Santa Rosa Sunrise Memorial Scholarships

SANTA ROSA SUNRISE ROTARY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

SCHOLARSHIP BACKGROUND

The Intent of the Memorial Scholarship is to financially assist a deserving high school senior with the will to succeed. This was typified by Michael Scott DeSheilds, Montgomery High School, class of 1984.

In May of 1986, Michael Scott DeSheilds was the victim of a tragic motorcycle accident, which took his life, before having the opportunity to attend college and pursue his goals. Michael was a well-rounded high school student who lived and loved life. His grades were above average, but not high enough to receive the attention of most college scholarships. Yet, he had broad interests and the will and determination to succeed in education and in life.

It is our intent to affirm our faith in those young people who “demonstrate” a respect for others, and a willingness to work hard to attain their goals, even in the face of adversity.

In memory of Michael, this scholarship is dedicated and presented with the hope that, perhaps just one person, given this opportunity, will make a difference by contributing to the advancement of international understanding and peace.

SCHOLARSHIP BACKGROUND AND CRITERIA

Michael’s parents, and the members of the Santa Rosa Sunrise Rotary Club, established a memorial scholarship fund for a graduating high school senior in Sonoma County. This $1,000 scholarship is for the student’s continuing education at a vocational school, junior college, or university. To receive the scholarship the student must be enrolled at the institution of choice.

The individual applying for this scholarship must be an above average student, and share Michael’s view on the importance of balance between “school” and “community.” Special consideration will be given to the student, who has had a personal or family adversity, and has prevailed, and maintained a minimum of a “B” average.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply for the Memorial Scholarship, you will need to supply a photocopy of your most recent grade report, a brief statement about yourself and your goals (personal and professional), and describe how you meet the criteria. Please express yourself in a way that demonstrates there is more to life than just a business or career.

Your application must include supporting information, including a description of the community service in which you have been engaged, and a discussion of the personal adversity you have overcome. Your address, email and telephone number must be included.

In addition, you will need to include a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor from a school, church or other organization. This letter must support your statements and include the name of the organization, and the name, address and phone number of the person writing the letter.

Questions should be addressed to: ross@yahoo.com and the applications is to be postmarked between March 15 and April 15 of the year of high school graduation. No photocopies of other applications will be considered.

Mail to: Santa Rosa Sunrise Rotary

c/o Ross Andress

385 Baile De Ciervos

Santa Rosa CA 95403

LINK TO APPLICATION DOWNLOAD