2026 River Grove Lions Club Scholarship Program

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our revamped 2026 River Grove Lions Club Scholarship Program. With an eye towards making this endeavor more impactful for both the students and our charitable initiatives, we have introduced several exciting changes.  Our goal is to provide applicants with an enriching and immersive experience. We have redesigned the program to offer participants a deeper understanding of our Lions Club's values and contributions.

Introduction:

• The River Grove Lions Club Scholarship Program aims to recognize and reward exceptional high school seniors residing in River Grove.

• We will select four outstanding students to become honorary members of the River Grove Lions club for a year.  

• The yearlong program will entail a manageable commitment, allowing students to balance and prioritize their academic responsibilities.  

• These students will gain firsthand experience of our organization's activities and services, while competing for scholarships.

• Honorary members will engage in a variety of events and projects that represent the breadth of the River Grove Lions Club's work. To get started, you'll meet with our dedicated mentors who will provide you with guidance and support throughout your journey. As part of your volunteer responsibilities, you'll have the option to earn points by attending our board meetings, joining us at our monthly club dinners, and contributing your time and skills to our various events and projects. These activities not only enrich your experience but also help you make a positive impact in your community.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the River Grove Lions Club Scholarship Program, applicants must:

1. Be a East Leyden High School senior residing in River Grove.

2. Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, and community involvement.

3. Have a genuine interest in contributing to and participating in the River Grove Lions Club activities.

Application Process:

1. Mail Application: East Leyden will send scholarship application forms and program descriptions to all eligible seniors in River Grove.

2. Application Submission: Interested students will need to submit completed application forms, including personal statements highlighting their achievements and interest in the program.  These are due on October 20^th, 2026.  

Selection of Honorary Members to the River Grove Lions Club:

1. Selection: The River Grove Lions Club Scholarship Committee will carefully review all applications and select three students to become honorary members of the River Grove Lions Club.   The three scholarship recipients will be announced on November 1^st, 2023.  

2. Notification: Chosen students will be informed of their selection and invited to participate in the honorary membership.

3. Guaranteed Scholarship – If you are chosen as an honorary member than you automatically will receive at least a $500.00 scholarship delivered to your college account

Honorary Membership Benefits:

1. Hands-on Experience: The updated program aligns more closely with our charity's missions and endeavors. By fostering a direct connection between the scholarship program and our community service, we hope to nurture a sense of purpose and commitment among applicants.  Honorary members will actively engage in various River Grove Lions Club activities, gaining insight into our services and initiatives.

2. Learning Opportunities: Members will have the chance to learn from experienced members, fostering personal and professional growth.

3. Networking: Students will connect with like-minded individuals, forming valuable relationships within our organization and the community.

Scholarship Competition:

1. Scholarship Tiers: Students will compete for the following scholarships based on their points accumulation:

  - 1st Place: $2,000.00

  - 2nd Place: $1,250.00

  - 3rd Place: $750.00

   - 4^th Place   $500.00

2. Points System: Honorary members will earn points throughout the year by participating in events, projects, and activities.

3. Fair Competition: A transparent points tracking system will ensure fairness and impartiality in the competition.

4. The Final will be a 4 paragraph essay explaonong what you have learned about;

The River Grove Lions—The Illionos District Lions—the  International Lions Club and How we can improve are program

If you have any questions, please contact Lion Kurt Kuras at 708-790-4449 or email at kurtkuras@sbcglobal.net

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