April 15
Grass is greening, buds are budding and students across the county are scouring the land for scholarship opportunities. It’s but another rite of spring!
A local scholarship that has been around for 21 years is a tribute in memoriam to Dr. Stuart Openlander, a long time educator and founder of St. Johns Kiwanis.
Each year St. Johns Kiwanis awards three $1,500.00 grants to a select group of students attending St. Johns High School and home school programs in the district.
Over the years, 56 students have benefitted from the scholarship and all have been honored for having achieved through special and dedicated effort. Dr. Openlander was a champion of students who displayed purpose to overcome educational challenges and his special caring has given singular objectives in awarding annual grants.
Applicants must be in their senior year of studies, underscored by examples of involvement in community service, positive personal activities and character. Students interested in applying for the Openlander Scholarship may obtain information and details at the high school counseling office.
Marilyn Thelen, Kiwanis scholarship chair, explained that applicants will be asked to complete a short essay on how community service has been an inspiring endeavor and how they see that experience assisting them in the future.
Applications must be completed and returned to the counseling office by April 15, 2012.
The awarding process involves a 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. Winners will be notified by school officials.