The Montezuma Dollars for Scholars chapter presented scholarship awards to 36 seniors at the high school’s Senior Awards Night on Wednesday evening, May 16, 2007.
Some 17 awards were named scholarships, having been established some time ago. However, the awarding families have elected to pool their funds with the chapter’s other funds in order to benefit all recipients on an equal basis.
All scholarships, named or otherwise, will be in the same amount. That amount, between $150 and $200, will be determined in January of 2008. In order to claim their scholarship, the graduating seniors will have to turn in a transcript from the first grading period at the college or technical school they attend to Montezuma school or chapter officials.
Montezuma Dollars for Scholars is a locally-operated and supported, non-profit foundation. Operated by an all-volunteer board of directors, the purpose is to expand access to educational opportunities by involving and assisting the community in the support of students and educational achievement.
Money donated to Montezuma Dollars for Scholars is put into an interest-drawing endowment fund. The interest is used to fund the scholarships each year.Here are the 2007 recipients:
Haworth Family Award – Steven Johnson
Bob Fulton Memorial – Kory Gabriel
Harriett McKee Memorial – Jillena Meyer
Larry Schroedter Memorial - Patrick Mahaffey
Glen & Irene Ross Memorial – Jenna White
Gordon Braley Memorial – Jadrien Schmidt
Mary Ferguson Memorial – Robert Widmer
Poweshiek Board of Realtors – Deidra Lowry, Jenna Durr
Jeff Spain Memorial – Kyle Ross
Bill Arendt Memorial – Alan Bolen
Dorothy Sharer Memorial – Kelsie Sheets
Keith Watts Memorial – Luke Thompson, Kayla Freeborn
Berniece Watts Memorial – Jessica Sutfin, Katie Freeborn
Betty Schmidt Memorial – E. John Bustos
The remainder of the Dollars for Scholars awardees:
Nathaniel Kaiser, Porter Burtlow, Taryn Heishman, Samantha McCombs, Morgan Berstler, Monica Bender, Cory Ferguson, Brittney Shaull, Kyler Kudart, Michael Johnston, Derek Winchell, Nickalena Monk, Chelsey Sutfin, Krista Urfer, Stacey Hoksbergen, Brittany Audas, Wesley Henry, Chad Sutfin, Jeri Koch.
What is Montezuma Dollars for Scholars?
Montezuma Dollars for Scholars is a locally-operated and supported, non-profit, tax-exempt scholarship foundation. Operated by an all-volunteer board of directors, the purpose is to expand access to educational opportunities by involving and assisting our community in the support of students and in the encouragement of educational achievement.
The Citizen’s Scholarship Foundation of Montezuma Community Schools is a chapter affiliate of ScholarshipAmerica, Inc., a nationally-recognized non-profit student aid service organization.
Why is Dollars for Scholars so important?
Rising costs are closing doors to higher education for many individuals in our community. Through Dollars for Scholars we have the opportunity to make a strong, collective statement about the importance of education beyond high school. We can provide both encouragement and financial support for local students.
How are funds for local awards provided?
Each year our community is invited to demonstrate our support for our local students through a variety of fund-raising activities. Funds also come from the generous support of local businesses, service organizations and individuals who desire to sponsor scholarships in their name.
For those who wish to establish endowed scholarships, Montezuma Dollars for Scholars may be named as a beneficiary in wills and insurance policies or receive gifts of property.
Who may apply for a scholarship?
Dollars for Scholars believes any sincere and determined person should have the opportunity to continue his or her education after graduation. Scholarships can be for two-year, four-year or for vocational and technical colleges. Graduates of Montezuma High School are eligible to apply.
How are local scholarships awarded?
By completing a common application form, students become eligible for local awards. Graduating MHS seniors receive a cash award upon submission of their first semester grade transcript from the school they attend.
Money donated to Montezuma Dollars for Scholars is put into an interest-drawing endowment fund. The interest is used to fund the scholarships each year. There is currently more than $100,000 in the endowment, with the amount growing all the time.
How can I help?
Anyone in the community can help Montezuma Dollars for Scholars in two ways:
Make a contribution: We encourage you to give as generously as you can, but be assured that any and all gifts are appreciated. Your contribution of $10, $100, or $1,000 reflects your pride in our students and your commitment to the ongoing education of the young people of our community.
Share your time, your skills and your ideas: We invite you to help with any of our fund-raising events throughout the year.
We also invite you to share any ideas you have for new approaches to encouraging community participation in Dollars for Scholars.
Together, through Montezuma Dollars for Scholars, we have an opportunity to invest in our greatest resource, our youth. Together, we really can make a difference.
Montezuma Dollars for Scholars
P.O. Box 580
Montezuma, Iowa 50171
(641) 623-3333