DEF Scholarship Applications are now open!
ATTENTION: graduating DHS Seniors and parents/guardians of graduating DHS Seniors:
Applications for DEF’s 4-year renewable scholarships are now open. All application materials are due by April 15th.
Available Scholarships
Patrick Family Scholarship
This scholarship, established in 2002 by members of the Patrick Family, who are DHS alumni, is one of the largest scholarship available to Decatur High School students. Recipients of the Patrick Family Foundation Scholarship must:
- Exhibit integrity and a strong work ethic in all situations
- Demonstrate initiative and promise
- Show potential for success in post-secondary study
NOTE: Financial need is a criterion for this award, and applicants for whom the cost of college may be a barrier will be given priority.
Pollack Family Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2021 by the Pollack family and is targeted toward a graduating DHS senior who:
- Has shown leadership qualities in the classroom and/or school community
- Has demonstrated resiliency in the face of obstacles
- Maintains a GPA of 3.3 or above
- Demonstrates a desire to challenge themselves academically
Preference will be given to students who meet the above criteria. Financial need is a criterion for this award, and applicants for whom the cost of college may be a barrier will be given priority.
Lawrence and Gertrude Paxton Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2019 by Lynn Paxton in honor of the lives of her parents, Lawrence and Gertrude Paxton. Lawrence and Gertrude were both dentists who graduated from Howard University, a historically black university. Recipients of the Lawrence and Gertrude Paxton Memorial Scholarship must:
- Demonstrate integrity and a strong work ethic in all situations
- Exhibit a drive to improve their community with a focus on social welfare and humanitarian goals
- Have demonstrated resiliency in the face of social or economic obstacles
- Exhibit strong scholarship (but not necessarily at the top of his/her class)
Preference will be given to students interested in entering a health profession or students attending a historically black college or university. Financial need is a criterion for this award, and applicants for whom the cost of college may be a barrier will be given priority.
McNally Family Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2022 by the McNally family and is targeted towards a graduating senior who:
- Maintains a GPA of 3.0 in core academic subjects
- Demonstrates strong work ethic and integrity
- Is involved in the community
- Preference will be given to students who intend to study in the fields of engineering, science, accounting or finance.
Please email info@decatureducationfoundation.org if you have any questions.