Deadline Nears for MTHS Scholarship Application Submissions

Six Manchester high school students will share $13,500 toward their college educations through the Manchester Township Educational Foundation (MTEF) 2012 Scholarships.

A new scholarship available this year honors the memory of U.S. Marine Cpl. Nicholas Ott, a 2006 graduate , during combat operations in Afghanistan's Helmand Province at 23 years old. 

Shortly after Ott's death, Jeffrey DeSimone, MTEF vice president, said the organization was discussing doing something in Ott's memory when they were approached by the young man's parents about a memorial scholarship.

"We were humbled that they chose us before we could do something on our own," said DeSimone. "We're going to do what we can to make sure the scholarship goes forward and he's remembered forever."

DeSimone said, while he didn't know Ott personally, everyone he's spoken to said the multi-sport athlete was a true team player and leader, who always took the time to help others.

The memorial scholarship will award two students attending any post-secondary school program $1,000 each. Funds for the scholarship have come from Ott's family and donations. DeSimone said 100 percent of those donations will go to the scholarship fund. In fact, he said, any money the organization gets goes directly back into the township's schools and students.

Applications, which can be found on the MTEF's website, are due by March 31.

The other scholarships available for 2012 are:

The Charles J. Hesse III Scholarship, which provides $2,500 per year for four years to a student attending a four-year college or university.

The Crestwood Village IV Senior Citizens Club Scholarship, which gives one $500 award to a female student and one $500 award to a male student attending a two or four-year college.

The Lakehurst-Manchester Lions Club Scholarship, which proves $500 to one student attending a two or four-year college.

"It's incredibly important to make sure kids today get a good education and have every opportunity," said Kenneth T. Palmer, MTEF President. "It's money we want to give out, but you've got to be in it to win it."

Palmer said they typically get about 25 applications each year for the scholarships. The applications ask students to complete an essay, list their extra-curricular activities and community service, share their grades and information to determine financial need.

"It's not just the kid with the best grades and you get the money," said Palmer, a MTHS graduate himself. "We try to get a whole picture of it and make a decision that way."

Once the applications are submitted, a foundation committee reviews the applications, judging the essays anonymously and scoring them. Then, the group looks at the other information provided.

"It's an extremely hard process," Palmer said. "All the kids are motivated and proactive. It's hard to distinguish who should win."

The winners are announced at the high school's award ceremony in late spring.

The MTEF is a non-profit organization made up of community members who raise money to fill in the gaps for some of the things the township's schools can't afford, according to Palmer.

More information on how to make a donation or to learn how to become a MTEF volunteer is available online.