Last year San Benito High School seniors collectively raked in
more than $1.4 million in college scholarships
– nearly three times as much as the previous year’s figure of
about $500,000 – and school officials are hoping for even more
scholarships this year.
Hollister – Last year San Benito High School seniors collectively raked in more than $1.4 million in college scholarships – nearly three times as much as the previous year’s figure of about $500,000 – and school officials are hoping for even more scholarships this year.
Two full scholarships to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, accounting for nearly half of the $1.4 million total, bolstered last year’s scholarship figures, Career Specialist Jeanie Churchill said Wednesday.
Although the total dollar amount was higher, fewer students received scholarships during the 2004-2005 school year compared to the 2003-2004 school year. Only 112 students received scholarships last year compared to 166 the year before, even though five more scholarships were awarded. Of those 112 students, several applied for and were awarded more than one scholarship.
Local scholarships are particularly important to San Benito High School students because fewer people apply for them and local students have a much better chance of getting them, Churchill said.
Since the majority of scholarships every year usually come from local companies or organizations, Churchill revamped the high school’s scholarship application process two years ago in order to make it more efficient. Churchill created a single application that students can use to apply for 40 different local scholarships. Before, each scholarship required a different application form.
“I think that made a big difference,” she said. “Instead of filling out 40 different applications, the students only had to fill out one.”
This year 70 percent of the 277 scholarships awarded came from local companies and organizations.
Every year a core contingent of dedicated students are awarded several scholarships, Churchill said. For example, class of 2005 Valedictorian Ryan Andrade was awarded 16 scholarships from a variety of organizations last year. Those students who are dedicated to getting scholarships and spend a lot of time in the Career Center are most likely to get more scholarships, she said.
“Those that shine, shine very brightly when it comes to college scholarships,” Churchill said. “But I always encourage every student to apply and we will continue to try to get more students to apply this year.”
Even those students with low grade point averages should apply because many of the scholarships do not have GPA requirements, Churchill said.
One example is the Hollister Top Hatters Motorcycle Club Scholarship. The club offers two scholarships to San Benito High School students every year – one for $500 and another for $1,000 – neither of which require a high GPA, charter member Jeffrey Contival said. In fact, one the requirements is having a GPA below 4.0, but between 2.0 and 3.9.
“We’re not looking for the 4.0 students because they get a lot of other offers,” he said. “We’re looking for the kids who really needs the scholarship and has done outstanding work in the community.”
One of the best ways to secure college scholarships is to start early and apply to as many as possible, Churchill said.
“The more you apply for the better chance you have to get one,” she said. “It’s always better to go for the free money first and then borrow later if you have to.”
Brett Rowland covers education for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or [email protected]
