Chamber Offers Scholarships

As a continuing part its commitment to the community, the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce is offering five $500 scholarships for students at any of the Royal Oak high schools.

Applications are now available in the counseling offices at Royal Oak High School, Churchill Community High School and Shrine High School. They are also available directly from the Chamber office by emailing mikeg@RoyalOakChamber.com. Applications are due to the Chamber office by April 22.

“This scholarship is not awarded based on academics but on leadership qualities and community involvement,” explained Committee Chairman Vonnie Miller, Business Manager at Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre. “It’s amazing to hear the number of things students are doing in after-school activities as well as throughout the community. Students with this kind of involvement become the leaders of tomorrow.”

Each Spring, the Chamber’s Scholarship Committee works with counseling offices at Royal Oak high schools. Over the last several years, the Chamber has awarded over $15,000 to local students.

To be eligible, students must be seniors in the Royal Oak School District who are enrolling in post-secondary education after graduation. There is no minimum GPA requirement. Students complete an application, provide a letter of reference and write an essay describing the class/teacher most influential in sparking their desire to pursue a collegiate education.

The Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Committee also includes Jason Gittinger (Detroit School of Rock & Pop); Becky Maas (Hamlin Corner); Delores Zakrzewski and Mike Gairaud (Royal Oak Chamber staff). Scholarships are funded through donations received from a variety of Chamber events and programs as well as the Business Women’s Network.

Over 600 members strong, the ongoing mission of the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce is to bring business persons, civic groups, local government, and citizens together to advance the economic, professional, cultural, and civic welfare of the community. “We feel that part of our commitment to the community is to help high school students achieve their higher education goals,” added Miller.

For additional information, visit www.royaloakchamber.com.

Source: Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce