In 1967 a small group formed the Dollars for Scholars committee. The following year they were able to award two scholarships of $100 each with money the committee had raised and two additional scholarships of $1,000 each through an anonymous donation.

By 1974, the group awarded scholarships to 15 White River High School students, including Keith Banks, who now serves as director of human and administrative services for the White River School District.

White River Dollars for Scholars is a program affiliated with Scholarship America, a national, nonprofit, student aid service organization. The mission of the White River Dollars for Scholars is to increase access to education by involving and assisting the private sector in the support of students and in the encouragement of higher levels of student achievement.

The criteria for application for scholarship funds is that the student be a graduating senior in the White River School District and have applied for acceptance to a two-year or four-year college or university, a qualified trade school or other institution of higher learning.

The process of awarding scholarships is carried out by the Awards Committee of the White River Dollars for Scholars organization. The awards are based on a point system that includes points for academics; activities, community service, work experience and special honors; post-high school course of study; quality of application; a statement of the student’s strengths, interests and goals; letters of recommendation; and an interview. A student’s special circumstances also can be considered.

Dollars for Scholars board members were elected during an annual meeting in October. Elected were Lisa Cramer, president; Sonya Little, vice president; Rose Clark, treasurer; Eunice Johnson, secretary; Linda Sievers, awards chair; Wanda Foltz, fundraising; Meagan Rhoades, webmaster; and Betty Albert, publicity.

Scholarship donations can be sent to: White River Dollars For Scholars, Box 609, Buckley, 98321.

Dollars for Scholars is a 501(c)3 corporation so all donations are tax-deductible.

The organization can help if someone wishes to establish a scholarship in someone’s name.