Henry Daily Herald

The clock is ticking for students who want to apply for college scholarships through the Henry County High School Foundation.

Applications are due by Jan. 31, according to Elaine Childs, the organization’s executive director.

Childs said the organization, now in its 24th year, is offering scholarships to worthy high school seniors attending the county’s public high schools.

The foundation —the brainchild of Henry County High School Counselor Joann Nutt — was established in 1989. It exists as an outreach effort, to assist in continuing the education of Henry County youths.

“They [the scholarship recipients] are very appreciative,” said Childs, who is also a retired Henry County educator.

Childs said the organization’s mission is “to represent investors in our community by supporting graduates of the public high schools of Henry County,” and its purpose is “to provide scholarships to Henry County’s deserving high school graduates who plan to further their education by attending a college, university, or vocational/technical school.”

The foundation, she said, awards scholarships to more than 60 students annually, including recent recipients. She said those who have already received scholarships through the organization may reapply for each of their subsequent college years, for up to four years.

Dozens of scholarships are available this year, ranging in value from $500, to $2,000, depending upon the applicant’s qualifications and needs, among other considerations.

Childs acknowledged that the foundation funds the scholarships through donations received from businesses, individuals, civic groups and other foundations. The tax deductible donations, she added, are accepted year round.

While a donation of at least $500 is required for the scholarship to be named in honor or memory of someone, the foundation welcomes donations of any size. Childs said each scholarship can have special preferences or guidelines placed on it by the donor. For example, a family could create the “Johnson Family Nursing Scholarship.”

Application and donor forms can be found on the foundation’s web site at www.henryscholarships.com. All requirements are explained on the web site and on the application, which must be received no later than Jan. 31. Also, visit the web site, for a list of previous recipients.