TPS scholarship program to award more than $60,000

4/21/2014

More than 80 scholarships totaling in excess of $60,000 will be awarded to about 45 graduating seniors from Toledo Public Schools this spring through the Scholars of Toledo Foundation.

The scholarship program is a joint effort between the school district and the University of Toledo, said Shanda Gore, the foundation’s board president. The scholarships will be presented during a May 14 Salute to Scholars event at 6 p.m. at the Premier Banquet Hall, located at 4480 Heatherdowns Blvd.

The announcement was made during a news conference held today at the University of Toledo’s Driscoll Center Alumni Center Boardroom.

“During the 10 years we’ve offered the scholarship, we’ve provided students with over $1 million,” said Ms. Gore, an assistant vice-president at the University of Toledo. Ms. Gore oversees the Office of Equity and Diversity.

The foundation offers a variety of scholarships. For example, a Libbey High School alumnus has donated funds to start a new scholarship this year – the Libbey Legacy Lives Scholarship - for graduates of his alma mater.

Foundation board member Kevin Milliken said more than 110 students applied for scholarship this year. Less than 50 students applied for scholarships last school year, he said.

In recent years, the board has worked more closely with school counselors and other community organizations to make more people aware of the scholarship, said Mr. Milliken, community relations coordinator for Herzing University in Toledo.

The foundation today also unveiled a new logo, which was designed by David Woodward, a 1989 Bowsher High School graduate. Mr. Woodward is president of the North Design advertising agency, a Toledo-based firm that has been involved with promotions for major events such as the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. He is currently overseas and was not able to attend today's announcement.

Contact Federico Martinez at fmartinez@theblade.com or 419-724-6154.