Submitted
The Hays Masons hosted a dinner on May 17 to award scholarships to five students attending higher education institutions in Kansas. Ethan Schelegl of Ness City, and Nathan Cooper of Hays, attending technical programs, were each awarded $500. Paul Erwin, of Topeka, Kassandra Zimmer, of Hays, attending Fort Hays State University as undergraduates, and Brandon Pfisenmaier of Ottawa, attending FHSU's graduate school, were each awarded $1000.
To be eligible for these Kansas Masonic Foundation scholarships, students must be Kansas residents accepted by, or presently enrolled in one of the identified universities or technical/community colleges. This scholarship program awards $250,000 each year to students who demonstrate that they can and will continue to make a positive impact on their community. Since the beginning of the program, $8.5 million dollars in scholarships have been awarded by lodges across the state.
"We certainly hope that each of these students continues to apply for these opportunities, and that we can continue to help them throughout the entirety of their education. There were about 20 applications made by students in our area last year, which is a tremendous increase over years past, and though we weren't able to help everyone, we want all eligible students to apply," said lodge member Chris Neeley.
The application period opens Dec. 1 and ends March 15. The application can be found on the KMF website.