The Martha Vandervoort Memorial Scholarship was created to invest in individuals with benevolent character and a servant’s heart, and to close the gap for their un-met financial need in order to provide a higher education. A Calhoun County senior is selected each year to receive a $24,000 scholarship to a four-year college or university of their choosing for their undergraduate degree.
The Martha Vandervoort Memorial Scholarship has been established to celebrate students who have made an impact in our community through leadership and community service. Our hope for the Memorial Scholarship is to invest in individuals with a servant’s heart that reflects Martha’s legacy of life. The Martha Vandervoort Memorial Scholarship offers renewable, 4 year $6,000 scholarships to Calhoun County students with financial need who display academic achievement, a commitment to serving other, strong work ethic and leadership qualities.
This year’s recipient is Katelyn Downing, a graduating senior from Jacksonville High School. Katelyn will be attending Jacksonville State University in the fall as a sophomore thanks to her participation in the Jacksonville State University Jump Start Dual Enrollment Program. She will graduate with a 4.0 GPA and 52 college credit hours all while working a part time job and playing on the varsity volleyball team. To add to these accomplishments, Katelyn is also a member of the D.D. Club, a community service organization which has led her to volunteer opportunities with Calhoun County Sports Hall of Fame, Relay for Life, United Cerebral Palsy, and her favorite, the Kiwanis Club’s annual shopping trip for children in need.
Katelyn is a fine example of someone deserving of the Martha Vandervoort Memorial Scholarship.
Recipients of the scholarship were chosen through an application and interview process with a selection committee. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate they have a financial need and reflect the embodiment of charity.
