Seattle Schools Scholarship Fund

Trustees

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Eleanor Toews (Chair)

Eric Benson         Michael DeBell           Clara Scott             Philip Konkel          Myrna Muto
Frances B. North      Barbara Peterson       Elaine Wetterauer

Consultants
Erma M. Hill (Financial)          Rosemary Odom (History)

History of the Scholarship Trust Fund

The Seattle Schools Scholarship Fund was established in 1974 to provide financial assistance to deserving graduates from Seattle Public Schools for first year college related expenses. The major goal of the fund is to reward students who have overcome significant life challenges to obtain a high school diploma and who might not ordinarily be considered for a higher education scholarship.These non-renewable awards of $2,000 each are distributed among young men and women from both traditional and alternative high schools in Seattle Public Schools who reflect the diverse ethnic population of the school district. Awards are disbursed directly to the institution.

The fund increased significantly on three occasions:

• In 1983 Superintendent Donald Steele recorded an album with country singer Tammy Wynette. All proceeds ($90,000) from its sales were directed to the Scholarship Fund.

• In 1999 the fund increased by $11,000 when contributions in honor of long-time school board member, Ellen J. Roe were made upon her retirement.

• In 2004 Nora B. Adams, former teacher and principal in Seattle Public Schools, left a bequest of nearly $600,000 to the Seattle Schools Scholarship Fund. 

• Nora B. Adams 1928-2004
• Teacher:  Shareples Jr. High and T. T. Minor Elementary
• Principal:  T. T. Minor, Bryant, Sacajawea, Dunalp, Seward Elemenary Schools

• An annual $6,000 contribution from the Seattle School Retirees Association (SSRA) has benefited the fund significantly over the years.

• Donations have come from many sources including district employees and the community.

Since the inception of the Scholarship Fund in 1974, the number and amounts of scholarships granted has increased to 24 scholarships of $2,000 each.  

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive a Seattle Schools Scholarship Fund award, the student must:

• be a graduating senior of a Seattle Public Schools high school during the year the award is awarded,

• be a current resident of the State of Washington, and

• have demonstrated a certain level of academic achievement and potential for college success.

Selection Criteria

Consideration is given to the following criteria in determining both the candidates and recipients of the Seattle Schools Scholarship Awards:

• financial need

• recognizable contribution to their school and/or the community

• performance in academic pursuits

• candidates have overcome significant life challenges to obtain a high school diploma.