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WORTHINGTON — Earlier this month, the Worthington Dollars for Scholars program dispersed $61,000 in scholarship money to ISD 518 seniors.
According to board treasurer Jane Janssen, this is the largest amount ever given out since the chapter’s inception in 1984.
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On May 7, the 30 students received scholarship amounts varying anywhere from $1,000-$2,5000 to help them pay for college, including the following:
The guest speaker at the evening’s event was Alan Muchlinski, a 1971 WHS alumni and whose family has had $1,5000 scholarships given out to both first generation college students and those who are hoping to pursue a science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) degree.
“Have confidence in yourself. All of us have talent in some form or forms. It is only when you have a high degree of confidence in yourself that you can perform at the highest level of your talent,” Muhlinski said during his speech. “The community of Worthington is giving support to you. I hope, no matter where you live 30, 40, or 50 years from now, you will give back to Worthington, the community that raised you, and give support to other graduates of WHS.”
During a phone call this past week, Muchlinkski, who now lives and teaches in Los Angeles, California, spoke about efforts to raise money for a scholarship from his graduating Class of 1971, sharing it failed the first time around, but with persistence, a scholarship in that class’s name was given to out on May 7.
“Part of my reason for coming (in person) was the nucleus of the idea of students I graduated with, we did a fundraiser for classmates, named in honor of the Class of 1971. I wanted to honor the first recipient of that scholarship,” said Muchlinski.
That first scholarship went to WHS senior Mateah Menke. Between the participating classmates of Worthington’s Class of 1971, Muchlinski shared that nearly ten years worth of funds have been raised for that scholarship.
“It felt good. We’re the first class to do something like this. Just like one of the things that I told the students, you’re never going to be successful if you don’t try,” said Muchlinksi.
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Since its inception 41 years ago, the Dollars for Scholars Worthington chapter has distributed $840,000 to over 1,500 high school students. Interested applicants must submit an essay, references and transcripts online to be considered for a scholarship(s).
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