Each fall, seniors at Carlsbad High and our Village and Seaside academies contemplate graduating in June and pursuing higher education.
The prospect can be simultaneously exciting and daunting, especially the latter in light of rising college costs.
Scholarships provided to outstanding students from universities and colleges are vital. Equally critical, and more encompassing in depth and breadth, are locally awarded scholarships.
Some annual scholarships date back decades to longtime Carlsbad residents and early supporters of our schools. These include familiar names, such as Gastelum, Kelly and Christiansen.
Over the years, memorial scholarships have been established to honor former students and faculty.
Award-giving organizations represent a cross-section of our community. They run the gamut from service clubs to businesses and from military entities to private foundations.
Any individual or business can establish a scholarship of any amount and selection criteria. Guidance Technician Pauline Dimond is happy to work with people to create a fund tailored to their specifications.
“We have scholarships devoted to students going to a two-year college, into the service industry, pursuing the arts and other activities,” she said. “Last year, a Carlsbad High School teacher and friend created a First Generation Scholarship to help students who are the first in their family attend college.”
As modest a sum as $500 can make a huge difference to a financially challenged student. That amount can cover a semester's worth of books.
Scholarships benefit donors too
Lancer scholarships have many positive benefits for givers, as well as recipients. All money goes toward the scholarship; none to administrative costs.
Donors are recognized in the June Senior Awards Program and can showcase their organization at the ceremony, while networking with other donors. Many donors stay in touch with recipients, vicariously enjoying their college and career successes.
Last June, local scholarships totaling more than $100,000 were awarded to more than 100 students. I personally invite individuals and businesses to consider getting involved now for the Class of 2010.
We even have an open scholarship just waiting for you. Our Lancer Pride Award, currently unfunded, is earmarked for a student who gives back to their school.
When you establish a scholarship, your gift means more than money. You are telling a young person, who may not have an adult in their corner, “I believe in you. I know you can achieve.”
That belief is priceless.
The prospect can be simultaneously exciting and daunting, especially the latter in light of rising college costs.
Scholarships provided to outstanding students from universities and colleges are vital. Equally critical, and more encompassing in depth and breadth, are locally awarded scholarships.
Some annual scholarships date back decades to longtime Carlsbad residents and early supporters of our schools. These include familiar names, such as Gastelum, Kelly and Christiansen.
Over the years, memorial scholarships have been established to honor former students and faculty.
Award-giving organizations represent a cross-section of our community. They run the gamut from service clubs to businesses and from military entities to private foundations.
Any individual or business can establish a scholarship of any amount and selection criteria. Guidance Technician Pauline Dimond is happy to work with people to create a fund tailored to their specifications.
“We have scholarships devoted to students going to a two-year college, into the service industry, pursuing the arts and other activities,” she said. “Last year, a Carlsbad High School teacher and friend created a First Generation Scholarship to help students who are the first in their family attend college.”
As modest a sum as $500 can make a huge difference to a financially challenged student. That amount can cover a semester's worth of books.
Scholarships benefit donors too
Lancer scholarships have many positive benefits for givers, as well as recipients. All money goes toward the scholarship; none to administrative costs.
Donors are recognized in the June Senior Awards Program and can showcase their organization at the ceremony, while networking with other donors. Many donors stay in touch with recipients, vicariously enjoying their college and career successes.
Last June, local scholarships totaling more than $100,000 were awarded to more than 100 students. I personally invite individuals and businesses to consider getting involved now for the Class of 2010.
We even have an open scholarship just waiting for you. Our Lancer Pride Award, currently unfunded, is earmarked for a student who gives back to their school.
When you establish a scholarship, your gift means more than money. You are telling a young person, who may not have an adult in their corner, “I believe in you. I know you can achieve.”
That belief is priceless.