Scholarship opportunities open to WHS seniors and graduates

The Wasco Community Scholarship Association is now taking applications for its annual scholarship awards and invites seniors and alumni of Wasco High School who are pursuing post-secondary education to apply.

It is expected that four-year university and college scholarship winners will receive $1,500, and two-year college and trade or technical school scholarship winners will receive $700.

The number of scholarships granted and the dollar amount per award will depend on the number of qualified applicants and available funds.

To qualify, high school seniors and/or entering college freshmen must have at least a "C+" (2.5) grade point average for the first seven semesters of high school. To receive a scholarship, they must be registered for a minimum of 12 college units or full-time course load at an appropriate trade or technical school.

University and college students must have no less than a "C" (2.0) grade point average for all completed semesters or quarters, and all students must carry a minimum of 12 units or equivalent full-time course load for the duration of the scholarship year.

The choice of recipients of all scholarships will be decided by the Board of Directors of the WCSA.

Application material requirements include a completed WCSA application, essay, letter of recommendation and official academic transcript(s).

Completed applications must be postmarked by March 6.

WHS Principal Sunni Dobbs believes the scholarships are a way to celebrate those students that have demonstrated dedication to their academics.

"Wasco is proud of their students and the way they excel in various areas. The committee takes into consideration a student's academic commitment, but also their well-roundedness too."

She appreciates the community of Wasco that has donated to the scholarship fund.

"I am grateful for the many individuals and businesses that have contributed to this scholarship fund either in memory of a loved one or simply as a way to support the dreams of our local students. Investing in our students and their education impacts lives in a positive way. Our community is and has always been very generous."

Scholarship recipients will have doors of opportunity open for them.

"This scholarship helps to remove financial barriers that may prevent some students from attending post-high school education. Once they begin to gain more education, it opens their eyes to the possibilities that they can attain any goal they work for," Dobbs said.

Samantha Wymer, WHS career guidance technician, said, "It's great for the community of Wasco to continue to support their student's education. Our slogan at WHS is 'Educational Excellence for All,' and the scholarship falls in line with that by providing an amazing opportunity for these students to continue on their education. We want to encourage all the students that are eligible to apply."

For more information and to access the application, visit http://www.wascocommunityscholarship.org.