Deer Park Dollars for Scholars Awards More Than $18,000 in Scholarships to Local Graduates

Seventeen local graduates received 22 scholarships totaling $18,232.55 through Deer Park Dollars for Scholars from May 27 to June 5, helping students from Deer Park High School, Deer Park Achievement School, and Home Link continue their educational journeys.

Founded in 2001, Deer Park Dollars for Scholars is a locally-supported chapter of Scholarship America. Operated by community volunteers, the nonprofit organization raises scholarship funds to help local students pursue higher education. Organizers said dollars raised in the Deer Park area stay in the Deer Park area, directly benefiting local graduates.

According to Stacey Lewis, president of Deer Park Dollars for Scholars and scholarship chairperson, the program is designed to give students multiple opportunities to earn financial assistance while simplifying the application process.

"Graduating seniors from Deer Park High School, Deer Park Achievement School, and Home Link are eligible to apply for scholarships," Lewis said. "Utilizing the Scholarship America application, students can apply for our local scholarships and use that same application for a variety of other scholarships in the Scholarship America network."

Lewis said students complete an online application that includes information about work experience, extracurricular activities, leadership involvement, academic achievement, goals and aspirations, and any unusual circumstances that may have affected them. A reference and transcript are also required. Financial need may be considered through information provided on the FAFSA.

"Each of these sections is scored, and these scores are how students are selected for scholarships," Lewis explained, adding that scholarship opportunities are made possible through donations from local individuals, families, businesses, and organizations. Lewis said donors can establish criteria that reflect the purpose of their scholarship, allowing the program to recognize a wide variety of student achievements and experiences.

"One scholarship may put more emphasis on goals and unusual circumstances, while another may focus on activities and academics," Lewis said. "This method allows us to help many different students in our community have an opportunity to receive a local scholarship."

Some scholarships have unique eligibility requirements, she said. For example, recipients of the Horizon Credit Union Scholarship must be members of Horizon Credit Union. Applicants for The Good Neighbor Scholarship answer an additional essay question describing how they have demonstrated service to others through volunteer work, church involvement, clubs, or other community activities.

Community support remains critical to the program's success. "The support of our community is key to being able to provide scholarships for students," Lewis said. "Each scholarship needs to be funded."

She said one of the organization's largest fundraising efforts is the annual Hearts Campaign held each February where board members collect donations through local businesses. "This year we were able to award three $600 scholarships based on the donations collected," Lewis said.

Among this year's recipients was Jacey Boesel, who received the Tri-County Settlers Association Scholarship and the Max Sanchez Memorial Scholarship, totaling $1,200. "I'm super grateful," Boesel said. "All of the hard work I've put into prioritizing school has paid off," Boesel said. She plans to attend the University of Idaho, where she will earn a bachelor's degree before pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy.

"I wouldn't be where I am without my family," she said. "They are good role models and taught me to work hard." Her advice to younger students is simple: "Continue to work hard, even when it is hard to do so. It will eventually pay off."

Other scholarship recipients included:

• James Anderson: Bill Moore Memorial Scholarship, $1,000

• Kelsey Barless: Beryl V. Baker Scholarship, $2,060

• Blake Berger: James T. Baker Scholarship, $2,060, and Porter Family Memorial Scholarship, $500

• Jacey Boesel: Tri-County Settlers Association $1000, and Max Sanchez Memorial Scholarship $200

• Colin Eickmeyer: Music is for Life Scholarship, $500; Bob-Mart Award, $250

• Olivia Evans: Dollars for Scholars Hearts Fund Award, $600

• Onesimo Garcia: The Good Neighbor Scholarship $800, and Music is for Life Scholarship $500

• Gabriel Gilbert: Horizon Credit Union, $1,000

• Eden Gilstrap: Thomas B. Baker Scholarship, $2,060

• Parker Hamilton: Bill Moore Memorial Scholarship, $1,000, and Max Sanchez Memorial Scholarship, $200

• Christopher Heath: Music is for Life Scholarship, $500

• Stormy Marich: Horizon Credit Union, $1,000

• Emily Martin: Dollars for Scholars Hearts Fund Award, $600

• Avy Morris: The Good Neighbor Scholarship, $800

• Rodney Newman: Dollars for Scholars Hearts Fund Award, $600

• Jacoby Sandgren: Music is for Life Scholarship, $500

• Berlyn Zimmerer: Bonnie Remington Memorial Scholarship, $500