Gayle Clarke Memorial Scholarship

Apply today! The entry deadline is 5:00 PM on April 30, 2024.

The Gayle Clarke Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Gayle Clarke by the Jane Jefferson Democratic Club, the Montrose Democratic Party, and the family of Gayle Clarke.

Gayle was known for her exceptional character, integrity, hard work, and ardent belief in giving back to the community by volunteering. She was a lifelong Democrat and was instrumental to the Democratic Party and the Jane Jeffersons. She had a passion for knowledge and education and had a strong belief in the standards of the democratic process. She was a leader, organizer, mediator, mentor, and friend to all.

The annual scholarship was established to reward and encourage one graduating senior in Montrose County each year who has demonstrated both democratic ideals and active involvement in their community and school. The scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student who puts forth a strong academic effort, gives back to their community through community service, and shows leadership and dedication through extracurricular activities.

Two winners will be awarded a non-renewable $2,000 scholarship. The application deadline is 5:00 PM on Friday, April 30, 2024. The scholarship award decision will be made by May 15, 2024.

Apply here or pick up a scholarship application packet at your school counselor’s office.

Scholarship (click to apply)

SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA

  • Graduating senior of Montrose County in the 2024 school year.
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
  • Must be planning to attend a post-secondary institution in the fall of 2024. This includes college, university, junior college, community college, technical institute, or vocational-technical school.
  • Must show community and extracurricular involvement.
APPLY NOW

REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS

  • Gayle Clarke Scholarship Application
  • High school transcript
  • A resume that includes academic history, work history, community service, and extracurricular involvement
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation (1 academic and 1 community)
  • In essay format, answer both of the following questions:
    • ESSAY QUESTION #1: (maximum length: 2 pages)
      The teacher that has been the most influential in your life. Who and why?
    • ESSAY QUESTION #2: (maximum length: 1 page)
      You just received one million dollars to start a new community outreach program. What will it be called, and how will it improve the lives of folks in our community?

DIRECTIONS

Please complete and print the 2-page application and submit it with the REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS by Friday, April 30, 2024, in one of the following ways:

  • Hand-deliver to your school counselor’s office if you are in the Montrose County School District RE-1J (Montrose, Olathe, West End)
  • Mail to Gayle Clarke Scholarship, P.O. Box 2126, Montrose, CO 81402-2126
  • Email a PDF file to GCMSCHOL@gmail.com. Please note “Gayle Clarke Scholarship” in the subject line and include all necessary attachments in a single email.