Mary Katherine "Katy" Williamson Scholarship Fund

Tribute: John and Susan Williamson and their son Ben established the scholarship after the death of their daughter and sister in June of 2005. The Fund both honors Katy's memory and reflects the love and admiration of her family, friends, classmates and co-workers. This Fund supports very specific scholarships but these activities only capture a small portion of Katy's life, talents and broad interests. Katy enjoyed sunflowers and constantly planted more and more of them each year at the family farm in Wellington; she cherished creation and the wonders that surrounded her and she welcomed all the seasons of the year and deeply trusted that the fall included the promise of spring.

Katy also loved every form of animal both wild and tame. She worked as a Veterinarian Technician, where her compassion was complimented by her work ethic. Its is not certain where Katy's talents would have led her but all who knew her were certain that she would contribute to the well being of others. Her picture truly reflects the fullness of life she lived for twenty years, bringing the same joy and exuberance to her family and friends.

Awards: The Mary Katherine "Katy" Williamson Scholarship Fund benefits individuals pursuing an Associate in Science Degree (AS) in the following: Emergency Medical Technology, Emergency Medical Services, Pre-Veterinarian Medicine, Nursing Assistant, Practical Nursing or Registered Nursing. The award is for either part-time or full-time enrolled students to attend any accredited institution of higher learning in Alabama. The award is renewable annually for two years providing that the recipient continues to maintain the standards of these Guidelines.

Application: These guidelines and the application packet will be distributed to the guidance counselors at high schools in Calhoun County. Also, applications are available directly from the Community Foundation.

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must submit the completed documentation to the Community Foundation by February 1 of each year. There are no exceptions to this due date. The Scholarship Committee will not consider incomplete applications.

Essay: An essay is required with the application. The student is asked to describe his or her personal aspirations, educational, and career goals. Significant weight will be given to essays that provide i) examples of community service and ii) illustrate the applicant's motivation, drive or determination. The applicant should conclude the statement with the main reason why the committee should award him or her the scholarship. This composition should be typed and be no longer than three double-spaced pages.

Eligibility: Individuals who have a diploma from any accredited public or private high school or who have earned the General Education Development (GED) certificate and are residents of Calhoun County are eligible to apply for the scholarship without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, or disability. In addition, the following priorities, in the enumerated order, shall be used to evaluate candidates: (i) be enrolled or accepted into one of the degree programs listed above, (ii) exhibit financial need, (iii) reflect a passion to serve the needs of others and (iv) illustrate community service.

Members of the Williamson 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 Scholarship Committee of the Community Foundation of Calhoun County will review all applications and make recommendations to the Foundation's Board of Trustees.

Review Process: Staff will review the application for clarity and completeness; copies of applications and all documentation will be forwarded to the Scholarship Committee. Committee members will have four weeks to review the applications, conduct interviews, if necessary, and hold a final determination meeting. This recommendation is submitted to the Foundation's Board of Trustees for final approval. Ideally, awards will be finalized and made public in May of each year.

Amount and Payments: The Community Foundation will project and allocate the assets available for scholarship awards depending on the Fund's annual income.

The Foundation will make scholarship payment at the beginning of each academic semester. 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.

Students must inform the Community Foundation of any additional educational or financial aid grants or awards immediately upon notification. Failure to do so may result in the termination of this scholarship.

In addition, the scholarship recipient must provide the Community Foundation with an official copy of their transcript at the end of each academic term (semester). Failure in any single term to maintain a 2.5 overall grade point average or better on a 4.0 scale will result in the termination of the scholarship award.

Responsibility of Recipient: Each scholarship recipient is responsible for fulfilling requirements for admission to the college or institution of higher learning. The scholarship recipient must enroll no later than the winter term following their selection; otherwise they forfeit the award. No award shall be carried over beyond twelve months from the date of acceptance. Recipients not completing the full academic term must request that the school reimburse the Community Foundation for any funds eligible for refund.

Assumptions: The Mary Katherine "Katy" Williamson Scholarship Fund 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.

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.

The Community Foundation will not (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.