ASLA- "JOHN TIMAR" ANNUAL HIGHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
Since ASLA is an all-volunteer organization, and is dependent upon new generations of parents and players becoming involved and participation at all levels of the organization for its ongoing existence, ASLA has deemed it appropriate to reward and encourage community service and volunteer assistance to ASLA through the award annually of Higher Education Scholarships.
Scope of the Scholarship
These scholarships are one-time grants awarded to graduating high school seniors who have provided significant service to the AVON SOCCER LEAGUE ASSOCIATION over the years preceding their graduation, to assist in paying for any suitable post-high school education program, not otherwise fully funded.
ASLA may award a $500 grant to each of the selected scholarship winners, along with a certificate of commendation. ASLA may present two scholarships per year. The award of these scholarships will go to the two most qualified applicants, regardless of gender, although ASLA would like to be able to select one male and one female each year. In the event that more than two applicants are judged to be well qualified, and no differentiation between them can be made by the Scholarship Review Committee, the Board can elect to increase the number of scholarships awarded. In no single year will ASLA present a sum of not more than a total of $1,000.00 in scholarships. In the event that there are less than two applicants judged to be sufficiently qualified, the Board can elect to withhold presenting any or all of scholarships in a given year. The Board can also elect to only award one scholarship in any given year, depending on the number of applicants and their qualifications.
Application Requirements
Any graduating high school senior residing in the city of Avon, Ohio is eligible to apply for these scholarships. The application will consist of a letter in written essay form by the applicant requesting consideration and stating their qualifications for selection. The application letter must be postmarked/submitted to the ASLA scholarship review committee on or before February 26 of any year. Applicants must include three copies of the application letter for the committee to review. Application should be submitted via e-mail to soccer@avonsports.org or mailed to Attn: Tony Barzacchini-Avon Soccer-3668 Truxton Place, Avon, Ohio 44011.
Selection Criteria
The ASLA Scholarship Review Committee will judge each applicant by the quality and quantity of volunteer service given to ASLA. This volunteer service can include, but is not limited to:
- Participation as an instructor for an ASLA team, or a demonstrator at an ASLA clinic for younger players; or for anyone demonstrating a positive impact upon ASLA through volunteering, coaching, assisting with equipment, assisting with referee development, assisting with player development, assisting with the overall operations of the league or through fundraising activities.
- The Scholarship Review Committee will also consider:
- years of participation in ASLA as a player.
- other forms of community service provided by the applicants;
- other soccer related activities of the applicants;
- non-volunteer (paid) service to any soccer organization (namely ASLA) by the applicants;
Financial need is not a factor in the selection of the scholarship winners.
Scholarship Review Committee
The ASLA Scholarship Review Committee will be comprised of at least three members approved by the Board. These three members should include two Board members and one individual that is not on the Board of Directors. The members of the Scholarship Review Committee will be identified and confirmed by the Board no later than the regular February meeting.
Award of the Scholarships
The JOHN TIMAR Annual Higher Education Scholarship will be awarded to the applicants selected by the Scholarship Review Committee, subject to the approval of the ASLA Board of Directors.
The recommendations of the Scholarship Review Committee will be presented for confirmation no later then the April meeting and will be held in confidence until the initial public announcement is made.