Nathan Sparks Memorial Scholarship

The Saks High School alumni class of 1997, along with Nathan's parents, Jacky and Cheryl; sisters, Kristin and Adrienne; and Adrienne's husband, Joe Mike, established the scholarship fund to celebrate Nathan's life. After his death in a motorcycle accident on June 12, 2001, Nathan's family and friends had to respond as Nathan would have, by working to bring about something positive in the midst of something so tragic.

Remembered as a leader both in athletics and among his peers, Nathan was most known for his natural tendency to extend a helping hand or a watchful eye to those who were weaker, younger or disadvantaged. Thus, this Fund strives to emulate his encouraging voice, his optimistic spirit and his determined character. The Community Foundation is honored to make this award available to graduates of Saks High School.

Awards:
The Nathan Jackson Sparks Memorial Scholarship Fund is a one thousand dollar ($1,000) award designated to graduates of Saks High School. The Fund is intended to provide supplemental funding for full or part-time enrolled students, to an accredited college, university or technical institution within the United States. The award is not renewable for subsequent years.

Essay: An essay serves as the primary evaluation tool for this award. In this paper, the applicants are asked to identify and describe in detail their most significant character trait(s) and to site examples of this/these attribute(s). The applicants should also address how the scholarship will benefit them in life based on their aspirations, educational and career goals. The composition should be typed and be from four to six double-spaced pages.

Eligibility: Graduating seniors of Saks High School, or its successor institution, are eligible to apply for the scholarship without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, or disability. Priority will be given to seniors: (i) recommended as a positive roll model, mentor, advocate or leader, (ii) recognized for character and promoting the betterment of Saks High School, (iii) noted for having a team spirit in the classroom, on an athletic field or other extracurricular association and (iv) motivated academically to succeed at an institution of higher learning.

Members of the Sparks family and all relatives of donors who contribute more than two percent of the Fund's assets, are ineligible to receive a scholarship from the Fund. In addition, the Foundation's Board of Trustees, staff and Scholarship Committee members, including their spouses, children, adopted children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, are prohibited from applying or receiving any scholarship, grant or financial award from the Foundation.

Review Committee: The Foundation's Scholarship Committee (made up of school officials, educators, and community foundation representatives) will review all applications and make recommendations to the Foundation's Board of Trustees for final approval.

Review Process: Students are required to submit the essay and two letters of recommendation to the Community Foundation of Calhoun County by February 1 of each year. The Scholarship Committee will have four weeks to review the applications, conduct interviews if necessary and hold a determination meeting to recommend awards. Final recommendations will be submitted to the Foundation's Board of Trustees. Ideally, the scholarship will be announced at the Saks High School Senior Class recognition event.

Payment of Awards: Upon formal acceptance of the award, payment of awards are made at the beginning of the academic term (quarter or semester), once the Foundation has received proof of registration as a full or part-time student. Distributions will not be made until the Foundation receives the (i) signed letter of acceptance provided by the Foundation, (ii) certified proof of enrollment from the institution and (iii) confirmation that the recipient is enrolled in one of the degree programs listed above. Checks are made directly to the financial administration office at the college or institution. No distribution will be made to any individual for any reason.

Responsibility of Recipient: Each scholarship recipient is responsible for fulfilling requirements for admission to the educational institution of his or her choice. The scholarship recipient must enter a post-secondary institution no later than the fall term following their selection. The scholarship will not be recognized as an obligation of the Foundation if the recipient has not utilized the award within six months after graduation. Moreover, recipients not completing the full academic term must request the school to reimburse the Community Foundation of Calhoun County for any funds eligible for refund because of separation from the academic program.

Assumptions: The Nathan Jackson Sparks Memorial Scholarship Guidelines are not a contract. No obligation or liability of any kind will be imposed upon a scholarship recipient; nor will any obligation or liability be assumed by the Community Foundation of Calhoun County, except as expressly stated in this document.

These guidelines are subject to change; therefore, applicants should inquire if revised guidelines have been issued. This may include the due date of the application documents. Neither Saks High School nor the Community Foundation will (i) accept applications that are presented after the due date; (ii) contact students to locate missing documents such as letters of recommendation (iii) contact students to return the Letter of Acceptance form and (iv) contact students to provide proof of enrollment in order to receive payment.


Updated March 2, 2002
Revised: November 21, 2006