Attention JCHS Seniors: April Is Scholarship Month

April 1 marks the official start of Scholarship Month at James Caldwell High School – but the money up for grabs to help offset the cost of college is no April Fool’s joke.

Throughout the month, the James Caldwell High School Scholarship Fund Committee, an H.S.A. League committee, works to promote the more than two dozen scholarships which are available to seniors through a single application.

In the coming days, the committee will be sending out letters to residents asking for their support. Stacey Scott, vice president of the scholarship committee, said the community is always generous and the committee is thankful for all contributions.

According to the campaign letter signed by fund co-presidents Bob Lynch and Carole Sheehy, “Last year, the response of the Caldwell-West Caldwell community made it possible to award more than $20,000 in scholarships, which included five $1,500 JCHS Scholarships directly funded by the support of families like you.”

Scott said in addition to the annual drive, the committee raises money year round through the sale of gift cards to ShopRite, by recycling ink cartridges and cell phones, and more. The committee also holds an annual  in Caldwell each fall and on Saturday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will once again sponsor "Shred It" – an event that allows anyone to shred paperwork in a safe environment for a small donation. A complete list of fundraisers is available on the district's website.

Since its inception in the 1960s, the James Caldwell High School Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $295,000 to qualified students. 

Scott said the committee distributes a single application for students that allows them to qualify for dozens of scholarships. A student could be awarded more than one scholarship.

This week the committee held a trivia contest during lunch to help promote Scholarship Month.

“We just want to encourage all the seniors to take advantage,” Scott said.

Two important dates to remember: April 21 is the deadline for applications; June 8 is awards night at the JCHS Center for Performing Arts.