◆ Community scholarship drive now underway.

The Lincoln County School District 2 Education Foundation is inviting area business leaders and individuals to be a part of the 2020 Community Scholarship Drive.

“The LCSD2 Foundation was established in 2000 to promote excellence in all areas of education with its Community Scholarship Drive,” said Tim Hale, foundation chairman. “Nearly 50 businesses throughout Star Valley and its surrounding areas participated in the 2018-2019 scholarship drive through the LCSD2 Education Foundation, donating $78,365 to 76 different students.”

“Employees throughout the School District also contributed to these numbers through monthly donations to the Employee Contribution and Julie Aagard Scholarships,” he continued. “These numbers do not account for scholarships awarded to students outside the foundation. What a marvelous impact these scholarships are making in the lives of our students.”

According to information provided by the LCSD2 Education Foundation, the organization is working with each of the high schools in LCSD2. The foundation is also working to gather scholarship pledges from area businesses and individuals as part of the scholarship drive.

“We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to participate, whether as a new or seasoned donor, in contributing to this cause,” said Hale. “Even the most modest scholarship will make a difference on the financial situation of our students.”

According to Hale, the LCSD2 Education Foundation Board “met with community donor members to discuss some gaps we were seeing between the scholarship funds being granted to students and those students who ultimately claimed these scholarships after the three year expiration.”

“We appreciated and valued the feedback we received,” he said. “The LCSD2 Education Foundation finalized on the agreement that after a student provided the required forms of enrollment verification, these funds would be awarded directly to the student. The response to this change has been very favorable as 54 percent of the scholarships to date have been awarded directly to these students after enrollment verification has been provided.”

“As students don’t immediately enroll in college or another training program after high school, these scholarships await them for three years, then at that time these unclaimed funds carryover to other students through the application process,” Hale explained.”

According to Hale, the LCSD2 Education Foundation is looking forward to another successful Community Scholarship Drive.

“Your generosity is much appreciated,” he said.

For more information on the Education Foundation, contact Ashley Cranney, LCSD2 Education Foundation secretary at (307) 885-7137.