Shelbyville High School Alumni Scholarship Fund
In partnership with the Shelbyville Educational Foundation
Established 2011
Introduction and Mission
In association with its 20-year class reunion, the Shelbyville High School Class of 1991
introduced the Shelbyville High School Alumni Scholarship Fund (“Alumni Fund”). The goal
of the Alumni Fund is to provide deserving graduates of Shelbyville High School (located in
Shelbyville, IL) with financial assistance to continue their education.
Eligibility
Graduating seniors and past graduates of Shelbyville High School who will attend or are
already attending an accredited two or four-year college or university full-time and pursuing
a degree are eligible to apply. Applicants will be evaluated on merit (academic performance
and community involvement) as well as financial need. Applicants need a minimum grade
point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (cumulative high school GPA or current cumulative
college GPA, equivalent of a B average) and will be active in school and community
functions. Scholarships will be limited to a one-time only grant to provide financial
assistance to as many deserving students as possible.
Available Scholarships and Usage
Size and quantity of scholarships will be determined on fund size and expectations of future
donations. The Alumni Fund’s initial goal will be to provide multiple scholarships each year
in the amounts of $500 or $1,000 (with an anticipated minimum distribution of $4,000
annually). As the fund grows, so does our hope to provide more students with financial
assistance to attend college. The scholarship may be used for tuition, fees and books.
Should a scholarship recipient not attend college for the year in which the scholarship was
granted, the scholarship will be awarded to a new recipient. Disbursement will occur in two
payments (one for the fall semester and one for the spring semester) and will require the
applicant to provide proof of eligibility (e.g., registration and full-time student status with
the college or university).
Fund and Scholarship Management / Distribution
The Shelbyville Educational Foundation (managed by the Foundation Board and Shelbyville
School District) will assist with the management and distribution of scholarships. The
foundation is a recognized charitable organization (Federal Tax ID: 371231873) and provided
$13,000 of scholarships in 2010. The foundation provides scale and expertise in this area,
which the Alumni Fund can leverage. In return, the Alumni Fund can help expand the reach
and scope of the foundation.
Funding
Initial funding was provided by donations from members of the Shelbyville High School Class
of 1991. The Alumni Fund is open to other Shelbyville High School alumni and contributors
who wish to donate to expand the fund. Contributions to the Alumni Fund are tax
deductible, although contributors should consult a tax advisor to determine individual
eligibility. Contributions can be in the form of cash or check made out and sent to the
following address. We recommend any cash donations be made in person and NOT mailed
to the Shelbyville Educational Foundation. Unfortunately, credit or debit cards cannot be
accepted at this time. We hope to provide this option in the near future.
Shelbyville High School Alumni Scholarship Fund
c/o Shelbyville Educational Foundation
720 West Main Street
Shelbyville, IL 62565
217-774-4626
Checks should be made payable to: “Shelbyville Educational Foundation”
Please note in the check memo line or in an attached letter that this donation is for the
“Shelbyville High School Alumni Scholarship Fund”
Federal tax ID for Shelbyville Educational Foundation: 371231873
Application and Selection Process
Applicants are required to submit a completed application form and questionnaire (pages 35 of this document), most recent high school or college transcript and a copy of applicant’s
and parents’/guardians’ (if applicable) federal tax return for the most recent tax year. Note
that parent or guardian information is required if the applicant has been claimed as a
dependent on the parents’/guardians’ tax return and if the applicant has not yet reached
his/her 18th birthday. The selection process may also include an interview. Selected
candidates will be notified of the interview during the selection process.
Forms and questionnaires for the 2012-2013 school year will be available beginning January
1, 2012 from the Shelbyville High School Guidance Counselor or the school district office.
The application deadline for the 2012-2013 school year is April 1, 2012 (postmarked or
received via e-mail by April 1, 2012). Recipients will be announced during the Senior Awards
Ceremony at Shelbyville High School in May 2012. Submission instructions are included on
the application form.
Scholarship selection will be managed by active members of the Alumni Fund. For the 2012
selection process, the inaugural selection committee will consist of the following members:
- Mark Holmes (SHS class of 1991)
- Melissa Taggart (Wines) (SHS class of 1991)
- Other committee members to be determined
Questions or Additional Information
For additional information or questions, please contact Mark Holmes at (917) 270-3946, via
e-mail at SHSAlumniFund@yahoo.com or on our Facebook page at Shelbyville High School
Alumni Scholarship Fund.