by Rachel Witkowski
Staff Writer
The hard work has paid off for five Jacksonville high school students who were each awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the Meninak Club at its meeting Monday.
The award recipients were selected for extensive community service, leadership, academic standings and financial need. All of the students were a part of the Youth Leadership Jacksonville Program that works with Meninak and the scholarship committee to award students with scholarships applicable to any university in the nation.
Don Whalen, chairman of the scholarship committee, said there were about 30 applicants and the committee narrowed it to 10 who were individually interviewed. That group was pared down to a top five. Most of the recipients had a 4.0 or better grade point average, he said.
“It’s not an easy job,” said Whalen. “They were all great kids with great applications.”
In the 10 years that the club has funded the Meninak Leadership Grants, a total of $250,000 has been awarded to 50 high school students. The scholarship fund is raised through donations from Meninak members.
Jacksonville University President Dr. Kerry Romesburg was the guest speaker at the meeting. Romesburg stressed the value of a four-year college degree.
“College graduates will earn 62 percent more than someone with a high school degree,” he said, attributing his numbers to the 2005 census. “That’s why we need to encourage people to go to college and get a higher education.”
Each award recipient was introduced, handed a plaque and given the opportunity to speak before the club members and attendees.