Scholarships
Vernon Hills High School Scholarship Program
Welcome to the Vernon Hills High School-specific scholarships! Please peruse the scholarships listed in the "Scholarships" tab offered in this section and then apply via the Google forms linked in the "Applications" tab below. Remember that all of these scholarships will be awarded to VHHS students. You can’t win if you don’t apply!
You MUST complete Part 1 of the application in order to complete Part 2. See the Applications tab for further information.
DEADLINE: February 21st, 2023
You will fill Part 1 out only once! Part 1 of the application is general information about you and your high school career.
You will complete Part 2 for each scholarship you wish to apply to. Part 2 of the application offers the selection of the specific scholarship to which you want to apply. Scholarships are listed alphabetically in the Scholarship Information tab below, as well as in Part 2 of the application. Select the scholarship in which you are interested and fill out the specific supplementary information. You can apply to as many scholarships as you like, but you will need to visit the link over and over.
Consideration will be given to those who require financial assistance, but all eligible seniors are encouraged to apply.
Award: Four Seniors from VHHS will be awarded $500
Criteria:
- Applicant must be a graduating VHHS senior planning to enroll in a 2- or 4 year- college, university, or accredited technical school
- Applicant must have participated in community services
- GPA: 3+
Essay Questions:
Reflect on the District 128 Mission to be DARING (Dreamers and Doers, Aware, Resilient and Healthy, Inquisitives, Nimble, Global) while answering the following short answer essays:
- Tell about the service project, which you participated in during high school, that was most significant to you and why it was important. (100 Word limit each)
- What are your long term goals, and how do you plan to achieve them? (100 Word limit each)
- Describe the most positive classroom experience you have had in high school. (250-500 word count)
Jackie Ferguson was a woman of great character. As a VHHS Education Support Personnel (ESP) she embodied the meaning of the words perseverance, fun, dedication, kindness, thoughtfulness, and giving. She cared deeply for our students. Even though Jackie did not have a college degree, she strongly believed in it and its value. Therefore, in her honor, the ESP of VHHS are pleased to offer scholarships to deserving VHHS graduating seniors.
Award: Two Seniors from VHHS will be awarded $250
Criteria:
- Plan to pursue post-high school education, trade school, or career training
- GPA: 2.5+
Essay Questions:
Choose one of the following:
- What factors, circumstances, individuals, and/or experiences have been influential in your decision to pursue a higher education? Describe how the above will help you in the future. (250-500 word count)
- Describe yourself and how you have overcome some difficulty in your life. How has this event of moment changed you for the better? How has it led you to choose to continue your education and/or major in the field that you currently want to pursue? (250-500 word count)
- What qualities do you possess that will positively impact those around you? And how do you think pursuing a post-high school education will help you make a difference in your community or the work, in years to come? Please give one or two examples. (250-500 word count)
- How has the global impact of the coronavirus pandemic affected your future plans? Please share how this unprecedented challenge has provided you with an opportunity to impact your family, community, or school in a positive way. (250-500 word count)
James Martin Associates is a full service Landscaping Management company located in Vernon Hills. The James Martin Associates Scholarship will be given to a VHHS graduating senior who has a career interest in the horticulture, forestry, agronomy, landscape, or environmental profession. This scholarship will be awarded to a student who displays strong motivation and drive to reach personal goals by stretching and growing through experiences and opportunities available during their educational studies.
Award: One senior from VHHS will be awarded $500
Criteria:
- Academic merit
- Financial need
- Active involvement in school/community programs
Essay Questions:
Imagine that five years from now you are asked to look back at your life and describe the five most creative accomplishments you have made since you graduated from high school five years ago. What would they be and why would they be significant to you? Feel free to use creative liberties and use every opportunity to reveal yourself in your essay. (500 word max)
This scholarship is given in memory of Jesse Goldsmith by the VHPD.
Award: Four Seniors from VHHS will be awarded $1000
Criteria:
- Applicant must be permanent Illinois residents
- Senior graduating from Vernon Hills High School in the 2021-2022 school year
- Plan to pursue post-high school education at a college or university
- Include a copy of Unofficial Transcripts
- Provide a reference from a teacher, mentor, or community leader who has observed the student's growth (If you have a letter of recommendation in Scoir, that letter may be used)
Essay Questions:
- Describe why you are applying for this scholarship and your plans for the future, post high school. (1 page max)
- Describe one or more experience(s) from your life and explain how it has influenced, formed, and developed you to be the person you are today (i.e. developed your morals, formed your ethics and values, explain the reasons for your aspirations in life, etc.). (350 word max)
The Joyce Kolton Memorial Cougar Scholarship for academic excellence, community service, and leadership will award one $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior.
Award: One Senior from VHHS will be awarded $1000
Criteria:
- Attending a four-year college
- Involvement in community/school service
- Financial need will be considered
- GPA: 3+
Essay Questions:
- Describe how you have grown and developed as a person throughout your high school years. (250-300 word count)
The Music Alumni Scholarship is for any VHHS senior with 2+ years in music classes, who will be majoring in a music-related field (performance, education, business etc). Scholarships will be granted based on financial need and musical merit--a musical resume is required.
Award: One Senior from VHHS will be awarded $500
Criteria:
- Plan to pursue post-high school musical education
- Musical Resume must be upload in Part 2
Essay Questions:
- Tell us about your musical background and how you plan on contributing to and/or innovating in your chosen musical field. (250 word max)
The Prevention and Wellness Program of Vernon Hills High School is offeering one $500 scholarship to a deserving VHHS graduating senior. The recipient of this award must be able to demonstrate that they have had substantial growth and maturity over the past four years and have been committed to their high school education.
Award: One Senior from VHHS will be awarded $500
Criteria:
- Plan to pursue post-high school education or technical training
- Provide a reference from a teacher, mentor, or community leader who has observed the student's growth (If you have a letter of recommendation in Scoir, that letter may be used)
- GPA: 2.0+
Essay Questions:
- Discuss how you have overcome significant challenges, matured and grown personally and shown resilience over the course of your high school career. And how will this impact your future? (500 word max)
The Shaan Arora Memorial Scholarship is given in memory of Shaan Arora. Shaan was in Karen Martin's Special Education classroom and graduated from VHHS in 2015. He left us at age 20 on April 20, 2016. Shaan touched so many lives in his short life, and every life he touched was enriched by his presence. He had a love for computers, technology, food, and Bollywood music. He loved school and was a popular guy who made everyone smile.
Award: One Senior from VHHS will be awarded $500
Criteria:
- Any VHHS senior who has a disability or has overcome a disability
Essay Questions:
- Discuss your disability, experiences, and/or how you overcame the disability. (500 word max)
The District 128 Federation of Teachers is proud to award the Sharon Arbiture Union Scholarship to a graduating VHHS senior. Sharon Arbiture was a teacher for 30 years, with nearly 20 years in Community High School District 128. She taught English, Speech, Debate, and she shared a love of reading widely and writing well with her students. She was a founding member of the First Class character education programs (now called #VHGIVE) and was the sponsor of Interact Blub. Her fellow teachers are proud to honor her with this scholarship.
Award: One Senior from VHHS will be awarded $750
Criteria:
- Average to above-average grades
- Have definite plans to gain education and training toward a career in education
- Active involvement in school and/or community programs
- Demonstrate personal qualities of determination, leadership, responsibility, and honesty
- Provide two VHHS teachers as references (If you have a letter of recommendation in Scoir, that letter may be used)
Essay Questions:
- What gives you the desire to pursue the career of teaching?
- What characteristics do you possess to become a successful teacher?
- How are you preparing for your future as a teacher?
All interested VHHS seniors are welcome to apply, through preference will be given to students from underrepresented groups, students who are the first in their family to attend college, and students form low-income backgrounds.
Award: One Senior from VHHS will be awarded $1000
Criteria:
- Academic merit
- Financial need
- Extenuating circumstances will be considered
Essay Questions:
- What is your vision in making a difference in people's lives and/or making your community a better place? How will you use your college education to make this vision a reality? (250 word max)
- Describe the most beautiful and memorable sight you have ever seen in your life so far. (250 word max)
The Robert N. Molitor Jr Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to two VHHS graduating seniors. The scholarship aws founded in Robert's memory and is dedicated to his passion for life and community service as a beloved member of the Vernon Hills Lions Club.
Award: One Senior from VHHS will be awarded $500
Criteria:
- Community service
- Academic merit
- Financial need
- Extenuating circumstances will be considered
Essay Questions:
- How has your community service experience(s) benefited both the community and you as an individual? (500 word max)
Sports Lodge B'nai B'rith Scholarship
Candidates from Chicago area high schools shall be entitled to submit applications for the Sports Lodge B’nai B’rith Scholarships for Jewish Youth. Applicants will be screened by the Sports Lodge Scholarship Committee to determine which candidates shall be granted interviews. Applicants should treat this interview as they would a job interview in terms of appearance and research. Scholarship recipients shall be determined by the Scholarship Committee following the interviews. Print out the application and submit it to the CRC.
DEADELINE: February 3rd, 2023
- FINANCIAL NEED: The applicant must submit a copy of the parent’s and applicant’s 2019 and 2020 IRS tax returns. A statement and explanation of financial need will be required by parent(s).
- SCHOLARSHIP: The applicant must submit an official high school transcript.
- ATHLETIC ABILITY: The applicant must be a bona fide member of a high school varsity sports activity or equivalent.
Mundelein/Vernon Hills Rotary Club Scholarships
Pursuing an Associate Degree or certification program after high school? Apply for a generous scholarship from the local Rotary Club! You can use the scholarship for College of Lake County, any other community college or vocational school. An VHHS student will be selected and they often offer more than one award.
The scholarship requires a 15-minute interview with a Rotary member. This is a casual interview, nothing to worry about; the Rotary members just want to get to know the applicants. Interviews will take place the week of March 8th. You will be excused from class, if necessary.
DEADLINE: March 10th, 2023
Award: One Senoir will receive $1,500
Criteria:
- Two letters of recommendation -- they can be emailed directly to Ms. Weil in the CRC (rianna.weil@d128.org) by the due date. Ask the CRC for help if you need help deciding who to ask.
- The CRC will order your VHHS transcript for you and include it with your application. If you have a transcript from CLC, please email it to Ms. Weil by the due date.
The Foundation of the Mundelein-Vernon Hills Rotary Club sponsors annual academic scholarships to: residents of Mundelein and Vernon Hills; students who live within District 120 attendance boundaries; and Vernon Hills High School students residing within the Vernon Hills High School attendance boundaries. Scholarships cover tuition and are awarded to students pursuing formal education beyond high school. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, community service, and financial need.
If a scholarship awardee does not attend the four-year university listed on application and ends up going to a community college the award amount is not to exceed the cost of the first year of tuition at the community college. Funds will be awarded each semester and will be proportioned accordingly.
If a scholarship awardee receives a full-tuition scholarship from a college or university, Rotary Scholarship funds WILL NOT be awarded and instead will be distributed to an individual with greater need.
Any scholarship funds will be paid directly to the institution. Under no circumstances will Rotary provide funds directly to awardee.
Scholarship awardees agree to notify the Mundelein-Vernon Hills Rotary Club of any additional scholarship funds awarded by their school after the award of the Rotary Scholarship.
DEADLINE: March 10th, 2023
Award: One Senoir will receive $1,500
Criteria:
- Two letters of recommendation -- they can be emailed directly to Ms. Weil in the CRC (rianna.weil@d128.org) by the due date. Ask the CRC for help if you need help deciding who to ask.
- The CRC will order your VHHS transcript for you and include it with your application. If you have a transcript from CLC, please email it to Ms. Weil by the due date.
MacLean Fogg Scholarship
Each MacLean-Fogg scholar will have been accepted by an accredited four-year college or university of their choice and have demonstrated academic excellence with particular emphasis in Mathematics, Sciences, Industrial Arts, and Engineering.
In addition, this individual must have demonstrated achievement, creativity, leadership and the "entrepreneurial spirit" in activities at school, in their community and in other areas of their life.
Academic excellence is an important criteria in the scholarship program, but the program is not based solely on the academic record of the applicant. The record of achievement, quality of leadership and "entrepreneurial spirit" that we attempt to reward in the MacLean-Fogg Scholarship program results in a broad selection criteria. However, preference will be given to applicants pursuing degrees in mathematics, sciences, industrial arts, and engineering.
DEADLINE: February 13th, 2023
Criteria:
- Applications are due in the CRC by mid March.
- Please return only pages 3 - 9 of this application packet, plus appropriate attachments. If necessary copy a page and type or print your answer on the page provided.
- The MacLean-Fogg Scholarship Committee will review all applications, choose the top three candidates from each high school, and invite those finalists for an interview. One student from each school will be selected to receive the MacLean-Fogg Scholarship.
- The principal of each high school will be notified of the scholarship winner at their high school.
- The recipients will receive a plaque with their name inscribed on it that will remain on display at their respective high school. A plaque will also be given to the recipient to keep.
Requirements:
- The scholarship is $3,000.00 for each of the four years of undergraduate study, to a maximum amount of $12,000.
- Scholarship funds will be paid directly to College/University Financial Aid Offices. There are no restrictions regarding the distribution or use of these funds. They may be used for tuition, housing or personal expenses and may be disbursed in a lump sum or in partial payments.
- MacLean-Fogg scholars must be enrolled full-time and maintain full-time enrollment.
- MacLean-Fogg scholars must maintain a "B" grade point average. That is, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or 4.0 on a 5.0 scale. (This is not a cumulative grade point average.)
- MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions cannot guarantee employment but will make every effort to provide MacLean-Fogg scholars employment during summer vacations and holiday breaks. The Company will also do its best to accommodate the scholar’s wishes when making work assignments. Scholars are required to notify Eileen Snick, Director of Human Resources, no later than 30 days prior to the work period requested.
- MacLean-Fogg scholars are not required to accept employment as a condition of the MacLean-Fogg scholarship.
- Maclean-Fogg scholars may be allowed under certain circumstances to take a leave of absence from full-time study for a semester or a full year without losing their scholarship eligibility. To insure continuation in the scholarship program scholars must submit their leave of absence application in writing to Eileen Snick, Director of Human Resources.
WAB-AAUW STEM Scholarship
This $500 STEM scholarship is offered to girls who are seniors in specific Lake County, Illinois, public high schools, who will be attending any not-for-profit community college or four-year college (public or private) within the U.S.A., maintaining a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, beginning fall 2022, and will be majoring in the sciences, technology, engineering, or math. It is the goal that at least one, possibly four, STEM scholarships will be awarded for the 2022-2023 academic year to a girl(s) meeting the established requirements. Print the application below and follow the instructions.
DEADLINE: April 7th, 2023
- Complete by April 7th, 2023
- Female student, U.S. citizen.
- Accepted to a public or private, not-for-profit, community college or four-year college within the U.S.A., full-time i.e., maintaining a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, for the 2023-2024 academic year.
- Majoring in science, technology, engineering, or math.
- Submit a typed personal statement/essay, no longer than two pages, about yourself, your goals, and what future contributions you intend to make to your community.
- Submit an OFFICIAL high school transcript that includes class rank and accumulated GPA for the most recently completed semester.
- Submit at least two written letters of recommendation on your behalf, one of which must be from a teacher both dated within 30 days of application submission and with that author’s original signature.
- Completion and timely submission of the Waukegan Area Branch AAUW SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION.