Greater Jefferson County Foundation Scholarship Series - Part 1

[This is first in a series of informative articles regarding all of the scholarships available from the Greater Jefferson County Foundation.]

The Greater Jefferson County Foundation began in 1975, and in 1988, the first scholarship was created in memory of Hazel Scovel Samuelson by her sister.

Mrs. Samuelson was a 25-year employee of the Jefferson County Superintendent’s Office. She assisted in the bookkeeping and proper documentation and registration of all teacher certification and continuing education units. She was an excellent employee with a great interest in young people.

The purpose of this annual scholarship of $1,000 is to assist graduating students in the fields of teaching, other than coaching and physical education.

The second scholarship to be created was The FHS Alumni Scholarship. This was initiated in 1990. The focus donors of this scholarship were and continue to be past FHS graduates. Many class reunions contribute to this fund which began with $200 from the Class of 1938, and were followed by donations from the Classes of 1940 and 1965. Parsons College Class Reunions have also contributed to this fund. This is an Open scholarship, not limited to any one discipline, but is based on the student’s need, citizenship and academic standing. The annual disbursement is $1,000 to any college, university or trade school.

The Foundation’s Scholarship Program has grown to be in excess of $1.7 million dollars. We can help you establish a scholarship as a memorial to honor a loved one, a teacher, or an individual who has been a mentor to you or your family. The scholarship can be specific, focusing on a career, a discipline, or an interest area or vocation, or it might be completely open for the student’s particular need. This might be considered a great opportunity to support our high school alma mater or to create a scholarship to a specific college or university.

The 2025 scholarship application process will begin December 1, 2024 with a deadline of February 1, 2025. Both Pekin and FHS senior students are encouraged to apply. Online applications will be available on the application website at www.gjcfscholarships.org. For more information, contact the Foundation at gjcf0758@windstream.net or call 641-472-0758.