By Holly Guntermann
Special to the Town Crier
The Idyllwild Scholarship Fund goes back to 1969 when three students were awarded scholarships, one for $250, one for $100 and one student received a desk dictionary.
The organization has carried on since then as a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization.
The community has been supportive of the mission, collecting up to $12,000 annually, and has awarded many scholarships to Idyllwild youth to further their educational goals.
The selection committee is made up of 11 members — representatives of local organizations, two members at large and the Idyllwild School principal.
To be eligible, a student must have resided in the Idyllwild School attendance area with a parent or guardian for at least three or more years during grades kindergarten to eighth, and for two of the four high school years.
Academic requirements are at least a 3.0 GPA and/or a minimum 1600 SAT score/ACT 20.
Other considerations would be involvement in school or community activities and a demonstration of intent to further their education.
Applicants must fill out a packet, write an essay and appear at an interview in front of the entire committee.
Application packets may be picked up at Hemet High School, Helen Hunt Jackson, Idyllwild Arts Academy, and for home-school students, at the Idyllwild School office.
Packets are due by April 13 to Idyllwild School. Interviews will be scheduled for May 5 and May 7 at Idyllwild School.
Last year, the Idyllwild community donated well over $12,000 and scholarships were awarded to five of our local students: Ana Rincon, Ashlee Strunk, Dante Yardas, Justin Chrysler and Ben Mettler.
Donations may be sent at any time to Idyllwild Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 778, Idyllwild, CA 92549. All donations are tax-deductible.
