Imelda "Mel" And Ralph Lemar Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Southeast Michigan Community Foundation

Introduction
The Imelda “Mel” and Ralph LeMar Scholarship was created to provide financial assistance for education to scholar‑athletes who graduate from Fowlerville High School. The award was first presented in 2000. Application packets are available in the Fowlerville High School Counseling Office and online at http://cfsem.org/scholarships. Completed applications must be received by March 15 each year.

Background
Imelda and Ralph LeMar established this scholarship to benefit students graduating from Fowlerville public schools, with a focus on those who have combined academic achievement and athletic involvement.

Eligibility
- Seniors who are on track to graduate from Fowlerville High School may apply.
- The following individuals are not eligible: employees of the Foundation or members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees; dependents of Fowlerville High School employees; dependents of the Fowlerville School District; and dependents of members of the scholarship selection committee.

Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on:
- Intention to major in chemistry, physics, or electrical or mechanical engineering;
- Demonstrated leadership, good character, and involvement through extracurricular activities, volunteer service, and work experience in school and the community.
Awards are made without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Award Terms and Conditions
- Applicants must be accepted to—or applying as—a full‑time student at an accredited U.S. institution and intend to major in chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering.
- Recipients must enroll full‑time at a non‑profit or state‑supported four‑year college or university in the United States.
- If a recipient withdraws from their institution, the scholarship will be canceled and any unspent funds returned to the Community Foundation.
- If a recipient decides to attend a different school than originally indicated, the scholarship may be used at other public or private colleges or universities in Michigan that are tax‑exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3).
- All recipients must submit an official academic transcript at the end of the award year.

Payment Procedures
- Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the institution’s Financial Aid Office (or equivalent) in the name of the college or university. Payments may be applied only to tuition and fees, books and supplies, and room and board.
- Disbursement will occur after the Community Foundation has: (1) received the signed Terms of Grant Agreement from the recipient; (2) been notified of the eligible institution the recipient plans to attend; (3) received enrollment verification from that institution; and (4) received confirmation from the institution that this scholarship will not cause a reduction in other awarded grants or scholarships, unless such a reduction is required by federal or state law.
- Awards are subject to applicable state and federal tax and income rules.

Renewability
- The Imelda “Mel” and Ralph LeMar Scholarship is a one‑time (non‑renewable) award.

How to Apply
- Obtain the application form from the Fowlerville High School Counseling Office or download it from http://cfsem.org/scholarships.
- Complete the Scholarship Application Form and submit it to the Counseling Office at Fowlerville High School.
- Include a signed personal statement describing people who have influenced you and outlining your educational and career goals. Be sure to print and sign your name on the statement.
- Request that an official copy of your high school transcript (including Fall grades and standardized test scores) be released to the scholarship committee.
- Ask one teacher to complete the Recommendation Form.
- Ensure all application materials are submitted or postmarked to the Counseling Office by March 15. Incomplete applications or materials received after the deadline will not be considered.