Imelda "Mel" And Ralph Lemar Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Southeast Michigan Community Foundation

Introduction
The Imelda Mel and Ralph LeMar Scholarship was created to assist scholar‑athletes who graduate from Fowlerville High School with financial support for higher education. The inaugural award was presented in 2000. Application materials can be picked up in the Fowlerville High School Counseling Office or downloaded from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan website: http://cfsem.org/scholarships. The application deadline is March 15 each year.

Background
Imelda and Ralph LeMar established this fund to benefit students graduating from Fowlerville public schools.

Who is eligible
- Seniors who are on track to graduate from Fowlerville High School are eligible to apply.
- The following individuals are not eligible for consideration: employees of the Community Foundation, 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 on the following:
- Intention to pursue a major in chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering.
- Evidence of leadership and strong character demonstrated through extracurricular activities, community service, and work experience.
- Awards are made without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Award conditions
- Recipients must be accepted and enrolled as full‑time students at an accredited institution in the United States and intend to major in one of the eligible fields (chemistry, physics, electrical or mechanical engineering).
- Enrollment must be 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 cancelled and any unused funds will be returned to the Community Foundation.
- If a recipient chooses to attend a different institution than originally indicated, the scholarship may be used at another public or private college or university in Michigan that is tax‑exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Scholarship recipients are required to submit an official academic transcript at the end of the award year.

Payment of awards
- Payments will be made payable to the Financial Aid Office (or equivalent) of the recipient’s institution and are intended to cover tuition and fees, books and supplies, and room and board.
- Disbursement will occur only after all of the following are completed: (1) the recipient has signed and returned the Terms of Grant Agreement to the Community Foundation, (2) the recipient has notified the Community Foundation of the eligible institution where they plan to enroll, (3) the institution has confirmed the student’s enrollment, and (4) the institution has confirmed it will not reduce previously awarded grants or scholarships because of this award unless required by law.
- Award payments are subject to applicable state and federal income rules.

Renewability
This scholarship is a one‑time award and is not renewable.

How to apply
- Obtain the Scholarship Application Form from the Fowlerville High School Counseling Office or from the Common Forms for Applicants at http://cfsem.org/scholarships.
- Complete the application 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 this statement.
- Request that your official high school transcript—showing fall grades and standardized test scores—be released to the scholarship committee.
- Ask one teacher to complete the Recommendation Form on your behalf.
- Ensure all required materials are either postmarked or delivered to the Counseling Office by March 15. Incomplete applications or those received after the deadline will not be considered.