Chamber offering annual scholarships

For over 20 years, the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce has sent local high school graduates to college with a little extra cash in the bank through its Chamber Scholarship program. Applications are now available in guidance counselor offices throughout Bolivar County high schools and parents are encouraged to have their children apply.

Lucy Janoush, who sits on the Chamber’s Education Committee, said seniors who meet requirements have an opportunity to receive a $400 scholarship for college. She noted the scholarship was at one point $200, but it doubled some years ago.

The scholarships are funded by Chamber members and individuals wanting to help send a kid to college.

“The members that have been supporting the scholarships have been generous throughout the years,” Janoush said. “The numbers have always been substantial.”

When asked why people should donate scholarships, she said, “The Chamber is focusing on the development and education of future leaders for our community.”

There are some eligibility requirements. A senior must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. They must have scored a minimum of an 18 on the ACT or an 860 on the SAT.

The student must be enrolled at Bayou Academy or within the Benoit School District, Cleveland School District, Mound Bayou School District, North Bolivar School District, Shaw School District, or West Bolivar School District.

Students also need to provide a copy of their high school transcript, as well as a list of school, church, or community activities. Two non-relative letters of reference attesting to one’s character are also required.

The deadline to turn in an application back into the guidance counselor is March 9.