The Roanoke Kiwanis gave out $14,000 for six scholarships to high school seniors this year. Scholarships are given to applicants from the nine area high schools in which we sponsors Key Clubs – William Fleming, Patrick Henry, Cave Spring, Hidden Valley, Northside, Roanoke Catholic School, Staunton River, Forest Park Academy, and Faith Christian School.
Students complete an application that includes a personal history, their expected field of interest for college, transcripts, and extracurricular and service activities. Applicants also provide letters of recommendation A Kiwanis Scholarship Committee reads through as many as 35 applications and score them by giving 40% weight to financial need, 30% to school and community service, and 30% to academic achievement. Applicants are then ranked and the results are tabulated.
Six finalists sit through interviews with the committee and those finalists are then ranked to receive the Franklin Award ($4000) named for a former Kiwanis member and his wife who were benefactors of the Roanoke Kiwanis Foundation; Henh Ly Award ($3500) named for a Kiwanis Scholarship recipient who was tragically killed in the 2008 shootings at Virginia Tech; and the other four scholarship finalists receive $1,750 each.
DANIEL COOK—Daniel receives a $1,750 award and graduated from Northside High School with a 4.24 GPA. His leadership responsibilities there includes serving as Senior Class President and President of the Key Club. Daniel has been a member of the Soccer and Track Teams, as well as the Pride of Northside Marching Band. Daniel plans to attend Virginia Tech, and major in Business and Finance.
ANDREA JERAUSEK— Andrea was awarded the $3,000 Henh Ly Scholarship. Andrea graduates from Northside High School. Her activities there included Varsity basketball, the STEM Club, President of the German Club, and Co-President of the Key Club. She has also studied Engineering at the Burton Center. Andrea plans to attend the University of Virginia, and major in Mechanical Engineering.
MELISA TRAN – Melisa was awarded a $1,750 scholarship sponsored by American National Bank. She graduates from William Fleming High School and will attend Virginia Commonwealth University where she plans to study graphic art. Melisa participated on the tennis and cross country teams, was president of the Language club, Vice President of the Student Government Association, president of the Future Business Leaders of America, president of the Spanish Honor Society and she was valedictorian of her class. Melisa is a member of the National Honor Society and the Key Club, has volunteered in reading to children, working with Special Olympics, and volunteering with the Rescue Mission, RAM House, Ronald McDonald House and Feeding American Southwest Virginia.
PARKER HARNACK – Peter was awarded the $4,000 Stuart and Margaret Franklin scholarship. He graduated from Roanoke Catholic School, and will attend Virginia Tech in the fall to pursue aerospace engineering. Parker has worked in the summers in construction and landscaping as well as volunteering at summer children’s camps and repairing low income housing. Parker is a member of Boys Scouts, the National Honor Society, Key Club, band, the cross country team, the basketball team, and the drama club. He served as vice president and treasurer of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and as secretary and treasurer of the Student Government Association along with being captain of Roanoke Catholic’s lacrosse team. Parker is most proud that, at the Model Arab League, he was named Outstanding Delegate last year and this year he helped his school win its first Outstanding Delegation award.
TIMOTHY SLOANE – Timmy was awarded a $1750 scholarship sponsored by Pinnacle Financial Partners. He graduated from Northside High School with a 4.19 GPA and plans to attend Bluefield College in the fall where will pursue a teaching degree. Timmy has been very involved in Appalachian Outreach mission trips through his church and also participated in Mentoring Men, a mentoring partnership between Northside HS and Burlington Elementary School. While working part time, Timmy was captain of the basketball team, and acting as referee, coach and umpire for North Roanoke Recreational Club, and serving on the Student Advisory Council.
COREY BROOKS – Corey was awarded a $1,750 scholarship. He graduated from Northside High School and plans to attend Virginia Tech in the fall where he will pursue marketing and eventually work for a professional sports team. Corey’s activities included DECA and BETA clubs, playing on the football team, coaching at kids’ sports camps and Special Olympics. Corey has worked throughout his school year and maintained a 4.11 GPA.