Title: Glenn Mackay – Scholarship Essay

PFC Kyle Bohrnsen Scholarship Essay
By Glenn Mackay

When a car is out of battery power or needs a new battery another car must lend aid by jumpstarting the dead car. This is the same idea for my college education. I have little or no upper level education. So I set a goal to gain a college level education. However I do not have the resources available to pay for college. If I were attempt to try to go through college without aid it would take many years to try to pay off such a debt. Scholarship boards such as you can lend me aid to achieve my goal. I plan on becoming a mechanical engineer. In this path I plan on either gaining a masters or a doctorate degree, or I plan to get another degree in another field. I know the road will not be easy. If I can receive financial aid to help cover my college expenses I will not worry so much on the financial side of school and better focus myself on my studies. With hard work and the resources I need I can be successful in reaching my goal. If I can be more successful as a student, then in my chosen field I can go forward with confidence, and benefit our society. I plan on providing for a family some day. I want to be successful as I can so that they can be well taken care of and achieve their own success. Perhaps one day I can build a college scholarship fund, to help people in my circumstances to achieve their goals too.

Title: Megan Oberweiser – Scholarship Essay

PAEF Board of Director’s Scholarship Essay
By Megan Oberweiser

The Irish say,” a good start is half done.” getting a good start in my collegiate career is critical to my overall success. Any amount of financial aid that you could award me would be extremely helpful in getting a good start.

With college comes many new stressors. Debt is a serious issue among college students and decreasing the financial would be of great help. I hope that when I go to college I will be able to focus on my studies without having to constantly worry about my finances. When I graduate from college, I don’t want my life to be slowed by my overwhelming need to pay back student loans.

Recently I have taken an interest in political science. I enjoy learning about different governmental systems and ideas. In college I plan to study political science. I don’t think one can study political science without an understanding of history. I have always had a great interest in the subject of history. What I love most about it is that one never runs out of things to learn. There will always be more history to study and one can always dig a little deeper and discover a little more. What I do with my degree is still up in the air, however, I can picture myself in a number of different careers. I would love to work in Washington D.C. for a US Senator or Representative. I see myself holding a political position possible at a local or national level. I could possibly become a history teacher or even a lifetime scholar of history. The greatest thing about this particular degree is there are so many different directions I could take. I don’t have to immediately decide what career path I wish to take and I can take my time to find a career I will love.

I highly value a good education and I am fully aware of its importance. I am a very determined person and I will work very hard to receive my degree in the pursuit of my dreams. I want to enjoy my college career and I hope it doesn’t fly by too fast. However at the financial end of things, having “half” of it out of the way would be a huge blessing.

Title: Lorne Stitt – Scholarship Essay

Marletto Family Scholarship Essay
By Lorne Stitt

Academics have always been important to me because I believe that education is the key to success. This why I am dedicated to assisting my classmates with their studies. I chose Carroll College because it is a liberal arts school, this well-rounded education has allowed me to experience many different fields, and has enabled me to make an educated decision as to where I will be professionally after I graduate. I will double major and graduate Carroll College in May 2010 with Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Public Administration. I hope to be placed at the top of my field, not only because of my professional skills, but because of my determination, competitiveness, and dedication to service. I have volunteered 5,675 hours of community service.

My ranching and 4-H background instilled commitment and strong work ethic in me. I know efficient management is required for a business to be “a going concern”. I take pride in preparing and presenting accurate data and I understand it’s relevance to profit/loss margins in business. I am a trusted and respected employee who works well as a team member. The ability I have to respect and value people enables me to provide quality customer service which is essential in business.

I am interested in this scholarship because it can help me meet my secondary education expenses. My current college loan is $22,000. Carroll’s estimated costs for 2009-2010 are $33,780. I work full time summers and part time during the school year to meet my personal and vehicle expenses and save for college, but I have been unable to put any money away. For 21 years my parents, my sisters and I have worked as a team to operate my grandfather’s ranch, care for the livestock, maintain the equipment, and care for my grandparents. My grandfather was a World War II Veteran who passed in December, 2005. My 91 year old grandmother now lives with us and my parents continue to care for her and her ranch in addition to working outside jobs.

My dad has been a self employed logger for twenty-three years, but hasn’t been able to haul logs since February, 2008. My mother worked for the Laborer’s AGC Union as a Journeyman Laborer for five years. She is now in her tenth year as a state employee. My sister has juvenile diabetes; my parents out of pocket medical expense for her diabetes was $2,396. May parent’s average annual adjusted gross income for the last twenty-nine years is $14,169. Because of this low income they are unable to assist me or my two sisters with our college expenses.

These college expenses will be very burdensome for me to fund. Through the assistance of your scholarship I will be able to achieve my goal of getting a college degree and move on to better myself, assist my family, my community, this great state, and this country.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Title: Anna Stitt – Scholarship Essay

Marletto Family Scholarship
By Anna Stitt

We live on my Grandmother’s ranch; she recently became a widow of a World War II Veteran, in in poor health and lives with us. We care for her when my parents both go to work. We’ve worked together as a team to operate the ranch, care for the livestock, and maintain the equipment for many years. This challenges our own work schedule and ability to generate income. We receive no compensation for the ranch work.

My dad has been a self-employed logger for twenty years. He has many expenses maintaining his log truck and log loader. My mom was a Journeyman Laborer for fie years and is now in her ninth year as a State Employee, which requires a 110 mile daily commute. I also work fulltime during the summer and part time during the school year.

I have a 21 year old brother, Lorne, and a 23 year old sister, Megan. Lorne is currently in college and Megan recently graduated from college. Megan has Juvenile Diabetes; recently re average out of pocket medical expenses were $2,396. My parents average adjusted gross income for the last twelve years is $14,835. My parents are unable to assist us with our vehicle purchase, maintenance, or expenses. In addition my parents are unable to assist us with our college expenses.

My college career will be very hard for me to fund, but I am determined to accomplish my goal of graduating from Carroll College. Carroll College is a private college and has very high tuition and room and board fees. It will cost me $30,028 to attend Carroll College. I am double majoring in Accounting and Business-Finance, which is a five year program. After graduation I will take the CPA Exam. I have chosen this route for different reasons, including the growing demand for accountants, the job availability in Montana and my interest in the field. I am very passionate about ranching; with this degree I plan on becoming an accountant for a ranch in rural Montana. All of my past school, community, and work activities have lead me to the future goals I have chosen. My past activities have not only instilled great qualities in me, but have also given me the confidence and motivation to achieve my goals.

Through the assistance of your scholarship I will be able to achieve my goal of receiving a college degree and move on to better myself and those around me. Thank you very much for your consideration.

Title: Justin Ray – Scholarship Essay

Jon Manke Memorial Scholarship Essay
By Justine Ray

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. It is greatly appreciated. My plans after I graduate high school, are to attend Montana Tech. I am going there to study nursing. I am going to work in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit. I think that I deserve this scholarship because I am a very dedicated student. I work and still maintain my studies and participate in extracurricular activities. I am a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Granite County Medical Center. My job consists of tending to the elderly people, taking vital signs, and helping in the emergency room. Some personal characteristics of mine are that I am very responsible. I always get my work done on time for school and very organized. If someone needs something done I am always there to help get the job done. I am very punctual; I am always on time and never late to school or my job. I am also very organized, I make sure everything of mine is where it needs to be and that if there is a due date I know exactly where it is. This will help me as far as school work in college being organized with papers and other things. I have a very positive attitude; I am always smiling and looking at things positive rather than negative. I am very caring for young children and senior citizens. This will help me in the future when I get a job as a nurse caring for the elderly, children or adults. They need someone that is sweet and can help them with whatever they may need. I am also hardworking. I currently have two jobs. I stuff and label the Philipsburg Mail. I am also employed at the Granite County Medical Center as a CAN.I believe that you can help me get where I need to be with the help of this scholarship. I want nothing more than to pursue my dreams. I have a very big amount of motivation; I do not ever give up. I work more than hard to get something done if I cannot succeed the first time. I also volunteer in the community. I was the Easter bunny for the Town Easter Egg Hunt. I am volunteering with a special education kid. I play games with him and teach him about road signs or colors. I volunteered for the Philipsburg Rotary Club and I figured out how much people had donated and got thank you cards to them. I also volunteer at the Granite County Medical Center filing paper work for the business department. I really think you should consider me for this scholarship. I will not let you down. Thank you for giving me the time to apply for this scholarship.

Title: Brittney Jacobsen – Scholarship Essay

Jon Manke Memorial Scholarship Essay
By Brittney Jacobsen

My parents have their own business, but they are not sure how the falling economy will affect their earnings. I feel my academic and community achievements should help me qualify for scholarships and some financial aide. This way my parent’s won’t have to take out a loan to help me with my college tuition.

I have pretty high career goals. I want to earn by bachelors degree in nursing. I would also love to be able to minor in sign language and speech therapy. I have always loved kids and want to be able to help them out in any way I can.

I have known I wanted to be a nurse since I was in the fifth grade. It all started when my little sister was born. I was already three years old, but remember it just like it was yesterday. I was able to go to the hospital and give her her first bath and help with her hand and foot prints. I thought that was the coolest thing. I told my parents that’s what I wanted to be when I grow up. Any time there is a baby around I am always right there wanting to hold it. I have babysat kids and have helped teach younger kids youth group. I really enjoy working with kids.

I have participated in quite a few songs in which we did sign language, too. I just got done doing a song for a talent show and now I am teaching the signs to the song to the younger youth group lids. They will be performing the song one Sunday at Mass.

As you can see I really enjoy working with children and I want to pursue my career in helping others in some way. I believe this scholarship will help me pay for college so I can get a degree in nursing and speech therapy. After graduating then I can go out and begin helping children in any way that I can.

Title: JayCe McClain – Scholarship Essay

Eik Family Scholarship Essay
By JayCe McClain

My name is JayCe McClain and I am presently a senior attending Granite High School. I have lived in Philipsburg my entire life and have attended Philipsburg Schools since kindergarten. I was recently accepted at the University of Montana College of Technology in the Diesel Technology program. I plan on attending the Fall 2009 semester.

My activities in high school included football, G-Club, Close-Up and Jobs for Montana Graduates. My hobbies that I like include fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, horseback riding, ranching, working on small engines, downhill skiing and cutting firewood.

I have always wanted to further my education after high school at a post-secondary school. I chose to attend the College of Technology in Missoula because I think it will help me obtain the education I towards a Diesel Technology certificate and I believe I can get the help I need to achieve this goal.

I would like to thank you for considering me for this scholarship. Being awarded this scholarship would give me the opportunity to further my education in the diesel mechanics field and this is the goal that I have set for myself and my future.

Title: Aaron Brashear Scholarship Essay

Eik Family Scholarship Essay
By Aaron Brashear

My name is Aaron Brashear, and my goal is to attend the University of Montana, which I have already been accepted to. I plan to study Forestry and/or Biology. The outdoors have been a major part of my life since I was little, and feel that studying the outdoors will give me useful knowledge for a career in the outdoors.

Going to college has been a big dream of mine. I will be the first of my family to attend college. When I told my family that I’ve decided to go, I got a reaction that I did not expect from them. My mother told me now is not the right time to go, and that I should go straight into the world working pay check to pay check. I strongly disagree with what I’ve been told.

I am a very active individual and do my part to help the community and the Drummond Elementary students. I have played football since the sixth grade and throughout high school. Drummond also has a rugby program, which I am currently involved in. I have been playing for the past three years, and I am the current President of our club. I also plan on playing rugby at the University and well into the future. I spend a great deal of my time outdoors. I enjoy everything about it: fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, snowmobiling, and everything else my friends and I can find to do. My time spent outdoors is the reason I want a career involved with it.

I am very headstrong and I am very serious about my future education. My family does not have the money to put me through college and still support my two younger brothers, although they will do their best to help. I know that the scholarships involved the Philipsburg Area Educational foundation, will be a great help for my family and I. Thank you for your consideration.

Title: Jennifer Pitcher – Scholarship Essay

Darby Metesh Scholarship Essay
By Jennifer Pitcher

When I was in the fourth grade our teacher asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. I choose being a teacher because I loved school and for hours, alone in my room, taught Raggedy Ann and Andy how to read. Unfortunately, as an eighteen year old in college I was distracted and lost sight of that dream. As I have matured and set out on my course of life, I have once again found that the direction I am headed is teaching.

My family and I moved to Philipsburg a year ago, where I began to substitute teach at Granite County High and have recently been hired as the 2009-2010 History Teacher. I have been accepted into the Northern Plains Transition to Teaching Program at Montana State University to obtain my education endorsement, this is why I am seeking your help financially.

The cost of school has continued to rise and unfortunately I find myself in a situation where I am unable to outright pay for my education program. By awarding me a scholarship you will help ease the financial burden school has put on me and my family. Easing this burden will then allow me to focus on acquiring my endorsement as well as preparing myself for the upcoming school year. To give you a better understanding of what I plan to do I have written out my academic and professional goals.

GOALS
Academic:
1. Achieve a better GPA than my undergrad;
2. Finish my program in a timely manner;
3. Develop both personally and professionally through academics;
4. Have fun;
5. Graduate from Montana State University with my education endorsement and
teach History at Granite County Schools.

Professional:
1. Continue to become a better teacher;
2. Change lives and attitudes;
3. Work towards producing a healthy, education minded, responsible student who
will become a valuable part of society;
4. Create a place where students can be themselves, learn, have fun, mature, gain confidence and seek their full potential.

With your help I plan to accomplish these goals and so much more. Thank you for taking the time to consider me for your scholarship. I look forward to hearing from you.

Title: Melanie Graham – Scholarship Essay

Commander Bernard J. O’Rourke Scholarship Essay
By Melanie Graham

I am Melanie Graham a senior at Granite High School. I am one of the few seniors who have lived in Philipsburg my entire life. I find that this fact has given me a huge advantage in my life. I believe that growing up in Philipsburg has given me so many different experiences.

I have always been extremely involved in school and in my community. In high school I have been involved in almost every activity available. I participated in every sport: volleyball four years, cross country two years, basketball four years, and track three years. I also was involved in G-Club helping with Operation Santa, which is an organization that gives Christmas gifts and food to underprivileged families. The Montana Behavioral Initiative was a club that I have been especially involved in. I was Vice President for freshman and sophomore years and President for my junior and senior years. Student Council is another activity, I have been representative for three years, and my senior year I have held the office of Student Council secretary, keeping track of the money. I have been involved in all of these activities while maintaining a 3.3 GPA. Being involved has given me many learning experiences learning both team work and sportsmanship, both of which are characteristics that I will use through out my entire life.

Like Commander O’Rourke, I have found that being able to help others is something I am passionate about. Having a career in the health field is something I know I would enjoy. I am going to attend the University of Montana Western to pursue my bachelors in Pre-Physical Therapy. Being able to help injured people would be very satisfying. Seeing them get back their regular lives and being happy again would give me great joy. I believe I share a common characteristic as Commander O’Rourke with this. Since he was a medic in the Marines, and having saved a life himself, I am sure he found great pleasure in that specific moment.

I found reading Commander O’Rourke’s biography incredibly interesting, having come from nothing and having absolutely no family, he made a wonderful life for himself. He did not just sulk away into the shadows; however, he stepped up and made a difference in not only his life but the life of others as well. This scholarship would not only relieve some financial strain but would also be an honor to obtain. Knowing that I am worthy of such a remarkable man’s scholarship would be indescribable. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

Title: Sandra McDonald – Scholarship Essay

Rose and Thomas Brogan Scholarship Essay
By Sandra McDonald

My name is Sandra McDonald and I live in the small town of Philipsburg, MT. I am a non-traditional student with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. I graduated in 1980 and have worked in this field for over twenty seven years. About twenty years ago I began exploring the possibility of getting a degree in secondary education for mathematics. During that time I took several education classes, a refresher Algebra course, and tutored the other college students. About his time, our children came along and family obligations became more important. Therefore, I had to put my continuing education on hold. I have always yearned to complete this part of my education and I am committed to do so at this time.

At this time I have now finished a pre-requisite class in art, and a Health and Human Performance class as part of my basic education and degree requirements. I have also completed classes in Computer Math, College Geometry, Probability, Calculus I and II, Physics, Linear Algebra, Deterministic Modeling and Biostatistics with a current GPA of 3.85. Currently, I have at one semester of math classes left to take along with a semester of several required education classes. Finally, I will have one semester of student teaching and will graduate in December of 2010.

I have helped my children through their years of high school math and find that I still have the love of math that I have had my entire life. I have substituted for the math teacher in our small school and enjoyed it immensely because I got to teach everything from Algebra I through Advanced Math all in one day. It definitely keeps one current in all levels of math, not to mention enthusiastic and motivated. I especially enjoy teaching and watching when “the light goes on” in a student’s mind as they grasp concepts. I believe in trying to find ways that all students can learn and not use one method only. Students learn in different ways and I like tailoring teaching style to suit their individual needs.

Even though I have been in the dental hygiene profession, I have always had the role of educator. I have educated many people over the years from three years of age to ninety six. I have also been a student for all of these years and have taken continuing education courses to maintain my professional license. I am comfortable with both roles.

I have been a member of the Philipsburg Area Education foundation for seven years and have been its secretary for the last five years. The foundation in our small community provides scholarships to graduating students of our high school and to any community members who wish to continue or begin their education. I feel privileged to be a part of an organization that promotes learning at all ages.

I feel strongly about the importance of math in our student’s futures, but find that many are actually afraid of math. I believe I can give them solid math foundations by conveying the excitement and the challenge of math that I learned from my wonderful high school teachers. My ultimate goal is to finish my education degree and return to teach in the town where I live or in any of the neighboring communities. I hope to be an inspiration to all of my students.

My husband and I financially help our two children with their college expenses and it would be a great benefit to me to have help in my endeavor. My husband became partially disabled two years ago which had an affect on our income potential. One of the major expenses we have is the cost of medical insurance which keeps skyrocketing. Another expense will be the accommodations while I am in Dillon, not to mention books and tuition. I ask for your consideration of scholarship monies to help defray these costs. I would like nothing better than to repay this with enthusiasm, dedication, and compassion for any and all students who come my way.