Local dollars will go to local scholars on Sunday

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

Fifty-seven area graduating seniors will be getting a little recognition and a little financial boost on Sunday.

The soon-to-be local graduates will receive more than $41,000 in scholarships at Charles City Dollars for Scholars awards night at Trinity United Methodist Church. The annual ceremony, scheduled to start at 6 p.m., highlights students and rewards them with various scholarships for their post-high school education.

“We give scholarships out to some kids who don’t get any from anywhere else,” said Kim Wendel of Dollars for Scholars.

In fact, last year every student who applied received a scholarship. Wendel said that’s been the case since Dollars for Scholars began in Charles City in the spring of 1996.

“Up to this point, we’ve been able to award a scholarship to every student who has completely filled out an application,” she said.

Scholarship amounts will range from $500 to $2,500 this year, and they will go to any student participating in any post-secondary educational endeavor — four-year colleges, community colleges, beautician schools, mechanic schools, online courses, etc. The money isn’t distributed until the second semester post-high school.

Money is raised by way of donations from local individuals and businesses in the community. Wendel said there are more than 30 different donors, and there are also memorials and scholarships. The group holds a “mail-a-thon” fundraiser each year and also raises money from a “Dining for Dollars” event.

“We’re able to run because of the community,” Wendel said. “We’ve got a lot of great donors who have been involved for many years.”

Students interested in receiving one of the scholarships go through an application process which includes their grades, work experience, volunteer experience and activities that they’re involved in at school. They also submit an essay and mention any unusual circumstances that might affect them, along with references.

Scholar applications are then scored. Students get points for grades, ACT scores, community service, school involvement, and on a need basis.

Wendel said the applicants are scored anonymously — those doing the scoring don’t see the students’ names.

“We have no clue who we’re ranking,” she said. “We just found out Monday who was getting the scholarships this year.”

Recent graduate Tait Arndt will be the alumni speaker at the event on Sunday and Ryan Venz will be the donor speaker.

After the awards are distributed, there will be a cake reception, where the graduates and their families can meet and talk with many of the donors.

Last year $42,800 in scholarships were shared among Floyd County students who applied, ranging in amounts from $250 to $2,500.