The Ray Kest Scholarship Corp. will award 20 $5,000 scholarships, totaling $100,000 in value, to local high school seniors. The scholarships may be used toward a two- or four-year college or university. Recipients may also use the money to enter a building trade or apprentice program, a barber or beauty college or an auto mechanic program.
Applications for this year’s scholarships must be submitted by March 14. Applications are available from area high school counselors.
Scholarship selection is primarily based on financial need. The committee also considers academic performance, school and community involvement, ACT/SAT test scores and letters of recommendation submitted as part of the application.
Ten scholarships are funded by the Old Newsboys and named for prominent members or supporters of their organization. Four scholarships are generously funded by community members, including the James Brennan family, Keith and Karen Berman, Matt Liegel (a former scholar recipient) and Sue Bedra. The remaining six scholarships are funded by the Ray Kest Scholarship Corp.
The Ray Kest Scholarship Corp. was established in 1965 by Al Shnider with money from the Old Newsboys and named for Ray Kest Sr., a former circulation director at The Blade, to recognize his work with the Old Newsboys. That year, one $500 scholarship was given. Last year the Scholarship Corp. awarded 14 scholarships totaling $70,000.00 in value.
The Ray Kest Scholarship Committee consists of 23 men and women from all walks of life who donate their time and expertise to this valuable program. Committee members include judges, attorneys, religious leaders, educators, labor leaders and business professionals. These dedicated individuals receive no financial compensation for their service.
The committee will review the applications and select 30 students to appear for personal interviews; 20 will be selected to receive scholarships.
Those with questions, or who wish to make a tax deductible donation to the Ray Kest Scholarship Corp., can email Chairman Ron Shnider at rshnider@yahoo.com.
