I have the pleasure of overseeing a college scholarship program that awards four scholarships each year.  The deadline for applicants to e-mail me their scholarship essay questions is today, and the last minute applications are rolling in.

It is such a joy to be able to further the goal of education, a cause in which I strongly believe, by assisting students in some way with their financial needs, thanks to funds generously donated by the Village of Trout Valley.  I remember how difficult it was to be a struggling college student on financial aid, working two jobs to put myself through school.

I count myself lucky, however, that the award decision is not up to me.  Fortunately, I have a committee who donate their time to serve in that role, a panel of qualified judges which includes a college president, a newspaper editor, and a retired high school teacher.

There are so many deserving individuals who apply, and I love reading about the personal stories and aspirations described through their scholarship application essays.  I will follow up with a post featuring news about the winners once decisions have been made.