Scholarship Details
The Melanie J. Retzke Scholarship Fund was established by Melanie J. Retzke in order to provide scholarship awards to graduating high school students residing in the Erwin District of Buncombe County Schools.
Melanie was born in Columbus, Ohio and later resided in Leicester, NC. She graduated from Virginia Tech University and was also a supporter of Ohio State football. Melanie was a talented musician who enjoyed playing several instruments and singing. She also enjoyed traveling throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States and taking photographs during her travels.
Eligibility
Graduating high school seniors, with a preference for support to female students. Students must currently attend the public high school(s) in the Erwin District of Buncombe County Schools (currently Clyde A. Erwin High School and Martin L. Nesbitt Discovery Academy). Students who reside in this district of Buncombe County Schools who will graduate from a public magnet or charter school, the NC School of Science and Mathematics or the UNC School of the Arts High School are also eligible to apply.
Applicants must be legal residents of Buncombe County, NC.
Financial need must be demonstrated by applicants.
CFWNC ensures that all scholarship recipients are selected on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis and that selections are based on specific guidelines and criteria for each fund.
Selection Criteria
Academic criteria, in order of consideration:
- Grade point average range: 3.0 (weighted)
- Aptitude for writing
- Interest in music and the arts
Other criteria, in order of consideration:
- Applicants shall provide a narrative essay addressing: the potential impact of scholarship support on their educational path, how they have sought to expand their personal horizons, and opportunities they hope to seek in the future to continue to do so.
- Plans to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA or the Ohio State University, Columbus, ОН.
How to Apply
To apply, students must complete an application online. The application, along with the two required letters of recommendation, must be submitted by the deadline.
Click here to apply.
Application Procedure
The scholarship program is administered by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. Please direct any questions about this scholarship to the Foundation at scholarships@cfwnc.org.
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