ROTARY SCHOLARSHIPS

At the May Board of Directors meeting of the Akron Rotary Foundation, President Tom Fox reviewed the on-going issue of giving $200-$100 Rotary scholarship awards to the local Akron Public and private Akron high schools. A proposal submitted by the Rotary Club's Scholarship Chairman, Terry Dalton, was also reviewed.

President Tom reported that in the past, the Akron Public School representatives requested that Rotary did not decrease the number of awards given since it was important to recognize students and to give students the opportunity to use the award on resumes, applications, and to obtain other scholarships. Rick Rogers pointed out that receiving the Rotary scholarship was similar to receiving a medal; it may not be of great value, but it was an honor to be selected and recognized for achievement.

How to increase the amount of the scholarships and if the Akron Rotary Foundation could contribute more to the scholarship pool were reviewed. Foundation Treasurer Tom Gedelian reviewed the formula for calculating the annual contribution allowed according to the Akron Rotary Foundation's Bylaws.

Scholarships planned for 2010 are as follows:

10 Academic at $200 = $2,200 (Akron only has seven high schools plus the 3 parochial schools)

17 Career Ed at $100 = $1,700 (but it could be as many as 25+).

8 Vocational at $200 = $1,600

4 RYLA at $425.00 each = $1,700.00

2010 Total = $7,200

Directors voted to set a side $11,500 in the 2011 Akron Rotary Foundation budget for Rotary Scholarships.