Roady's Legacy Scholarship

New for 2025-2026 School Year - Roady's Legacy Scholarship!

Purpose

To celebrate the lasting impact of Rice Lake Elementary and support its alumni as they pursue post-secondary education. Whether through trade school, a two-year college, or a four-year college or university, Roady’s Legacy Scholarship is excited to support you!

Award

• Amount: Two (2) $1,000 scholarships each

• Frequency: One time award to two graduating seniors

• Use: Tuition, books, or educational expenses paid directly to the recipient’s academic institution
  
  

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a high school senior in good standing at Osseo Senior High School or Maple Grove Senior High School, graduating in the current academic year

• Attended Rice Lake Elementary School

• Be accepted into a post-secondary institution, including:

  • Accredited trade or vocational programs

  • Community or technical colleges (2-year)

  • Colleges or universities (4-year)

• Demonstrate character, commitment, and community spirit

Application Requirements

• Completed application form. Apply here: https://forms.gle/VygbRXsSGKCY6uCJ9

• Proof of Rice Lake Elementary attendance (e.g., transcript, report card, or letter from school)

• Letter of acceptance from a post-secondary institution

• Essay (1000 words max): “How did Rice Lake Elementary shape who you are today?”

• At least one letter of recommendation (from a teacher, counselor, coach, or community leader)

Selection Process

• Applications will be reviewed by a committee of: Rice Lake PTO Board Members (required), Educators (required), and Community Members (optional)

• Judged on:

·         Personal story and connection to Rice Lake Elementary

·         Educational goals and motivation

·         Community involvement or leadership

·         Note: Essays must be the applicant’s original work. The use of generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT or similar) to write or substantially revise the essay is not permitted. The committee reserves the right to disqualify applications that appear to violate this requirement.

Timeline

• Applications open: February 1

• Deadline: April 15

• Recipient announced: May 15

Recognition

• Recipients will be honored at their high school’s senior awards night

• Featured on Rice Lake Elementary’s newsletters and/or social media

Additional Information:

·         Scholarships are awarded based on a scoring rubric. The two highest-scoring applications will receive the awards, regardless of high school attended (both recipients may attend the same school).

·         Continuation of the Roady’s Legacy Scholarship is approved annually as part of the Rice Lake PTO budget process. Approval in May applies to the following academic year (e.g., approval in May 2025 funds scholarships awarded in spring 2026).

·         Scholarship funds are paid directly to the recipient’s academic institution on behalf of the students.

·         During the judging process, all identifying applicant information will be redacted except for the essay, which will not be edited, to ensure impartial evaluation.

·         Non-Discrimination Statement: The scholarship program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected status.

The Fine Print: By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

·         Accuracy of Information I certify that all information provided in this application and in any supporting documents is true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false or misleading information may result in disqualification or revocation of any scholarship award. 

·         Authorization to Verify Information I authorize the scholarship committee or its representatives to verify any information contained in this application, including academic records, enrollment status, and submitted documentation. 

·         Use of Submitted Materials I understand that all materials submitted as part of this application become the property of the scholarship program and will not be returned. I grant permission for non‑confidential information (such as my name, school, and award amount) to be used for scholarship announcements or promotional purposes. 

·         Documentation Requirements If selected, I agree to provide all required documentation, transcripts, or enrollment verification, before scholarship funds are released. 

·         Disbursement of Funds I understand that scholarship funds may be paid directly to my educational institution.  I acknowledge that failure to meet eligibility or documentation requirements may delay or prevent disbursement. 

·         Changes in Enrollment or Status I agree to notify the scholarship program promptly if my enrollment status, academic standing, or contact information changes.

·         Right to Modify or Withdraw Award I understand that the scholarship program reserves the right to modify, suspend, or withdraw an award if I fail to meet the stated requirements or if circumstances arise that affect my eligibility. 

·         Acceptance of Terms By submitting this application, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by all scholarship rules, requirements, and conditions.

For questions, please reach out to the Rice Lake Elementary PTO Board: ricelakepto279@gmail.com