Westminster Rotary Scholarships

Applications for 2023 are now open
Scholarship Brochure
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Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Have graduated, or be eligible to graduate, from: Westminster High School, Mountain Range High School, Northglenn High School, Legacy Broomfield High School, Belleview Christian High School, Standley Lake High School, Holy Family High School, Jefferson Academy, Academy of Charter Schools, Thornton High School, Hidden Lake High School, Vantage Point High School and/or be an established resident of the City of Westminster
  • Provide two letters of recommendation
  • Submit COMPLETE scholarship application
  • Interview with the selection committee at the appointed dates, time and location
  • Attend at least one regularly scheduled Rotary Club of Westminster meeting if selected

Application Instructions

Scholarships to be granted vary in focus and criteria. Therefore, it is important to read through this entire summary to determine which scholarship you may be most qualified to receive.

  • Deadline for scholarship applications is Monday, February 27, 2023.
  • Only completed and timely submitted applications will be considered.
  • Letters of recommendation must include telephone numbers for follow up.
  • High school transcripts must include the name and telephone number of your counselor or a school administrator for verification.
  • Personal history essay must be typewritten, should be between 500-600 words, and should tell the reader something about who you are, where you have been, what you believe in, and where you are going with your education.
  • Questions should be directed to: westminstercorotary@gmail.com.

Selection Process

Applicants will be selected based upon:

  • satisfactory references
  • academic record
  • demonstrated need
  • examples of Rotary principles in his/her life
  • 500-600 word personal history essay
  • personal interview with members of the Scholarship Selection Committee

Successful applicants will be notified by the last week of April.
Successful recipients will be asked to provide a recent photo. 

 

Reporting Requirements

 
It is the recipient’s responsibility to complete, sign and submit the Scholarship Recipient Award Acceptance/Terms and Requirements form to the Rotary Foundation Treasurer in order to activate the scholarship.
 
Further, it is the recipient’s obligation to provide first semester transcripts to the Scholarship Selection Committee to obtain second semester funding.
 
Email a copy of the initial student signed scholarship acceptance form, as well as the following 1st semester transcript copy, when available, to our treasurer at rjswestpark@gmail.com to expedite the funding process.
 
 
 

Available Scholarships

CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIPS

Quantity – 7
Amount – $2,000 PER YEAR ($1,000 PER SEMESTER)

Challenge scholarships are for any students seeking to further their high school education at any institution of higher learning, including: vocational – technical schools, community colleges, four-year colleges and universities. Motivation to succeed, merit, and need will be primary criteria. Past academic performance, although considered, will not be a primary consideration.

Sarah Boller-Lock Challenge Scholarship

This scholarship is named for a former member who continues to make financial contributions to our scholarship program. In recognition, Westminster Rotary names one of the above Challenge scholarships in her behalf.

Successful recipients must be full time students at a post-high school institution and maintain a 2.5 grade point average to obtain second semester funding.

Second Year College Scholarship

Second year funding is available for one previous recipient of a Challenge Scholarship who has:

  • successfully completed one year of higher learning (vocational/technical school, community college, four-year college or university) and maintained
  • provided at least three hours volunteer time with a Rotary Club and provided a letter of confirmation from that club’s president
  • maintained a 2.5 grade point average
  • fulfilled all reporting requirements

RONDINELLI EDUCATION CAREER SCHOLARSHIP

Amount – $2,000 PER YEAR ($1,000 PER SEMESTER)
 
This one-year scholarship to be awarded to a student of Westminster High School, who will enroll in an accredited college or university to become a future teacher.
 
Successful recipient of the Education Career Scholarship must be a full time student at a post-high school institution and maintain a 3.0 grade point average to obtain second semester funding.
 
◆ This scholarship is funded through the generosity of the Rondinelli family to honor the memory of Carl Rondinelli.
Carl Rondinelli spent a lifetime in public education, starting as a teacher in Adams County School District 50 in 1949. He later served as principal of Westminster High School for many years, before becoming the district’s Director of Finance. Upon retirement, he culminated his distinguished educational career as a member of the District 50 Board of Education from 1985-95.

MATTHEW K. ARCHER MEMORIAL IT SCHOLARSHIP

Amount – $2000 per year ($1000 per semester) 

This one-year scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school senior seeking an IT degree at an accredited two-year or four-year institution. 

Successful recipient of the Information Technology scholarship must be a full-time student as noted above and maintain a 3.0 grade point average in order to receive second semester funding. 

◆ This scholarship is funded thanks to the generosity of Susan and Mike Archer, M.D. It is in memory of their son Matt, who earned a Master Degree in Business Administration and Master Degree In Business Analytics and began his IT career in Denver.

VERHEY ARTS STUDIES SCHOLARSHIP

Amount – $2,000 PER YEAR ($1,000 PER SEMESTER)
This is a one year scholarship.

The Arts scholarship is for those students seeking training at a state licensed and accredited school for a career in an an Arts related field, i.e., Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Fine Arts, Graphic Arts or Culinary Arts.
 
Additional Eligibility Requirement:
Applicant must have been active in their high school or community performing arts, created fine arts pieces, apprenticed at an Arts or Videography studio, or seeking a career in graphic arts or culinary arts.
 
Successful recipient of the Arts Studies Scholarship must be a full time student and maintain a 2.5 grade point average to obtain second semester funding.

◆ This scholarship is provided through the generosity of Rich and Jan Verhey.

GAYESKI BUSINESS OR REAL ESTATE SCHOLARSHIP

Amount – $2,000 PER YEAR ($1,000 PER SEMESTER)

The recipient of this scholarship must be pursuing a business or real estate degree at a two-year or four-year institution with an accredited business or real estate department. Applicants need to have demonstrated active involvement in school leadership, community service, work, sports or other extracurricular activities. Social responsibility, a high level of integrity and financial need will be considerations.
 
Successful recipient of the Business or Real Estate Scholarship must be a full time student in college and maintain a 2.8 grade point average in the first semester in order to obtain second semester funding.

◆ This scholarship is funded through the generosity of the Gayeski family.
 

VRIESMAN FAMILY “HEART TO SERVE” SCHOLARSHIP

Amount – $3,000 PER YEAR ($1,500 PER SEMESTER)
This is a first year scholarship with an opportunity to apply for an additional
$1,500 second year scholarship.

This scholarship is for a graduating senior that has demonstrated a consistent heart for service. Some examples would be volunteering in a nursing home, hospital or school, helping students or athletes with special needs, food banks, or another volunteer commitment. This student seeks to further his/her high school education in their chosen career at a community college, four-year college or university, or technical school. Applicants need to have an accumulated high school grade point average of at least 2.8 with a solid record of volunteering.
 
Additional Eligibility Requirements:
 
  • The recipient must provide a plan for continuing to serve as a volunteer while attending their post-high school educational school.

SECOND YEAR VRIESMAN FAMILY
“HEART TO SERVE” SCHOLARSHIP

To encourage the recipient to have a heart to serve during his/her post-high school education, the first year recipient will be eligible to re-apply for second year funding of $1,500 if she/he has:
  • successfully completed one year of higher learning
  • maintained a 2.8 grade point average
  • demonstrated his/her dedication to serving others
  • fulfilled all reporting requirements
◆ Funded through the generosity of the Vriesman children in memory of their father, Dar Vriesman, who dedicated his life to serving others.
He was a well-respected minister, Rotary chaplain, in addition to a hospital and nursing home administrator. He read weekly to Westminster elementary school children who called him Grampa; served as a 10-year volunteer ambassador at Denver International Airport; supported his church homes in many selfless ways; and encouraged all his grandchildren, including those with special needs. Dar was a Rotarian for 50 years and lived the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” He valued those who provided service and kindness to others.

BENNETT FAMILY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Quantity – 2
Amount – $2,500 PER YEAR ($1,250 PER SEMESTER)
These are one year scholarships.
 
These scholarships are directed at a graduating Senior student who resides within the city limits of Westminster or has graduated from an accredited high school within Westminster Public Schools. Interest in returning to
the Westminster area is also a consideration. This is a one year scholarship only. The recipient must be enrolled or accepted at any institution of higher learning including: community colleges, four-year colleges, universities.
Motivation to succeed, merit, need, past academic performance, involvement in extracurricular activities, will be primary considerations.
 
Successful recipients of the Bennett Family Memorial Scholarships must be a full time student and maintain a passing grade point average to obtain second semester funding.
 
◆ These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of the Westminster Rotary Club along with contributions from the Bennett Family to honor the memory of their parents Mary and Jim Bennett.
Longtime Westminster residents Mary and Dr. Jim Bennett strongly supported education as a means for new opportunities and a fulfilling life. They were both actively involved in volunteer organizations throughout their many years in Westminster. Whether it was the Westminster Rotary Club or the Hyland Hills Foundation, the Bennetts' always found the time to help others. This caring and giving attitude has been passed on to their children who wish to honor the memory of their parents with these scholarships so that those who want to improve their lives through education can have that opportunity.

SCHAEFER ACCOUNTING OR REAL ESTATE SCHOLARSHIP

Amount – $2,000 PER YEAR ($1,000 PER SEMESTER)
This is a one year scholarship.

The recipient of this scholarship must be seeking a career in business, accounting, or real estate at a two-year or four-year institution with an accredited business or real estate department.
 
Additional Eligibility Requirement:
Applicants must have been active in their high school DECA or business club.
 
Successful recipient of the Accounting or Real Estate Scholarship must be a full time student in college and maintain a 3.0 grade point average in the first semester in order to obtain second semester funding.
 
◆ This scholarship is funded through the generosity of Ryan and Melissa Schaefer and the Schaefer family honoring long-time Westminster residents Ron and Linda Schaefer.

PAY-IT-FORWARD SCHOLARSHIP

Amount – $2,000 PER YEAR ($1,000 PER SEMESTER)
This is a one year scholarship.

The recipient of this scholarship will be seeking a degree at a college or university with an outstanding liberal arts curriculum.

Successful recipient of the Pay-It-Forward Scholarship must be a full time student in college and maintain a 3.0 grade point average in the first semester in order to obtain second semester funding.

◆ This special scholarship is initiated by Karsten Deuschle, a previous Rotary Club of Westminster Scholarship recipient. A graduate of Arizona State University, Karsten is now a Certified Public Accountant in Denver. Unsolicited, Karsten contributed to the scholarship fund to enhance the program, and Rotary has elected to acknowledge his generosity by providing matching funds for Paying-it-Forward.

___________________________________________________________

PAY-IT-FORWARD SCHOLARSHIP #2

 
Amount - $2,000 PER YEAR ($1,000 PER SEMESTER)
This is a one-year scholarship.
 
The recipient of this scholarship will be seeking a business degree at an accredited college or university. 
 
Successful recipient of this Pay-It-Forward scholarship must be a full-time student in college and maintain a 3.0 grade point average in the first semester in order to obtain second semester funding.
 
  • This scholarship is funded in part by Jorge Renteria.  Jorge is a full-time honors program student at the University of Boulder majoring in Business.  Jorge is a first-generation college attendee and is honored to provide funding to make this scholarship possible.  Jorge is a true example of Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.

 

ARCHER BUSINESS CAREER SCHOLARSHIP

Amount – $1,000 PER YEAR ($500 PER SEMESTER)
This is a one year scholarship.
 
This one-year scholarship will be awarded to an applicant who will enroll in an accredited college, university of business school, seeking a degree in business or a business related field.
 
Successful recipient of the Business Career Scholarship must be a full time student as outlined above and maintain a passing grade point average to obtain second semester funding.
 
◆ Funded through the generosity of Susan and Mike Archer, M.D., in honor of his late mother, Mary Ann Archer, a 50-year Westminster resident who was involved in a myriad of community activities.

TUTTLE VISUAL ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY STUDIES

Amount – $2,000 ($1,000 PER SEMESTER)
This is a one year scholarship.
 
This scholarship in Visual Arts and Technology studies is reserved for those students pursuing a career in visual media such as fine arts, applied arts, graphic design, computer graphics, computer aided design and drafting, website design, animation, computer gaming design, and photography. This scholarship can be used for education in an accredited Vo-Tech institute, community college, or four-year university.
 
Successful recipient of the Visual Arts and Technology Studies Scholarship must be a full time student and maintain a passing grade point average to obtain second semester funding.
 
◆ This Brad Tuttle memorial scholarship is provided through the ongoing generosity of the late Gary Tuttle, a former Rotarian, in memory of his son Brad Tuttle.

FLACHMAN JOURNALISM MAJOR SCHOLARSHIP

Amount – $2,000 PER YEAR ($1,000 PER SEMESTER)
This is a one year scholarship.

The recipient of this scholarship must be seeking a career at a private or public four-year college or university offering an accredited journalism, communications or media major. The pursued degree may be in print journalism (newspaper or magazine), electronic journalism (television/radio) or public relations.
 
Additional Eligibility Requirements:
  • Applicants must have been active on his or her high school newspapers, and/or literary magazine, or yearbook in an editorial or writing capacity.
  • Applicants must provide samples of published writing.
Successful recipient must be a full time student in college and maintain a 3.0 grade point average in the first semester in order to obtain second semester funding.
 
◆ This scholarship is funded through the generosity of the late Wilbur E. Flachman, newspaper editor and publisher in the Metro North area, 1961-2000, and Dr. Marilyn Flachman, educator for 50 years and 8-year member of Westminster Public Schools Board of Education.

MIKE SCHAFFNER OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP

Amount – $4,000 PER YEAR ($2,000 PER SEMESTER)

Applicants need to have accumulated a high school grade point average of at least 2.5, which is trumped by a background that predicts a solid work ethic, tenacity and integrity, attributes embodied by Mike Schaffner.

Successful recipient of the Schaffner Opportunity Scholarship must be a full time student at a post-high school institution and maintain a 2.5 grade point average in the first semester in order to obtain second semester funding.
 
◆ Funded by the estate of Myer “Mike” Schaffner, via the generosity of daughter Susan Schaffner, administrator. A charter member of the Rotary Club of Westminster, Mike Schaffner was an active and contributing member for more than fifty years. A respected businessman in Westminster, Mr. Schaffner founded Peerless Tyre Company and developed the firm into a multi-state industry leader.

TRADE SKILLS SCHOLARSHIPS

Rotary Club of Westminster will be partnering with north area Education Foundations in a pilot program to fund grants for advanced vocational/technical studies. At the onset, Rotary Club of Westminster will be participating by providing contributions only.

Four scholarships will be available to be selected and awarded in the Spring for utilization starting in the Fall
semester of 2023:
  • Two grants of $1,000 each awarded in partnership with the Front Range Community College Foundation
  • Two grants of $1,000 each awarded in partnership with the Westminster Public Schools Foundation.

For the 2022-23 Scholarship cycle each of the partnering Foundations will utilize already-in-place criteria for selecting scholarship recipients, and each will be completing its own interview process.
 

To obtain information and application materials, interested students may contact:

Front Range Community College Foundation
Direct information may be obtained from Cindy Golder at 303-678-3695 or email
the.Foundation at frontrange.edu
 
Westminster Public Schools Foundation
Direct information may be obtained from Christian Kalenga at 720-542-5067 or email
ckalenga at westminsterpublicschools.org
 
Rotary Club of Westminster participation funding for the Trade Skills scholarships are being developed from a special fund originated in 2013 to memorialize long-time active member Thomas M. Jones. President of Citizen’s Bank, Tom shared his expertise and talent with a wide variety of Westminster civic endeavors and foundation boards for many years.
 
After a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s, and his passing, friends and business associates provided sustaining funds for scholarships.

Apply Online

If you have read and understand the requirements and meet the eligibility requirements, please use the link below to continue to the application in Google forms. If you would like have the instructions for reference, you may download the scholarship brochure as a PDF.
Applications for 2023 are open
Scholarship Brochure
Apply Now
View Past Recipients