan administrator.
CATEGORY C SCHOLARSHIPS
THE SCHOLARSHIPS IN THIS CATEGORY ARE AVAILABLE TO OSCEOLA PUBLIC SCHOOL GRADUATING SENIORS. THEY REQUIRE NO APPLICATION. AWARDS WILL BE BASED UPON A COMMITTEE’S DECISIONS.
Superintendent Virgil Bugbee Scholarship for Citizenship
Valued at $200, tuition & fees. Scholarship will be based on good citizenship and good character.
W.W. Norton Scholarship (Male) & Catherine Norton Scholarship (Female)
Valued at $100 each.
Based on overall excellence. These are given to one boy and one girl selected from outstanding students who have also excelled in extra curricular activities. Equal consideration is given to academic and activity achievement.
Jean Peterson Award for Math
$100 awarded to any high school student who has made significant improvement and understanding of math. Need not be a senior. Money is held in foundation until student goes on to post secondary education. Selection each year by math department.
David M. Winslow Scholarship
Awarded to a student continuing education in a vocational or technical field. Amount $300.
Midland Products Inc. Scholarship
Awarded to a student who is majoring in a degree in education or teaching. Amount $300.
Russell Snygg Scholarship
Scholarship awarded to a male student who has strived for excellence both in the classroom and in the athletic realm. He must be planning on pursuing a college education in coaching or teaching. Not awarded each year and subject to availability of funds.
John & Frances Inness Scholarship
Open to any boy or girl who has the desire and is pursuing a degree in Agriculture and Conservation. Recipient is expected to attend an agricultural college to pursue a major in conservation in the areas of soil, water, trees, and wild life or other related fields. Student applies by writing a letter telling the committee about their plans for college and their aspiration for the use of the award. Due April 15th. Amount $100.