As Benjamin Franklin once stated, “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”
On March 23, 2021 the Rotary Club of Shreveport made just such an investment. Our club has awarded scholarships to students from the five Caddo Parish local institutions of higher learning for at least the past 37 years. Three years ago we added Bossier Parish Community College to this list of institutions.
The initial award amount many years ago was $350 per student. This has been increased over the years to a significant $2,000 per student. These scholarships are funded primarily through our membership dues and project donations.
Following our club’s established eligibility requirements, three students are selected by the financial aid office of each school to submit applications. The students come from various backgrounds and majors. Our Scholarship Committee reviews all the applications, recommendations and transcripts during the selection process. Among other eligibility rules, criteria include: excellent scholarship (top 15% of the class), genuine financial need, evidence of some form of “Service Above Self” in their personal and/or student lives.
Scholarship winners receive the $2,000 award while runners up receive $350 for participating. This year’s $2,000 per student scholarship recipients are:
Sarah Kristine Johnson—Bossier Parish Community College
Harrison MacQueen Starrett—Centenary College
Kristina Michelle Gambino—LSU Health Sciences Center
Caroline Elisabeth Dorking—LSU-Shreveport
Keyeria L. Smith—Northwestern School of Nursing & Allied Health
Victoria Renee Rogers—Southern University Shreveport