Dr. Stuart Openlander memorial
In a continuing memorial to Dr. Stuart Openlander, St. Johns Kiwanis has announced application availability for the awarding of three $1,500 scholarships.
It is the 20th consecutive year the club has awarded the Openlander grants. The scholarships, designed for a select group of students attending St. Johns High School and home school programs, was named in honor of Dr. Openlander for his particular interest in scholars who exerted special efforts to achieve. Over the years, 53 students have been granted this special recognition.
Applicants must be entering their senior year of studies, underscored by examples of involvement in community service, positive personal activities and character. Students may obtain information and application details beginning April 11 at the high school counseling office or on line at www.stjohns.edzone.net.
According to Kiwanian Laura Mullaney, scholarship chair, applicants will be asked to complete a short essay on how community service has been an inspiring endeavor and how that experience will be used in the future. Applications must be completed and returned by May 6, 2011.
The awarding process involves a select committee of St. Johns Kiwanis members which reviews all applications. Recipients are determined through the review procedure and the names of those selected will be announced in late May and notified by school officials.
Dr. Openlander was a long-time educator and founder of the St. Johns Kiwanis club. His interest in students who overcame academic challenges was inspirational to the origin of the scholarship. The merit of that attention provided stimulus for the St. Johns Kiwanis Club to honor his memory with this unique form of student recognition.