Nearly $20,000 in scholarship money sits waiting for high school seniors who live or attend school within the Clarkston School District boundaries’perfect grades not required.
The scholarships, sponsored by a number of local businesses and community organizations and facilitated by the Clarkston area Chamber of Commerce through a common application, are awarded based on varying criteria.
‘We have kids that say, well ‘I’m not top 10, so why should I apply??? said Penny Shanks, chamber executive director . ‘But especially with the local scholarships, that’s not our number one criteria.?
For example, she said, Clarkston Rotary is looking for students who need financial aid; Clarkston Farm and Garden is looking for kids with a passion for learning about and contributing to environmental issues; the chamber is looking for entrepreneurial spirit.
‘I think students be surprised to know that we want to hear about your failures,? said Shanks. ‘We want to know ‘what did you learn?? because that’s what makes a difference with an entrepreneur. When you fail’you have to get up, dust yourself off, learn from the experience and move on.?
A selection panel looks for scholarship criteria in required student essays, profiles or letters of recommendation written by a teacher, boss, neighbor or other individual who can writes about efforts the applicant has made.
Shanks said the chamber usually receives about 70 scholarship applications per year, but can definitely handle more.
‘I’m always telling (students who volunteer at the chamber) ‘don’t disqualify yourself. If you don’t apply you’ve already disqualified yourself,?? said Shanks. ‘You need to apply, make the effort. You never know, you might pick up some money that will help with books or gas, or getting that computer to get started at college, you never know.?
The chamber began facilitating the common application for local scholarships about six or seven years ago, Shanks said.
‘Once the high school counseling department realized we were willing to cooperate, it was huge for them,? she said. ‘It’s one form they keep track of, one deadline to communicate, and that makes it a whole lot easier for students to participate.?
No application fees are required, but students must submit an essay, letters of recommendation, a student profile and other information to be considered for most of the available scholarships.
All completed applications must be submitted or postmarked by Feb. 29. Fax and email submissions will not be accepted.
For complete details and submittal instructions, download scholarship forms from the Clarkston area Chamber of Commerce website at www.clarkston.org.
Forms are also available at the Independence Township Library and the Clarkston High School counseling department office.

Many scholarships available

Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce
Four scholarships, $1,000 each;open to all majors; minimum GPA: 2.8; Essay: Yes (same question as Rotary and Optimist)
Clarkston Rotary Club
Two $1,000 scholarships; open to all majors; minimum GPA: 2.8; Essay: Yes
Clarkston Area Optimist Club
Up to seven scholarships ($250-$1,000); open to all majors; Minimum GPA: 2.6; Essay: Yes
Clarkston Farm and Garden Club
Three $1,000 scholarships; open to all majors; No minimum GPA
Essay: Yes ? Two questions
Clarkston Foundation
Scholarships available: Two scholarships, $1,000 each (one for arts; one for sciences). A third scholarship of $1,500 for students pursuing a teaching career; Open to all majors; Minimum GPA: 3.3
Health Sciences (Sponsored by Clarkston Medical Group; Roeser Dental Associates; Munk and Associates Orthodontic Specialists; Michigan Center for Orthopedic Surgery); Four scholarships, $1,000 each; Major: Health Sciences; Minimum GPA: 3.3; Essay: Yes