Club increases number & value of scholarships
By JEFF LARRISON
Westfield Lions Club
Each year the Westfield Lions Club provides a variety of scholarships for graduating Westfield High School seniors.
A combination of factors has led to the club adding more scholarships and increasing the dollar amounts for them. The sizes of the graduating classes each year has continued to jump; the cost of college increases each year; and the Westfield Lions Club has had tremendous success with its largest fundraising event, their semi-annual “Poker for Sight” Texas Hold ‘em Tournament.
All of this has led the Lions to expanding their scholarship offerings and raising the amounts of each scholarship.
For years the Club offered three scholarships – the Florence Benson Memorial Scholarship, the Lester Tudor Memorial Scholarship, and one or two scholarships for the Westfield H.S. LEO Club. Together these scholarships typically totaled $3,000. In 2023 the Club decided to aggressively expand their list to total nine scholarships worth $16,500.
A major change in the scholarship offerings involves the introduction of scholarships for students interested in pursuing an education at trade and vocational schools, including the culinary arts. The Lions recognized that not all graduating students are interested in going to the traditional four-year colleges, and there seems to be a need to encourage students to consider pursuing careers in the trades.
The 2024 list of Westfield Lions Club scholarships is:
- Don Russel Career Development Scholarship ($2,000): Named in honor of one of the most outstanding Lions in the Westfield club’s history, this scholarship is awarded to a student who will be attending a trade or vocational school.
- (2) Trade & Vocational Scholarship ($2,000): These two scholarships are also for graduating seniors intending to attend trade or vocational schools.
- Culinary Arts Scholarship ($2,000): The Westfield Lions Club has long been a financial supporter of the WHS Culinary Arts program. In 2023 they offered their first scholarship specifically targeted to a graduating culinary arts student who will be continuing their training for the food service industry.
- Service Over Self Scholarship ($3,500 total to be divided between two students): These scholarships (formerly known as LEO Club scholarships) are awarded to students who demonstrate a commitment to serving in their community. The Lions Club works closely with the SOS Club to help support their service work in Westfield.
- Lester Tudor Memorial Scholarship ($2,000): Named in honor of a former Lion who also was a principal at Westfield H.S.
- Florence Benson Memorial Scholarship ($2,000): Named in honor of a former Westfield H.S. home economics teacher who was recognized as an outstanding educator and community volunteer. This scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates a commitment to serving others in the community.
- Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year ($500): Selected by the Westfield Athletic Department.
- Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year ($500): Selected by the Westfield Athletic Department.
Applications for these scholarships are available in the Westfield High School guidance department. For more information on the scholarships and the Westfield Lions Club, go to WestfieldLions.org.