Carter County residents played golf at Dornick Hills Monday before bidding on a football signed by Jermaine Gresham and a motorized ice chest.
The Greater Ardmore Scholarship Foundation hosted the annual golf tournament and silent auction to raise money for its scholarship fund.
“Any organization whose function is to increase a child’s chance at success is a noble cause,” GASF board member Dave Rickard said Tuesday.
The foundation awards scholarships to Carter County seniors who have at least a 2.8 grade point average or a 21 on the ACT, a family income between $25,000 and $75,000 and who attend an Oklahoma college, university or career tech.
If the student has a sibling also in college, the family income must be less than $100,000.
Students receive $500 per semester until they become juniors, when the scholarship doubles to $1,000 per semester.
“If they apply and meet the criteria, then they are accepted and we will figure out where to get the money,” Rickard said.
However, even if a student does not meet the criteria, GASF board co-chair Laura Clay encourages them to apply. If a student’s grades, income or location situation changes during their college years, they can begin receiving the scholarship if they applied during their senior year of high school.
“We can’t do anything if they don’t apply during their senior year. Every kid in Carter County should apply for a ‘just-in-case scenario,’” Clay said.
The foundation is unique because of its wide availability.
“I know it’s a one-of-a-kind type of deal. I spent 30 years as an educator. I still attend conferences and people go crazy because of what we do,” Rickard said.
Also, scholarship recipients may receive additional funding from their school.
“If they receive it, many colleges will give matching funds,” Clay said, naming Southeastern Oklahoma State University, East Central University and St. Gregory’s University as examples.
At the end of each college semester, students write a letter to update the GASF selection committee about their studies, participation in school organizations and sports, jobs and other financial aid received.
“I’ve read the letters from the kids and how it changed their lives,” Rickard said.
After graduation, many of the scholarship recipients move back to the Ardmore area.
“The best part is going out to the schools and giving the scholarships and watching the kids grow and mature and decide what they want to do and hopefully come back to Ardmore and contribute,” said Jenni Merrick, GASF co-chair and granddaughter of the foundation’s founder.
