Supporting College Goals
In recent years, only 50% of Affton graduates attended a two-year college and 25% enrolled in four-year schools, choices often made due to economic realities. The Affton Education Foundation serves to inspire students to attend the college of their first choice where they can achieve their educational goals.
The Foundation awards $2,500 renewable college scholarships to qualifying Affton High graduates each year, funding them from gifts and income from the Foundation endowment fund. Principally through a recently completed 5 year matching challenge grant from William (’63) and Nancy (’65) Thompson, the Foundation’s endowment fund has now grown to slightly in excess of $1.5 million. In addition to these scholarships, the Foundation also awards several four-year full tuition scholarships funded by separate alumni endowments: Kent (’58)and Judy (Laudenslager) (’61) Mueller Westminster College scholarship, James H. Lamont Ranken Technical College scholarship, and the Rickli Family Truman State scholarship.
The successes from our efforts have led to another wonderful seed grant from the Thompson Foundation which has permitted the Foundation to fund a full time College Counselor and Advisor position at the High School. This counselor focuses solely on helping our college-bound students: not only increasing the number of graduates going on to college, but also encouraging them to reach out to institutions that they otherwise may not have attempted to access. Starting in the Fall of 2010, the Foundation has sponsored an ongoing series of college trips for junior and seniors visiting a variety of colleges and universities. These trips permit them to meet with students, professor and college presidents and have been truly life-changing experiences for these students.
Fall 2012 College Visits: November 6 & 7, 2012
Trip One: SEMO, Murray State, SIU-Carbondale, and McKendree
Trip Two: Western Illinois, Culver-Stockton, Truman, Mizzou, and Columbia College
The Affton Education Foundation sponsored these two college trips for interested juniors and seniors. Fifty-six teens participated in the visits , which give students a closer look at the college experience and serves as inspiration for their application process. Knowledge is power!
2012 AEF Scholarship Winners
Morgan Brust, Brigham Young University
Graduating fourth in her class, Morgan was active in the National Honor Society, Student Council, Thespian Society and Choir, and plans to pursue a degree in education.
Kara Klemp, University of Missouri – Columbia
Kara graduated 17th in her class, was active in the National Honor Society, Student Council, Dance, and a scholar-athlete in swimming and track and field. She is following a course of study in psychology and biology.
Oscar Owens, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Graduating third in his class, Oscar participated in Student Council, DECA, Chess Club and Band, as well as being a scholar-athlete. He plans to study engineering management.
Melissa Williams, William Woods University
Melissa is a talented Thespian, active on the yearbook staff and involved in chorale, theater singing and directing. She is pursuing an education in theater arts and education.
2012 Kent and Judy Mueller Westminster College Scholar
Brittany Paglusch
Graduating eighth in her class, Brittany was involved in the National Honor Society, Math League, and varsity soccer. She plans to study political science and education.
2012 Rickli Family Truman State Scholar
Linsey Lumpkins
2012 James H. Lamont Ranken Technical College Scholars
Paul Carey, auto collision
Drake Shaffer, machining
Previous Scholarship Winners
2011
Wesley Bramer
Paige Eckert
Cassandra Mezines
Riam Yousif
Anthony Benjamin Bhasme
| 2010 Cody Angeli Kristina Gordon Rachel Burrus |
2009 Elizabeth Hanson Nedim Novakovic Megan Ottomeyer Kaelin O’Connor |
2008 Timothy Glockner Michelle Haparimwi Matthew Sapienze |
College Scholarship Application
Each $2,500 scholarship is renewable for three more years. Applications are due in March, with winners announced at the honors assembly in May. See your college counselor for more details.
Eligibility Guidelines
Criteria for Selection
- ACT score – reported and included in application – no minimum score required.
- Grade Point Average – transcript included weighted transcript. Include rank in class.
- Two teacher recommendations – written letters of recommendation for student based on academic achievement.
- Typed Essay – written by the student on “What More Could You Do” based on the possibility of stretching your goals if you receive this scholarship.
- EFC (Expected Family Contribution) as indicated on your form FAFSA Student Aid Report – report included.
- Attendance report from Affton High School office – based on four years of high school.
- Citizenship requirement.
- Discipline report from Affton High School office through 7th Semester – no suspensions.
- Leadership Component – list activities in and out of school including offices held. This can also be included on resume. Include recognition and achievement in Athletics; recognitions, grades and achievements in the Visual or Performing Arts; and activities responsibility, and recognition for Community Service.
- Resume – see example.
- College Acceptance – copies of letter or e-mail acceptance to an accredited four year college, university or school of choice.
Place the above in a folder with your name prominently secured on the fron cover. Your resume should be the first document in the folder. The application must be complete. All information must be submitted in the application form.
For more information, call Judy Rethwisch at 314-633-0012 or e-mail judyreth@aol.com
Click here to download a COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP application form.
