Introduction
The 50th Reunion Leadership Spirit Scholarship was created in 2016 to provide an award to a Yellow Springs High School graduating senior who has financial need and demonstrates the qualities that we believe will make the world a better place for future generations. The name was changed to 50th Reunion Leadership Scholarship in December, 2020.
For 2023, a new Vocational/Technical Scholarship (Vo/Tech) is being introduced for a graduating senior who has financial need and demonstrates the aptitude and motivation to pursue a career in a technical field.
50th Reunion Leadership Scholarship
The award amount for 50th Reunion Leadership Scholarship for 2024 is currently $7,000.
The recipient will have given selflessly with uplifting spirit and compassion for the benefit of others in any of the following venues: the classroom, playing field, theatre, band, school clubs and/or the greater community. To be considered, the student should have a 3.0 GPA and submit the following:
- an essay (500 words or less) explaining what their most uplifting experience was during their four years of high school and how it has impacted them,
- at least one letter of recommendation from a school official/teacher and/or someone who has observed the leadership potential of the applicant, and
- a list of extracurricular activities (positions held and responsibilities).
The candidate may also submit other supporting information. Academic achievement is vital, but the primary focus of this scholarship is “leadership by example”, with uplifting spirit and the ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, thoughtfully and clearly.
50th Reunion Vo/Tech Scholarship
The award amount for 50th Reunion Vo/Tech Scholarship for 2024 is currently $3,000.
Students interested in vocational and/or technical education and training are encouraged to apply for the 50th Reunion Scholarship Vo/Tech scholarship.
In our changing world, careers of all types will be needed that allow communities and families to grow. HVAC, police and firefighting, plumbing, electrician, health and veterinary care, hospitality and other essential services will be in high demand; this scholarship seeks to recognize and support students in pursuing these career pathways.
Eligibility to be considered for this scholarship includes:
- Attending and graduating from YS schools- either in the YSHS building or YS students attending the Greene County Career Center,
- Maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5,
- Obtain a letter of recommendation from one of the following sources: teacher, coach, school counselor or employer,
- Statement of any planned additional education, and
- Statement of career plan.
The candidate may also submit other supporting information.
50th Reunion Classes
Many YSHS classmates have fond memories of growing up and going to the schools in Yellow Springs. We invite future 50th reunion classes to consider supporting the scholarships as a way to recognize our appreciation for the school experience in Yellow Springs and help a new graduate. If the Scholarship continues to gain support from future 50th reunion classes, then it will grow far into the future. A selection committee including a member from the current participating 50th reunion class will review the scholarship applications and select the winners from qualified candidates.
Reasons for 50th Reunion Classes to Join the Leadership Scholarship
Below are points we hope future 50th reunion classes will consider as they decide whether or not to join the Leadership Scholarship team:
- 50th reunion classes have an opportunity to join together to promote leadership and spirit through a scholarship award.
- By multiple classes joining together to support the scholarship, we increase the chances that the scholarship will have a long life.
- In addition to the total contributor pool expanding each year, we also have the possibility of repeat contributors from previous 50th reunion years adding to the funds raised by the current 50th reunion class.
- Each participating class will have the opportunity to create their own Class Notes web page (see below).
- Through the joint participation of multiple classes supporting a single scholarship versus classes creating separate scholarships, we eliminate the duplication of scholarship administration, both for YSCF account management and the candidate review and winner selection process.
- The YSCF is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization, and donations are charitable contributions.
Donation Options
See Donations (including a direct link to our scholarship fund online donation page)
Messages about the Scholarship
We are introducing the Messages page where the plan is to invite past scholarship winners to share their thoughts and experiences. See Messages
Class Notes
Each participating 50th reunion class has the opportunity to submit content for a web page on the YSCF website. The class notes serve as a communication channel that may include information such as themes for raising contributions to the Scholarship, fundraising results, and anything else that could be of general interest to past and future participating 50th reunion classes or anyone learning more about the Scholarship. For our first three participating classes, the class notes include a picture of the scholarship winner receiving the award. Generally, the class notes will be updated in the June timeframe each year.
Scholarship Account Status at End of Last Quarter
Future
As we remember the past Leadership Scholarship winners, we also look to the future. We are learning as we go about communicating with new 50th reunion classes and prospective scholarship applicants. Depending on contributions and scholarship account earnings in future years, we hope to increase the award amount and possibly have multiple winners.
The scholarship team thanks the Yellow Springs Community Foundation for its continuing support.
50th Reunion Scholarship Committee
The following committee members are responsible for guiding development of the scholarships, fundraising campaigns with Class Leaders, and selection of the scholarship winners. We are happy to introduce the Vocational/Technical Scholarship in 2023 based on multiple suggestions from our classmates.
Mike Hughes, Chair Emeritus and Founder, Class of 1966
Steve Grinnell, Chair, Class of 1969
Penny Estopare, Class of 1966
Gwen Agna, Class of 1970
Jim Niswander, Class of 1966
Contacts
For questions, contact one of the following:
Mike Hughes
milpen76@gmail.com
Jeannamarie Cox
Executive Director, Yellow Springs Community Foundation
Yellow Springs Community Foundation
108 Dayton Street
PO Box 55
Yellow Springs, OH 45387
