On an annual basis, members of the Seymour Area Cruisers help with the Fraternal Order of Police Donald M. Winn Lodge’s Pre-Scoop Cruise-In and Car Show.
Proceeds from that event benefit the lodge’s Cops and Kids program, which pairs local law enforcement with kids on a shopping experience at Christmastime at Walmart Supercenter in Seymour.
Seeing that program making such a difference for local families, Harold Ruddick, a member of the car club who serves as public information officer, came up with the idea of creating a scholarship for the club to award to local high school seniors who are passionate about the automotive industry.
“I felt there was a need to help out and encourage young individuals wanting to pursue an automotive-related career, more geared toward those wanting to attend a trade school or something similar,” Ruddick said.
“Not every student has a 4.0 GPA nor do they have to get a four-year degree. I know a lot of high school boys would rather be turning wrenches than reading a book, so that is how this scholarship came about,” he said. “My hope is that those who would benefit from our scholarship are made aware that it is available and they have a good chance for some financial help.”
The Seymour Area Cruisers recently announced the inaugural $500 scholarship for up to six applicants.
The scholarship is open to high school seniors who live in Jackson County or one of the immediate surrounding counties. They must have a minimum 2.0 grade point average and have been admitted or working toward their education at a trade school, a technical school or a two- or four-year college, and their course of study or career objectives must be directly related to the automotive industry.
Examples of qualifying areas of study include but are not limited to gasoline and/or diesel mechanics, automotive body design, automotive body shop, automotive electronics and other automotive-related fields.
They must submit a typed 250- to 500-word essay that includes their personal story, educational and career goals and plans in the automotive industry upon graduation; a complete application; and all of the required attachments.
The application includes listing scholastic honors and/or achievements and extracurricular activities in school and the community.
The attachments include a copy of at least one reference letter from a high school teacher, administrator, counselor, non-related individual or applicable organization; high school and postsecondary transcripts; an acceptance letter to a college, university, technical school or trade school; and a driver’s license or voter registration card to verify Indiana residency in Jackson County or an immediate surrounding county.
All requirements must be submitted to the club’s scholarship committee by March 31 for the application to be evaluated.
Applications may be completed online at tinyurl.com/seyareacruisersscholarship or a copy may be obtained by emailing [email protected].