Senior Scholarships
All local scholarship applications are due by Sunday, March 31st, 2024.
The KSD Education Foundation offers five scholarships to Kearney seniors. We work with community partners to provide additional scholarships to graduating seniors who plan to enroll in higher education institutions for further studies. Scholarship awards are forwarded to the college/university of the student’s choice upon enrollment.
Students need to apply through the Kearney High School Guidance Office. The scholarship application window opens in March, and recipients will be notified in April. Senior Awards Night will be held in early May at the KHS auditorium to recognize each recipient and their achievements.
All scholarship recipients must submit the KSDEF Scholarship Recipient Information form by June 10th for KSDEF to forward their scholarship award to their college/university.
Senior Scholarships
Award Amount: $1,000
Description: The Foundation offers scholarships exclusively for graduating Kearney seniors. These scholarships are designed to help alleviate financial burdens, providing support as students pursue their higher education. To qualify, applicants should be actively engaged in school and community activities, reflecting their commitment to personal growth and community involvement.
Number of Scholarships: 4
Type of Criteria: Applicants must be a graduating Kearney senior and be involved in school and community activities.
Pay It Forward Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,000
Description: KSD employees generously donate to the Education Foundation through the "Pay It Forward" payroll deduction campaign. With these donations, KSDEF can offer an additional $1,000 scholarship to a Kearney senior. The "Pay It Forward Scholarship" honors these staff members and celebrates their generosity in a way that recognizes their commitment to giving back to their students and community. Click here to view a list of teachers and staff contributing to the P.I.F. campaign.
Number of Scholarships: 1
Type of Criteria: Applicants must be a graduating Kearney senior and be involved in school and community activities.
Kearney Alumni Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,000
Description: Funded by contributions from Kearney alumni, this scholarship serves as a bridge between past and future. It embodies the legacy of excellence and camaraderie that defines the Kearney experience, offering financial assistance to ambitious individuals who demonstrate academic promise, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact on their communities while cultivating a sense of belonging and pride within the bulldog family.
Number of Scholarships: 2
Criteria: Applicants must be a graduating Kearney senior and be involved in school and community activities.
Ashton Hiatt Memorial Scholarship
Award Amount: $500
Description: In memory of Ashton Hiatt, a 2010 graduate of Kearney High School. He was a celebrated athlete on the 2009 State Championship Football team, a 2-time state qualifier in wrestling, and Art Student of the Year. He loved powerlifting, swimming, motorcycles, sunsets, drawing, music, and dancing. He loved his family, friends, and teammates, but most of all, he made EVERYONE feel special and meaningful with his beautiful smile and ability to make you laugh.
Number of Scholarships: 1
Criteria: Submit a handwritten, 500 words or less essay responding to the statement: "The Pain of Discipline or the Pain of Regret." Ashton painted this statement in the weight room of KHS, which can still be seen today. Essays may be submitted to the KHS Guidance office.
Friendship Memorial Scholarship
Award Amount: $500
Description: In memory of three Oak Park High School graduates: Jeff Sanderson, Jason Gwin, and Kyle Storrs. Friends whose lives were claimed in a car accident on April 1, 2001. This scholarship was established by the JJK Children’s Memorial to honor their memory and their friendship.
Number of Scholarships: 1
Criteria: Instead of a traditional essay, this scholarship requires you to create something depicting your idea of friendship. It can be a written essay, song, poem, work of art, video, etc. The scholarship recipient will be determined based on the originality and creativity of their submission.
Jack Wolters Memorial Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,500
Description: In memory of Jack Wolters, a Kearney High School student. Jack was an avid lover of books, nature, animals, video games, and memes. He ran cross country and track. He strived to include everyone and make them laugh. He always had a hacky sack, deck of cards, or frisbee to entertain his friends and family. He was best known for his charming personality and won people over with his eyes, dapper hats, and crazy shirts.
Number of Scholarships: 1
Criteria: Must be a Kearney High School graduate who is an active member of their church community, who lives to serve others, and who has ADHD/ADD.
Woodrow Long Memorial Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,500
Description: In memory of Woodrow Long, who lovingly shared countless stories from his youth about his father, Dr. Thomas Long, a rural veterinarian, with his grandson David leaving a lasting impression on him. In 2004, Dr. David Leighr acquired Long Veterinary Clinic in Kearney, preserving and continuing Dr. Thomas Long's legacy. To carry forward this family tradition and honor his grandfather, Dr. Leighr generously extends the Woodrow Long Memorial Scholarship each year to aspiring high school seniors who aim to pursue a career in the veterinary field.
Number of Scholarships: 2
Criteria: Must be a Kearney High School graduate with a minimum 3.0 GPA and who plans to pursue a career in the veterinary field.