The Peter and Colleen Caylor Scholarship was created in 2008. Since 2008, over 70 students have received awards totaling approximately $95,000.

The scholarship was created to fund students returning to school a few, or many, years after high school graduation.  It is different from the scholarships awarded to graduating seniors because it is awarded after coursework is completed, and has been called a retro scholarship.  It does not consider GPA, class rank, or test scores and also acknowledges coursework in the trades.  It is intended to provide better employment potential. Kasie Holt, Scholarship Coordinator at MHS, can give candidates additional information.  

Why was the scholarship created?  Eight years after high school graduation, Peter returned to college as a 25 yr old Freshman in Mechanical Engineering at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon.  He completed that program in four years, and added a Masters in Business Administration the following year.  His wife, Colleen, worked her way through the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee at a time when that could reasonably be done.  The year their daughter entered college, Colleen added a Master’s in education.  Now they want to provide opportunities for motivated students.  Moral: You’re never too old!

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Guidelines:

▪ Special consideration is given to adults with a gap between high school and program enrollment;

▪ Applicants must be graduates of Merrill Area Public Schools or must have attained a GED after attendance in the Merrill Area Public Schools.

▪ This scholarship is awarded after coursework is completed (it is a retroactive award);

▪ Students may apply after completing even a single college course;

▪ Students pursuing certificate programs (such as law enforcement, geriatric care, and various trade skills) are eligible;

▪ It is meant to provide opportunities and encouragement for dedicated students;

▪ GPA, class rank, and/or test scores are not factors in the selection process.

 ▪ This scholarship will differ from other Merrill High School scholarships in that the student may apply for it after s/he has completed at least one semester or trade certification.  

Recipients chosen to receive the Peter and Colleen Caylor Scholarship will be partially or fully reimbursed for tuition expenses. Award amounts will vary. Students selected to receive awards will be notified in September (only recipients will be contacted).

Application Deadline: June 1st, 2023