“Tomorrow’s diesel mechanics, doctors, radiologists, journalists, architects, office managers, fruit marketers, computer technicians are in West Valley’s classrooms today. They have the potential and motivation. All they need to reach their goals is your support. They need financial assistance, and they need to know that you believe in them.” Sheryl Pace-Opfer, 1984 WV graduate.

INTRODUCTION

Since 1994, the West Valley Dollars for Scholars Foundation has been dedicated to raising money with the express purpose of awarding scholarships to graduating seniors. It is our intent not only to assist the recipients in furthering their education beyond high school, but it is also an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication they have demonstrated in achieving success here at West Valley. Our money comes from fundraising events, as well as donations from local businesses, non-profit organizations, professional groups, individuals, and memorial scholarships. We are affiliated with both the Washington State Dollars for Scholars and the national Dollars for Scholars, Scholarship America.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DETAILS

• Applications are available in the high school counseling office.
• Applicant must be a high school senior “on track” to receive a diploma from West Valley High School.
• Recipients may choose to attend an accredited public or private two-year or four-year college or a vocational school anywhere in the United States.
• Most awards are given in $500, $750, or $1000 amounts depending on the source of the specific scholarship.
• Scholarships are paid directly to the school, not the student.
• Awards must be used within two years of high school graduation.
• The selection process is objective and non-discriminatory. Applications are reviewed “blind” with the student’s name and personal data unknown to evaluators. Chosen from the community, six different evaluators each score one specific section of the application independently. The results are tallied for a final score. Applicants receive points for class ranking, the teacher appraisal, work, school and community activities, national test scores, and two short essays. The total score is based on all the information submitted, so it is in the student’s best interest to fill out the application completely.
• Financial need is taken into consideration for those students who choose to complete the optional financial assistance form. It is only one of many factors that determine the selection of recipients. A third party, not associated with WVDFS assesses financial need from the completed forms.
• Scholarships are awarded to the students at their Senior Brunch on Graduation Day.
  
  

STRUCTURE

The national Dollars for Scholars, a program of Scholarship America, provides the organizational methods and materials for our use. This organization was founded in 1958 with its mission to expand access to educational opportunities by involving and assisting the private sector in the support of students and in the encouragement of educational achievement. Dollars for Scholars has created partnerships with over 500 colleges and universities. These Collegiate Partners agree not to reduce their grant aid for students with Dollars for Scholars scholarships, and some of the colleges may match a qualifying DFS award.

WVDFS Foundation is a chapter operated by volunteers from the West Valley community. These volunteers meet monthly to organize and promote fund-raising and awarding of scholarships. Regular meetings are scheduled the second Wednesday of each month in the conference room at WVHS at 12:30 p.m. An annual meeting is held in June to plan the upcoming year. New board members and committee members are always welcome and needed for our success.

FUND-RAISING MAIN EVENTS

• February Dinner: A gathering of our community-- a sit-down dinner served by students, and a great raffle.
• Annual Golf Tournament: At Apple Tree Resort in early May. A beautiful venue and a prime rib dinner. Not to be missed!
• Legacy Bricks : Imprinted with the name and/or year of your choice. Something that lasts! Previous orders and all incoming orders will be placed at the new high school.
  
  

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2008-2009

• Dinner Down Under - Thursday, February 26, 2009
• Scholarship application deadline for students - April 17, 2009
• Golf Tournament - Wednesday, May 6, 2009
• Teacher and Staff Appreciation Lunch - Wednesday, May 13, 2009
  
  

SCHOLARSHIPS

• West Valley Kiwanis
• West Valley Education Association
• Ahtanum Valley PTA
• Mountainview PTA
• Elementary PTAs, Pack Parents and Panther Parents
• West Valley Dentists
• Physicians in Support of West Valley Scholarship
• Orchard Rite LTD
• Outback Espresso Coffee House
• Walker/Leone and Keeble Construction
• West Valley Music

MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

We extend our deepest sympathy to those families who have lost a loved one. We are grateful to those who have designated West Valley Dollars for Scholars for donations. Memorials were received in 2007 in honor of the following individuals:

• Diane Beaudry
• Leone and Byron Borton
• Mitch and Alva Branam
• Leon and Avis Burrill
• Frank Carter
• William Chard
• G.E.Clasen
• Gordon and Betty Jo Dowd
• Brent Edwards
• John Mori
• Mitch Perala
• Cindy Peterson
• Sarah Sauve
• Chris Schaub

Contact any of the following
WVDFS board members for information:

• Linda Miller 965-3281
• Marla Borton 966-6633
• Lou Arend 966-9438
• Norm Reid 969-1571
  
  

PAST RECORD

West Valley Dollars for Scholarship Foundation presented their first scholarships in 1995. $13,000 total was distributed to 26 students.

In 2008 WVDFS awarded $43,300 in scholarships to 50 recipients.

“Talk to people who received scholarships to help them with their education, and a common story will form. For most individuals, scholarships were a financial and emotional support that made a difference in their careers and their lives.

Scholarship recipients, regardless of age, can recall when they received the scholarship and who gave it to them. There is a shared excitement among scholarship recipients that someone other than family believed in the possibility of their dreams. It means more to them than they can express. Students who receive scholarships know that people in their community believe in them.” Sheryl Pace-Opfer

Please include WVDFS in your list of deserving organizations you support each year.
Your participation is invaluable, and your gift makes a difference.