The application period for the 2018 Char Fox Girl Forward Award is now open to women residing on Mercer Island (ages 16 or older) who will be pursuing an advanced academic or vocational education in 2018/2019. Applications are due by 5 pm on Monday, May 14.
Administered by Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, each year the fund awards $1,000 to $2,000 in scholarship funds to applicants who demonstrate a positive attitude and strong commitment to learning. The funds can be used to help with tuition, books, or housing.
The scholarship was established in honor of longtime Mercer Island resident, Char Fox, funded by several families and friends of Mrs. Fox to honor her work, patience, and dedication. Mrs. Fox worked with MI students in public schools and in private tutoring to help them achieve their goals. She helped students not only academically, but also with their personal development, especially helping to mold young girls into strong women.
Photo of last year’s recipient, Jessica Waller | Photo Credit: MIYFS
Last year, MIYFS awarded two Char Fox scholarships. One scholarship was awarded to Mercer Island High School junior Jessica Waller, who graduated from high school a year early and is currently a freshman at UC Berkeley.
“The Char Fox Scholarship allows me to dedicate more time to studying and researching,” said Waller, “as well as focus on making changes that will improve peoples’ lives.”
While at MIHS, Waller’s accomplishments included playing French horn with the MIHS Wind Ensemble, working as a journalist with the Bellevue College paper, receiving a National PTA award for her original music composition, and being recognized with a Congressional Award for her extraordinary charitable work.
The second 2017 Char Fox scholarship was awarded to Rory Murphy, currently a freshman at the University of Washington majoring in Biology. “I hold science and my relationships with other people in high regard,” Murphy said. “I find Dentistry to combine both of those interests.”
While at MIHS, Murphy volunteered to serve as a student member of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council committee to explore Restorative Justice. She was also a Junior Leader for Global Visionaries, a youth-led leadership development organization that empowers young people to become social and environmentally conscious global leaders.
“We are very proud of these students and the opportunity to honor those who exemplify the lifelong learning and positive attitude that Char Fox embodied. We look forward each year to reviewing the applications of Mercer Island’s many, highly qualified students,” says MIYFS Director, Cynthia Goodwin.
The deadline to submit completed applications and supplemental materials is by 5pm on Monday, May 14.
Applications are available from Cheryl Manriquez, MIYFS Emergency Assistance Coordinator. She can be reached at 206-275-7869 or by email at [email protected].
The MIYFS offices are located in Luther Burbank Park, 2040 84th Ave SE.
