SCHOLARSHIP GUIDE
MT. OLIVE
HIGH SCHOOL
2016-2017
Mrs. Janelle Kozsdiy, Counselor
217-999-4231 ext. 106
INTRODUCTION
This packet includes a listing and brief summary of scholarships. This is not intended to be a list of all scholarships available to Mt. Olive High School Seniors. I have included local,regional, state, national, and institutional scholarships. As days and weeks go by, more of these are added, and requirements and deadlines are updated, so keep checking with me, our school website, and the college bulletin board. For a more complete listing of the regional, state, and national scholarships, I recommend the following FREE scholarship search on the internet: Please pay close attention to requirements and deadlines.
While MOHS believes that all of the information contained herein is accurate at the time of publication, MOHS will not take responsibility for incorrect information or missed deadlines. In the main body of the book, the scholarships are listed by the due date. It is common for these dates to change from one school year to the next, so we recommend double-checking the due date.
I wish you all success in your academic future, and hope that some of the scholarships described in this packet will become at least a partial answer to you and your parent’s quest for financial assistance for the cost of your college education. Good Luck!
Reminder: An (*) behind the deadline date is based on last year’s deadline. Check ALL scholarships for potential requirement or deadline changes.
FINANCIAL AID WEBSITES
– customized scholarship search; largest & most popular student resource website
– college major quiz, search colleges, careers, scholarships
– free scholarship database, sign up and complete personal profile
– Federal Student Aid Programs website
– Financial aid information page; includes aid estimator and scholarship search.
- lists and describes scholarships offered by individual colleges and universities to all enrolled students meeting specific criteria.
– scholarships, including many for ethnic groups and minorities.
– college and scholarship search
– a list of scholarships from around the country.
- database contains over 600.000 awards totaling over $1.6 billion.
- choice of majors, careers, links to colleges, scholarship search.
– scholarship search, student loans
–enter for $2500 scholarship drawing, additional scholarships offered by ChristianColleges.
– scholarship searches, college searches, and information on majors
– scholarships, college majors, career information
– contains college loan and scholarship information
- To figure out how to pay for college, the College Board offers an interactive
College Financing Calculator at
APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
- START EARLY
Extracurricular activities that highlight your strengths and involvement in the community are all things that are important to those who make scholarship decisions. Get involved early.
- SEARCH FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
A couple of hours a week in the library or at the computer will help you learn about hundreds of scholarships and assess those for which you might qualify. Local scholarship information is available in this scholarship guide and through the Guidance Office. The Financial Aid Office at the colleges you have applied is another great resource for scholarships.
- APPLY, APPLY, APPLY
Apply for as many scholarships as you think you may be qualified for. You never know unless you try.
- PLAN AHEAD
It takes time to get transcripts and letters of recommendation. Don’t wait until the last minute.
- BE ORGANIZED
Keep all relevant information in one place so you can review deadlines and requirements often.
- FOLLOW DIRECTIONS
Fill out forms correctly, don’t miss deadlines, supply all requested information, and proofread.
SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY GUIDE
Master the Basics
Pay attention to details for a high quality essay.
Get Organized
Brainstorm to generate some good ideas and then create an outline to help you get started.
Demonstrate originality and creativity
To catch the attention of a panel of scholarship judges, find a hook that will get the reader interested right away.
Show, don’t tell
For example, if you’re describing an activity you participated in; don’t describe it in general terms. Be specific! What affect did it have on your life or the lives of others? What duties did you perform?
Develop a theme that fits the scholarship
What sort of student is the sponsor looking for? Include elements in your essay that complement the sponsor’s expectations (without pretending to be someone you aren’t).
Turn in a professional-looking essay
Write a second draft to catch mistakes and better organize your thoughts. Type and double-space your essay. Check spelling and grammar. Also, share your essay with a friend, family, or teacher for another proofread.
I don’t know what to write about?
Take the intimidation out of writing the essays by turning your achievements, goals and interests into topics:
Personal Achievements
Remember to personalize your experience. For example, what makes the volunteer and community service you’ve performed unique? Do you still keep in touch with anyone you’ve helped? Talk about specific interactions you may have had with others. How did you influence their lives? How did your achievements reflect your values? Why are your achievements important to you? Remember that judges want to hear from you as a person, not your resume.
Academic Plans and Possible Major
Instead of saying, “Math is my favorite subject,” discuss a specific assignment or project that you worked on that sparked your interest and why. Avoid saying that you selected a major or career path to “help people”. What specific actions can you take to improve the lives of others? Discuss specific values or ideas you want to develop once you get to college.
Background and Influences
Is there a person you wish to emulate with your chosen major or career path? Someone who encouraged you to succeed? Focus on specific qualities or actions that the person has inspired in you. Think about your friends and family, community, and the things you’ve learned outside of the classroom. Pick specific people, incidents and learning experiences to write about that will let your personality come through.
BE AWARE OF SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS
Don’t pay for help to find money to pay for college. Telemarketers and advertised financial aid seminars are making attempts to get students and parents to pay for financial aid advice and scholarship searches. Financial aid advice is free, so never give in to their high pressure tactics or to any of the following claims:
“The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.”
“You can’t get this information anywhere else.”
“I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship.”
“We’ll do all the work for you.”
“The scholarship will cost some money.”
“You’ve been selected by a National foundation to receive a scholarship”, or “you’re a finalist” in a contest you never entered.
“Buy now or miss this opportunity for available scholarships.”
There are several websites offering assistance in completing and filing the FAFSA for a fee. Don’t do it! Free assistance is provided by the financial aid offices at colleges and universities, by the US Government at and by me, your guidance counselor and a representative from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
The Federal Trade Commission urges you to avoid doing business with any possible fraudulent companies charging for financial aid advice
SCHOLARSHIPS
LOCAL
American Legion Post 436 George R. Hutton ScholarshipMarch31
$500
Criteria: school, community, church activities, and financial need
Applications are available in the Guidance Office.
Barbara Cullom Nursing Scholarship April 22
$1,000, renewable
This scholarship is for a senior pursuing a nursing degree. The applicant must have a minimum
3.0 GPA, and submit a copy of their college acceptance letter with the completed application by the deadline date. Applications are available in the Guidance Office.
Bob Price Memorial Scholarship March 31
$500 - $1,000
Applicant must major in criminal justice, fire science, or public safety. Applications are available
in the Guidance Office after the first of the year.
Community Memorial Hospital Ladies Auxiliary ScholarshipApril 21(*)
$1,000
Application includes a letter written to the Ladies Auxiliary of Community Memorial
Hospital indicating chosen field of healthcare, degree and why, the name of the college or
University the student will be attending, and long term goals and objectives. Also include a
transcript, recommendation letters, extra-curricular activities, leadership roles, and community
service. Applications are available in the Guidance Office.
Delta Tau Sorority Medical ScholarshipApril 1
$500
Applicant must be pursuing a career in the medical field.
Criteria: academic abilities, community service, leadership, strong character.
Applications are available in the Guidance Office.
Edward & Rose Boettcher Education Trust ScholarshipApril 1
$500 - $1500
Preference will be given to a senior pursuing a degree in Home Economics, Mathematics,
Science, or Education and who demonstrates outstanding academic scholarship. Students pursuing other majors are encouraged to apply as well.
Applications are available in the Guidance Office.
Elsie Hubert Band Scholarship
$400May 1
Criteria: must be a senior member of the Mt.OliveHigh School band, demonstrate
outstanding instrument proficiency, dedication and service to the band.
Applications are available from the band teacher and the guidance office.
Emergency Medical Services for Children Region IV Scholarship May 22(*)
$500 (2)
This scholarship is for a student pursuing a career in any healthcare field. Applicants must complete
the application, write a short essay, show proof of admission to college, submit 2 recommendation
letters, provide proof of residency in Region IV. Applications are available in the Guidance Office.
Family Service Center Scholarship April 29(*)
$1,000 (2)
This scholarship is for a senior who has been adopted or in foster care. Qualifying applicants must reside in Macoupin, Morgan, Mason, Logan, Menard, Christian, Montgomery, or Sangamoncounty.
An essay about education plan and a recommendation from the counselor or principal must be included with the application. Download the application from the website:
Call 217-528-8406 for more information.
Illinois Electric Coop Memorial Scholarship (MJM Electric Cooperative)December 31
8 - $1,500 (2 - $1,000 - MJM Scholarship Program)
Parents must be receiving service from the Illinois Electric Cooperative and /or be the
child of an Illinois Electric Cooperative employee. Same application for both scholarships.
Criteria: GPA, ACT, work experience, volunteer experience, school and community
activities, biographical statement, essay on an Electric Cooperatives topic.
Applications are available in the Guidance Office, or apply online at
Illinois Sheriff’s Association Scholarship – Macoupin CountyMarch 15(*)
$500
Applicant must attend a college in Illinois, be enrolled full-time during the school year. Required: completed application, 350 word essay, copy of ACT score report, proof of college acceptance, and transcript. Applications will be available at in January (keep checking for availability)
James Roger Kernich Memorial ScholarshipApril 24
$500
Criteria: academic scholarship, community service, leadership, especially in church related
activities, biographical statement including purpose of attending college, vocation intentions,
and specific church related activities. Applications are available in the Guidance Office.
Louis & Temple MarschScholarhshipApril 1
Full tuition, renewable
Criteria: student must study engineering or a related scientific field.Transcript and reference
letters are required. Applications are available in the Guidance Office.
Macoupin County Agriculture Education Foundation ScholarshipMarch 18(*)
(1) $1500 (2) $1000 (7) $500
Applicant must major in agriculture or a field related to agriculture. Applicants will be judged
on academics, activities, leadership, professional goals, financial need, references. Submit along
with the application, a parent’s statement, two teacher references, counselor reference, and transcript.
Applications are available in the Guidance Office
Madison Communications Company Scholarship March 1
$2500
Applicant /parent must be a customer of Madison Communications’ services (phone, high
speed Internet, or cable tv) and complete an application form, provide 7th semester transcript,
write a 300-word essay, provide a letter of recommendation, All forms and guidelines are available by clicking on
Mother Jones Jubilee ScholarshipApril 15
$250
Preference will be given to the descendant of a coal miner.
Requirements: biographical statement including purpose of attending college and vocational intentions.
Criteria: academic abilities, leadership, community service
Applications are available in the Guidance Office.
Mt. Olive High School Academic Merit Scholarship
$3,500 each (1 or 2 may be awarded)April 15
Criteria: academic scholarship, majoring in engineering or medical field
Requirements: completed application, essay, 2 recommendation letters, transcript
Applications are available in the Guidance Office.
Mt. Olive High School Memorial Scholarship May 1
$1,000
Applicants should rank in the top 10 of their senior class by the end of the seventh semester.
The primary purpose of this award is to recognize academic achievement, citizenship,
and career aspirations. The applicant must submit a completed application, an essay
describing career goals, interests, and reasons for choosing their field of study, a written
recommendation from the guidance counselor, principal, or a teacher, and an official transcript.
Applications are available in the Guidance Office.
Mt. Olive Knights of Columbus ScholarshipMay 1
$500
Criteria: senior must exemplifies the principles of faith, charity and service. Judging will
be based upon academic performance, leadership abilities, and involvement in school,
community, and church activities.
Applications are available in the Guidance Office.
Mt. Olive Veteran’s ScholarshipMay 1
2 - $500 (renewable for 4 year and 2 year colleges)
Preference will be given to a child/grandchild/sibling of a veteran, any college bound senior is
encouraged to apply.
Criteria: academic achievement, financial need, plans to attend a 2 or 4-year college.
Applications are available in the Guidance Office.
Patrick B. Heise Memorial Healthcare Scholarship April 21(*)
$1,000
Application includes a letter to the Community Memorial Hospital Foundation Board indicating
the student’s intended healthcare field and degree and why, long term goals and objectives, and the college or university the student will be attending. Include transcript, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service.
Applications are available in the Guidance Office.
Selma J. Hartke Community Foundation ScholarshipFebruary 28
Amount to be determined, renewable - Macoupin & Montgomery Co. residents only.
All majors will be considered…so apply! Finalists will be interviewed.
Criteria: Financial need (must include a copy of your FAFSA report), GPA, rank, ACT, transcript, activities, awards, community service, church involvement, and a 300 – 500 word essay which describes your goals and ambitions. Applications are available in the Guidance Office.
Touchdown Club/Jaguar Junior Football Scholarship April 15
$500
Requirements: Applicant must have participated in Jaguar Football throughout 8th grade, and
4 years of high school football. Submit the required application and a 250 word essay discussing
“What has your Jaguar Football and High School Football experience meant to you”.
Applications are available in the Guidance Office.
Tri-County Beauty Academy (Litchfield)
$1,000May 1
This scholarship is for a student pursuing a career in cosmetology at the Tri-County Beauty
Academy in Litchfield, enrolling in the summer class only.
Required: complete the application and write a 200 word essay entitled “Why I Want a
Career in Cosmetology.”
Applications should be available in the Guidance Office in January.
Walter E. Miller Memorial ScholarshipMay 1
$500
This grant will be given to a student who demonstrates outstanding academic ability, strong
character and who plans to pursue a career in the field of agriculture.
Applications are available in the Guidance Office.
SCHOLARSHIPS
REGIONAL and STATE
AITCOY (Association of IL Township Committee’s on Youth Scholarship) April 18 (*)
$500
This scholarship is for seniors majoring in social work, counseling, psychology, youth recreation, youth prevention, or sociology. Applicant must have a B average and demonstrate community involvement. Application includes a 100 word essay describing educational goal, 2 letters of reference and a transcript. Applications are available in the Guidance Office after February 20.
CBAI Foundation for Community Banking Annual Scholarship ProgramFeb 1
$1000 (up to 4 years)
Requires finding a CBAI member bank sponsor. List of banks potentially participating available in the Guidance Office. Requires writing an essay, and possible presentation.
Carlinville Area Hospital AuxiliaryMarch 1
$1000 (two $500 payments: Initial $500 when recipient enters college, then the second $500 will be awarded upon the second semester while maintaining a 3.0 GPA). Applicants must be getting a degree in the medical field from an accredited college or university, and must have maintained a GPA of 3.5 or above through junior year. Applications are available in the Guidance office.
Farm Credit Agriculture Scholarships Feb 28
$1,000 (20)
Applicant must major in agriculture or related field, complete application online, print, sign, and mail along with essay, 1 recommendation letter and a transcript. Univ. of IL college of ACES will match the $1,000 scholarship. Applications will be available in January at:
Golden Apple Scholars Program of Illinois Nomination deadline = December 1
Teacher Education Recruitment program for talented students who want to become teachers.
Scholars agree to teach for 5 years in an Illinois school of need.
$2500 for year 1 and year 2
$5000 for year 3 and year 4
$2000 for the Summer Institute per summer
$23,000 total financial assistance package
Applicants must be nominated by their high school counselor, principal, or teacher.
More information is available in the Guidance Office. Applications will be sent to nominated students.
Heneghan and Associates ScholarshipApril 3 (*)
$250.00
College major – Engineering, Surveying, Mathematics
Applications are available in the Guidance Office after January 1.
IEA/NEA Future Teacher Scholarship ProgramDecember 4
Students pursuing a career in the teaching field who are the children of IEA/NEA members,
are eligible to apply. Recipients must commit to 1 year of teaching in Illinois.