Rotary Offers Scholarships for Buffalo Grove, Stevenson Graduates

The Buffalo Grove Rotary Club is offering scholarships of up to $2,000 each for Buffalo Grove, or Stevenson High School graduates preparing to attend either a 4-year college, or a program in the public safety field. The deadline to apply is fast approaching, and is on Tuesday, June 1, 2021.

“Our club is thrilled to be offering two scholarships for local students who need assistance in order to achieve their career goals,” said Buffalo Grove Rotary Club President Melanie Santostefano. “These scholarships are not just about academics; students who have been of service to others and their community are strongly encouraged to apply.”

The ‘Service Above Self Academic Scholarship’ will be awarded in honor of Pat Johannes, who chaired the scholarship committee for the last several years, while selflessly donating her time, talents and sharing her experiences in public service working as an educator and administrator. Pat sadly passed away this spring after an extended illness and she is sorely missed by club members. While this scholarship will take academic achievement into account, an emphasis will be on leadership and community service. Candidates should be able to provide examples of how they have embodied the ‘service above self’ principle, which is the Rotary motto.

A Public Safety Scholarship is also available to students planning for a career in either law enforcement, the fire service or emergency medical services. Candidates can be planning to attend a college degree program, technical/trade school to become an emergency medical technician (EMS - basic or paramedic) or a fire academy.

Both grants require that students have been accepted into the programs they plan to attend in the fall, provide two letters of reference and write an essay on how they have in the past, and plan to continue, to serve others. Both scholarship recipients will be announced on Monday, June 21.

To reach Service Above Self Scholarship Chair Martha Weiss or Public Safety Scholarship Chair Shawn Collins, and for how to apply, please visit bgrotary.org.