Blood Drive Scholarship by Versiti: Two awards will be given; amount varies. Seniors who have donated blood or volunteered their service at the RHS Blood Drives are eligible.
Douglas E. Peck Athletic Scholarship: One $1000 to a senior athlete who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship, effort, and leadership in athletics. [*supplemental essay required]
Glenn Rounds: Seniors in the top 15% after first trimester are selected and notified in February with a letter sent to their homes. Student must demonstrate financial need. A copy of the FAFSA and student aid report may be required to verify need. The number and monetary amount of awards vary. This award may be extended to the second year of college based on academic performance. If eligible, refer to letter for details. Applicant does not need to complete the Rockford Scholarship Application.
Golden R Club (Rockford graduates who have reached their 50th class reunion status): two $1500 awards to students demonstrating solid citizenship, service to others, and solid academic record.
James Balk Family: $2000 award to a senior pursuing career in engineering or business administration.
Janssen Music Scholarship: $1000 award to a graduating senior who will continue his/her education in a fine arts/music program.
Katherine Parker Memorial Music Scholarship: Katherine Parker was a 2016 RHS graduate who excelled in the vocal music program. Her dedication, leadership, and wish to lift up and support others inspired this scholarship. The recipient will have been a member of the RHS vocal music program who has shown leadership and has shown through actions a consistent desire to help others. Applicants do not need to be planning a music major in college.
Kevin O’Rourke Honorary Scholarship: Mr. O’Rourke served Rockford Public Schools and Rockford athletics for 35 years before retiring. This award is intended to recognize student athletes who have exemplified Mr. O’Rourke’s long-term commitment to Rockford athletics, have demonstrated sustained involvement throughout their middle and high school careers, and have consistently dedicated themselves to Rockford sports. Two $500 awards are open to athletes, team managers, assistants, trainers, etc. One $1000 award will be given to a senior male and female. Criteria include athletic participation, team spirit, sportsmanship, GPA of 3.0+. [*supplemental essay required]
Paula Banfield Memorial Rockford Sports Boosters: Paula Banfield had a spirit of unselfishness, courage, and commitment toward the Rockford community. This award is intended to encourage those values and beliefs among Rockford student athletes. Two $1000 awards will be given to one female senior and one male senior. Students must have athletic participation (at least one varsity letter), team spirit, sportsmanship, citizenship, service to school/community, and academic achievement.
RHS Rotary (Interact) Award: 2 @ $1000. Applicants must be members in good standing of RHS Interact. This award is given to the Interact Club member who has most reflected our motto: “Service above Self." To apply, your response to Question #5 and Essay #6 must reflect achievements, projects, and contributions specific to RHS Interact.
Rockford Area Community Endowment Scholarship (R.A.C.E.) 2@$1000. Applicants must show a demonstrated involvement in the Rockford community. This can be through work experience, service to others, and/or having a positive impact on our community members.
Rockford American Legion Post 102 Scholarship: 2 @ $1000. The American Legion was founded on the four-fold
purpose of rehabilitation of America’s veterans; care for America’s children;
Americanism; and service to the community, state, and nation. The ideal
candidate will represent the American Legion by demonstrating evidence of these
four pillars to the best of his/her ability. Preference may be
given to the candidate with scouting experience and/or a family connection to
the military. Interest in future military participation may be considered
as well.
Rockford Garden Club Scholarship: 1 @ $2500. The Rockford Garden Club Scholarship is available to
high school seniors majoring in Horticulture Studies, Landscape Architecture,
Environmental Science, Conservatory Management, Organic Farming, or associated,
related fields. A $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to one student attending
any college in the fall of 2024 and can be used for tuition and/or books. [**A supplemental application is required and available on Facebook at the Rockford
Garden Club, Inc. of Michigan page or at the RHS Counseling office. The
deadline is March 30, 2024.]
Robert Jayson DeGraff Memorial Scholarship: One award at $1500 and one award at $1000 to seniors with a love and passion for architecture and historical buildings whom are seeking a career in architecture and/or business/land development. Preference will be given to seniors that have a solid academic record, are well-rounded with high moral character and faith, are people oriented and exhibit leadership qualities, community involvement and have a positive, constructive attitude. Satisfactory completion of any of the RHS Architectural CAD classes is preferred.
Rockford Education Foundation Dr. Michael Shibler Scholarship: Monetary amount of the award and quantity vary. The Dr. Michael Shibler Scholarship will be awarded annually to one outstanding student who is a proud representative of Rockford Public Schools and the Rockford community. The student will exhibit qualities that demonstrate a commitment to excellence, innovative thinking, passionate pursuit of interests, perseverance, and continuous improvement throughout their educational career. After high school the student should pursue a path at a college/university or a path in the skilled trades. The student should be well-rounded and engaged in co-curricular or volunteer activities. They should be bold in thought or action with a heart for helping others.
Rockford Lions Club: Two $1000 awards will be given to individuals who have exhibited good academic standing and supported the Lion's Motto of "We Serve" in our community. Special consideration will be given to participation in Lion's local project(s), Lions International Project(s) and the local RHS's Leos Club and their related projects.
Rockford Odyssey of the Mind: A $500 award will be given to an RHS Senior. Student must have participated in OM for at least two years and “given back” to the program for at least one year. A few examples of “giving back” would be mentoring, co-coaching, and helping with spontaneous nights.
Ruth Streeter Memorial: One award of $500 given to academically solid student of high moral character. Future teaching career preferred. Work experience is preferred. Service to society and how student has impacted others is important.
Ryan Whitmore Memorial Scholarships: Ryan had a vision and created courses that were designed to be inclusive of all students and of all abilities at Rockford High School. His passion has since spread to many other courses offered at Rockford High School. This scholarship will be awarded to students who wish to pursue a postsecondary certification or degree and who demonstrate Ryan’s passion for life and desire to make their community a better place for all. One $1000 award to a student who has been a part of the Tech Ed department and exemplified excitement for tech ed at Rockford High School and is continuing their education at the next level. Additionally, one $1000 award to a student in the RPS Special Education program who was enrolled in at least one Rockford High School Leaders program, is engaged and eager to learn, and shows leadership skills with their peers.
SCOR (Soccer Club of Rockford): Two awards of $1000 each to one male and one female athlete who played for SCOR for at least one full season. *Dates of participation must be listed under activities section.
Stephen May Humanitarian Award: Offered in memory of Stephen May, who lived by the words “Everybody Love Everybody” by extending love, compassion, kindness, and unconditional caring to all. Award will be given to a senior who possesses the virtues and values consistent with the “Everybody Love Everybody” philosophy.
Tim Erickson Honorary Scholarship: Mr. Erickson served Rockford Public Schools and Rockford athletics for 36 years before retiring. This award is intended to recognize student athletes who have exemplified Mr. Erickson's long-term commitment to Rockford athletics, have demonstrated sustained involvement throughout their middle and high school careers, and have consistently dedicated themselves to Rockford sports. Two $500 awards are open to athletes, team managers, assistants, trainers, etc. One $1000 award will be given to a senior male and female. Criteria include athletic participation, team spirit, sportsmanship, GPA of 3.0+. [*supplemental essay required]
United Bank Community Dedication Scholarship: Separate Application Required. Two awards of $500 to seniors who have shown care for their community through involvement in school and community activities. Winners must be planning to attend a college, university, or vocational school.
Virginia-Lou Mills Scholarship: $2000 to a deserving senior. Mrs. Mills taught high school for fifteen years and inspired many to reach for the stars. She wants to make a significant difference in the life of one deserving student each year. Money will be paid directly to the institution of high learning in which the recipient will be enrolling in the fall.
William Morren Honorary Scholarship: Mr. Morren taught Health Education and Physical Education for 32 years. One $1000 award will go to a student that carries at least a 3.0 GPA and shows proof of enrollment at GRCC in a Health Field, Culinary, or Criminal Justice. Financial need IS a factor.
Woolley Foundation Scholarship: Separate application is required and can be found in counseling office or online at https://woolleyfoundation.org/scholarship/. The Woolley Foundation promotes broad based educational endeavors - life skills, enrichment for special needs, training, and higher education goals. One award of $1000 to a graduating senior who plans to pursue the study of special education in college.
