Scholarship Opportunities

Local Scholarships: Part I

Local scholarships open 2nd semester.

Local scholarships are available to Butler High School Seniors and will be awarded at the Senior Awards Night Ceremony on May 14, 2026 at 7 p.m.

Part I Scholarship Application Deadline: March 6, 2026

The Dayton Foundation | Getting Started - A great video to help you get started!

Additional Information: The Dayton Foundation: Scholarship Connect

MUST INCLUDE:

1. A 7-semester transcript which will be ready January 26, 2026.
2. First page of the FAFSA submission summary that includes the Student Aid Index (SAI).
3. Resume that includes activities, employment, responsibilities and community service.
4. Essay.
5. Letter of reference.

Local Scholarship Part 2

Open: March 11, 2026

Application Deadline: March 27, 2026

1. Fill out in black or blue ink (or type), placing a check mark by the scholarship you are applying for on the application page.
2. Use the format provided - this keeps all applications looking the same.
3. The personal statement is required. It does not count for any additional essay that is required. If applying for a scholarship that requires and additional essay, please make sure the essay is clearly labeled.
4. You must include an unofficial copy of your 7-semester transcript.

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Frederic C. Gilbert Memorial Scholarship (Vandalia-Butler Education Association)

Up to two scholarships will be offered by the Vandalia-Butler Education Association to a graduating senior who IS PLANNING ON ENTERING THE EDUCATION PROFESSION. Each student must provide a copy of his/her letter of acceptance to an accredited college or university.

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Demmitt Elementary PTO Scholarship

One or more scholarships will be offered by the Demmitt PTO to graduating 2026 Butler students who attended Demmitt Elementary School for at least one year. The students will be selected according to the following factors of equal value:

1. Citizenship/Personality
2. Scholarship
3. Financial Need

Please share your memory of an event/assembly/program that you attended at Demmitt Elementary such as COSI on Wheels, the Father/Daughter Dance, Mother/Son Dance, Spring Fling, Holiday Shop, Book Fair, etc. and why the event made an impact on you and/or your education.

Include a copy of the first two pages of the FASFA submission summary, which includes the SAI.

A check for up to $500 will be made payable to the college or student upon evidence of enrollment into an accredited school of higher learning (including trade schools). An interview may be requested by the scholarship committee.

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Morton Middle School PTO Scholarship 

Up to two scholarships will be offered by the Morton Middle School PTO to a graduating 2026 Butler High School student(s) who attended Morton Middle School for at least one year. The student will be selected according to the following factors:

1. Academic Achievements
2. Citizenship/Community Service
3. Extracurricular Activities
4. Financial Need - a copy of the student aid report (SAR) should be included.
5. The student shall complete an essay of 15 typed words or less addressing the following topic: "What is one thing you learned at Morton that you feel influenced your high school academic, community service, or extracurricular achievements, and how?"

A check for $500 will be given to the recipient on the night of the Senior Awards Ceremony.

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John E. Smith PTO Scholarship

John E. Smith PTO will be offering two scholarship to 2026 Butler High School graduates who attended Smith Intermediate School for at least one year.

Students will be selected according to the following factors:

1. Citizenship/Community Service
2. Scholarship
3. Extracurricular Activities
4. Financial Need

For budget planning purposes, all documentation required to process scholarship payments must be submitted within two academic years following the recipient's high school graduation. If the necessary information is not received within this timeframe, then the scholarship will no longer be payable.

A check for up to $500 will be made payable to the college/university bursar's office upon receipt of written evidence of enrollment in a school of higher learning.

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Pamela Furr Morton Memorial Scholarship

A $1,000 scholarship will be offered to a member of the Class of 2026 who plans to attend Sinclair Community College for the 2026-2027 school year. Please write a paragraph about your future plans and goals and how attending Sinclair Community College will help you achieve them. 

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Minster Bank Scholarship

Minster Bank recognizes the importance of a good education and are happy to be able to award a $1000 one-time non-renewable scholarship to a 2026 graduate of Butler High School. Requirements for the Minster Bank Scholarship are as follows: 

1. Have a GPA of 3.00 or higher. 
2. Be planning on pursuing a two or four-year degree with a major in Business at an accredited community, private, or public university. 
3. Please include a short essay on what area of business you are thinking of majoring in and your future plans after college. 
4. Any suspension from high school will negate eligibility for this scholarship. 

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Anthony Trissell Memorial Foundation

The Anthony Trissell Memorial Foundation (ATMF) will award four (4) $750.00 scholarships to 2026 graduating Butler High School seniors to help further their education. 

Award recipients do not have to major in music, theatre or dance while studying at the college or university of their choice. Seniors who participated in choir, color guard, concert band, drama club, drumline, Kickline, marching band, symphonic band and/or winter guard are all eligible to apply. 

In order to apply, Seniors only have to participate in one of the aforementioned ensembles or groups for one (1) year. We are looking for community-minded students who work hard while encouraging others. A short interview might be requested by our board members. 

Anthony played bass drum one year and moved to snare in Butler’s marching band. He loved marching band. Anthony also played drum-set during high school musicals. In his memory, our mission is to encourage student members and directors of the Butler High School Music Department and also work to de-stigmatize mental health issues. 

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Local Scholarship Part II

Click Here for a Downloadable Copy
 

Local Scholarship Part II Application

Butler Boosters Scholarship

Open: March 11, 2026

Application Deadline: March 27, 2026

1. Fill out in black or blue ink (or type), placing a check mark by the scholarship you are applying for on the application page.
2. Use the format provided - this keeps all applications looking the same.
3. The personal statement is required. It does not count for any additional essay that is required. If applying for a scholarship that requires and additional essay, please make sure the essay is clearly labeled.
4. You must include an unofficial copy of your 7-semester transcript.

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Frederic C. Gilbert Memorial Scholarship (Vandalia-Butler Education Association)

Up to two scholarships will be offered by the Vandalia-Butler Education Association to a graduating senior who IS PLANNING ON ENTERING THE EDUCATION PROFESSION. Each student must provide a copy of his/her letter of acceptance to an accredited college or university.

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Demmitt Elementary PTO Scholarship

One or more scholarships will be offered by the Demmitt PTO to graduating 2026 Butler students who attended Demmitt Elementary School for at least one year. The students will be selected according to the following factors of equal value:

1. Citizenship/Personality
2. Scholarship
3. Financial Need

Please share your memory of an event/assembly/program that you attended at Demmitt Elementary such as COSI on Wheels, the Father/Daughter Dance, Mother/Son Dance, Spring Fling, Holiday Shop, Book Fair, etc. and why the event made an impact on you and/or your education.

Include a copy of the first two pages of the FASFA submission summary, which includes the SAI.

A check for up to $500 will be made payable to the college or student upon evidence of enrollment into an accredited school of higher learning (including trade schools). An interview may be requested by the scholarship committee.

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Morton Middle School PTO Scholarship 

Up to two scholarships will be offered by the Morton Middle School PTO to a graduating 2026 Butler High School student(s) who attended Morton Middle School for at least one year. The student will be selected according to the following factors:

1. Academic Achievements
2. Citizenship/Community Service
3. Extracurricular Activities
4. Financial Need - a copy of the student aid report (SAR) should be included.
5. The student shall complete an essay of 15 typed words or less addressing the following topic: "What is one thing you learned at Morton that you feel influenced your high school academic, community service, or extracurricular achievements, and how?"

A check for $500 will be given to the recipient on the night of the Senior Awards Ceremony.

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John E. Smith PTO Scholarship

John E. Smith PTO will be offering two scholarship to 2026 Butler High School graduates who attended Smith Intermediate School for at least one year.

Students will be selected according to the following factors:

1. Citizenship/Community Service
2. Scholarship
3. Extracurricular Activities
4. Financial Need

For budget planning purposes, all documentation required to process scholarship payments must be submitted within two academic years following the recipient's high school graduation. If the necessary information is not received within this timeframe, then the scholarship will no longer be payable.

A check for up to $500 will be made payable to the college/university bursar's office upon receipt of written evidence of enrollment in a school of higher learning.

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Pamela Furr Morton Memorial Scholarship

A $1,000 scholarship will be offered to a member of the Class of 2026 who plans to attend Sinclair Community College for the 2026-2027 school year. Please write a paragraph about your future plans and goals and how attending Sinclair Community College will help you achieve them. 

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Minster Bank Scholarship

Minster Bank recognizes the importance of a good education and are happy to be able to award a $1000 one-time non-renewable scholarship to a 2026 graduate of Butler High School. Requirements for the Minster Bank Scholarship are as follows: 

1. Have a GPA of 3.00 or higher. 
2. Be planning on pursuing a two or four-year degree with a major in Business at an accredited community, private, or public university. 
3. Please include a short essay on what area of business you are thinking of majoring in and your future plans after college. 
4. Any suspension from high school will negate eligibility for this scholarship. 

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Anthony Trissell Memorial Foundation

The Anthony Trissell Memorial Foundation (ATMF) will award four (4) $750.00 scholarships to 2026 graduating Butler High School seniors to help further their education. 

Award recipients do not have to major in music, theatre or dance while studying at the college or university of their choice. Seniors who participated in choir, color guard, concert band, drama club, drumline, Kickline, marching band, symphonic band and/or winter guard are all eligible to apply. 

In order to apply, Seniors only have to participate in one of the aforementioned ensembles or groups for one (1) year. We are looking for community-minded students who work hard while encouraging others. A short interview might be requested by our board members. 

Anthony played bass drum one year and moved to snare in Butler’s marching band. He loved marching band. Anthony also played drum-set during high school musicals. In his memory, our mission is to encourage student members and directors of the Butler High School Music Department and also work to de-stigmatize mental health issues. 

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Butler Performing Arts Association Scholarship

As many as five (5) $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to graduating Butler High School Students who meet the following criteria: 

1. Students must be an active participant in a BPAA supported performing arts group at Butler High School. (Band, Choir, Color Guard, Kickline) 
2. Student plans to study or participate in music and/or the performing arts at a college or university. A summary of the student’s performing art experience white al Butler High School along with the plans to continue post-graduation should be noted in the personal statement section of the application.
3. Accompanying the application, each student must submit a short letter of recommendation from his/her director supporting the application for scholarship. 
4. Applicants may be asked to participate in a short interview session with the BPAA scholarship committee. 
5. In the unlikely termination of the student’s attendance at the college or university, a refund will be made to the BPAA in accordance with the policy of the school attended. 
6. Requests for payment from BPAA must be made in writing by December 1st of the award year. Payments will be sent directly to the recipient’s school upon receipt of an invoice. If you cannot submit a request for payment by December 1, you must notify Butler Performing Arts by that date explaining the circumstances. The BPAA Board will review and decide if the award will be honored. Failure of a scholarship recipient to contact Butler Performing Arts by December1 may result in forfeiture of the award. 

These scholarships will be awarded based on the level of intent to pursue the art post-graduation, involvement in BPAA sponsored activities while at Butler, essay, and if necessary an interview. Awarded scholarship checks will be sent directly to the school of the student's choice.

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Sigma Phi Gamma Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of members of the Vandalia Kappa Beta Chapter of the Sigma Phi Gamma International Sorority. A one-time non-renewable $1500 scholarship will be awarded. This scholarship is intended for students planning on pursuing a career in education or working with children in a professional capacity (speech pathologist, occupational therapist, etc.). 

A short statement answering the following is required: What one thing would you hope to leave with your students that would impact their lives? Announcement of the scholarship will be made at the Butler High School Senior Awards Night. Scholarship funds will be released upon the presentation of proof of enrollment at an accredited college or university. 

The winner of this scholarship must submit proof of enrollment by September 1st or the scholarship money will be forfeited. 

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Vandalia Lions Club Grants

The Vandalia Lions Club will offer several grants of $4000 or more to applicants who are or will be high school graduates of the current school year. The students must reside in Butler Township or the City of Vandalia. The grants may be used at any non-profit, tax-exempt, accredited trade school, two- or four-year college or university. Special consideration will be given to applicants with serious hearing or sight disabilities. Other factors, in order of importance, are need, scholastic ability, community service and extra-curricular activities. 

You must be present at Senior Awards Night to be eligible for this scholarship. Checks in the amount of the grant will be sent to the institution of the applicant's choice in the name of the applicant upon receipt of written evidence of enrollment. 

COPY OF THE FIRST TWO PAGES OF THE FASFA SUBMISSION SUMMARY, WHICH INCLUDES THE SAI MUST BE SUBMITTED. THE SELECTION COMMITTEE MAY ASK FOR FURTHER VERIFICATION OF FAMILY FINANCIAL INFORMATION .

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Vandalia-Butler Optimist Club Scholarship

Three (3) scholarships totaling $5,000 will be awarded to graduating seniors from the Butler High School Class of 2026 and a resident of the Vandalia-Butler area. Upon receipt of a copy of a fee statement from the institution of the recipient’s choice, scholarships will be awarded in the form of a check written directly to the bursar’s office. 

PURPOSE: To aid and encourage a student in pursuing a higher education at an accredited college or trade school in Ohio. 

QUALIFICATION: A 2026 graduating senior enrolling in an accredited college beginning the fall semester/quarter following graduation. He/she must show involvement in community and school activities, be in the top one-third of class, and be planning to attend school in Ohio. 

SELECTION: Applicants will be evaluated by a committee of Vandalia-Butler Optimists who will be appointed by the club president. A committee will review the candidates and recommend their selection to the Vandalia-Butler Optimists Board of Directors for final approval. 

AWARD OF SCHOLARSHIP: The recipient will be announced at the Senior Awards Night. 

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Octagon Scholarship

The Vandalia Butler Optimist Club will award a total of $5,000 dispersed among 2-5 students depending on the number of applicants and the quality of the applications to Butler High School seniors. Students who have demonstrated a commitment to service in their school and community and are current members of the Octagon Club should apply for this scholarship. 

1. Applications may be received from any senior who has been a member in good standing of the Octagon Club for the 2025-2026 school year. 
2. Students must complete the application as received in the local scholarship packet from the BHS Guidance Office or the Butler Website. 
3. Students who apply for this scholarship should have a 2.5+ cumulative grade point average. 
4. Each application must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from a recent teacher in support of the student’s motivation and desire to pursue his/her education/career. 
5. Students who apply for this scholarship may be asked to participate in a brief interview process. 

Upon receipt of a copy of a fee statement from the institution of the recipient's choice, scholarships will be awarded in the form of a check written directly to the bursar's office.

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Principal's Award (Sponsored by Easterling Studios)

Easterling Studios, our official school photographer, donates money each year to be awarded to a Butler senior(s). Darrel Neff, President of Easterling, has contributed to the college financial aid of Butler High School seniors for the past twenty plus years. 

PURPOSE: To aid and encourage Butler student(s) in pursuing a higher education at an accredited college or university. 

QUALIFICATIONS: The applicant must be a 2026 graduating Butler senior enrolling in an accredited college beginning the fall semester/quarter following high school graduation. The student must rank in the top 20 students after seven semesters of high school. Each applicant must submit a one-page essay that should include: his/her intended major in college and the reasons supporting this interest, his/her intended college with financial costs and needs of family and a description of his/her community/school involvement. 

SELECTION: Applicants will be evaluated by the administrative team of Butler High School who will also determine the number of scholarship winners and the amount each will win. The recipient(s) will be announced at Butler High School Senior Awards Night.

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Vandalia Masonic Lodge #742 Scholarship Award

Vandalia Masonic Lodge #742 Scholarship Award of $1000 will be awarded to a 2026 Butler High School graduating senior. Recipient must be a resident of Vandalia-Butler area and pursuing a higher education at an accredited college or trade school in Ohio. 

The recipient must be enrolled in said college/trade school beginning in the fall semester/quarter of said school. He/she must have an accumulative GPA of 2.8 or better for the four years of High School. The student will be selected according to the following: 

1. Activities in school and community 
2. Volunteerism 
3. A short essay on what are your plans for college/trade school and beyond. 

Members of the Vandalia Lodge #742 Scholarship Committee will make the selection. 

A check for $1,000 will be made payable to said school or the student upon evidence of enrolment in a school. A letter of intent will be given on Butler High School Senior Awards Night. 

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The Bauman Family Memorial Scholarship

The Bauman Family Memorial Scholarship is in memory of Tony Bauman was a graduate of Butler High School, Class of 2001 & Jen Bauman 

A $500 scholarship will be awarded in his memory to the applying Butler student who possesses the following attributes: 

• Creativity 
• Love of music 
• Interest in writing/literature 

GPA non-issue but are looking for a “free spirit” who has the capability to “think outside the box”. 

Applicants must provide a short description of their career aspirations and examples of the four traits outlined above. CREATIVITY is very important to this scholarship, be sure to emphasize how creative you are!! Think outside the box – consider other options than a written essay! 

Applications will be reviewed and evaluated by Vandalia-Butler staff and members of the family.

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Sister Cities of Vandalia

Three scholarships to assist with first year college tuition will be offered by Sister Cities of Vandalia to students who are residents of the Vandalia Butler district, graduate from Butler High School or an accredited private high school or are dependent children of Sister Cities members. Eligible applicants shall have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 and have completed two or more years of a foreign language. The Walter L. Lakin Memorial Award will be in the amount of $2,000 and two other scholarships in the amount of $1,000 may be awarded each year. 

Criteria for selection includes: 

1. involvement in international organizations or activities, 
2. participation in school and community organizations and activities, 
3. future personal and academic goals, and 
4. financial need. 

Preference will be given to students whose experience or goals foster positive international relationships. 

Applicants must provide: 

(1) one letter of reference (from an employer, service organization administrator, coach or teacher) 

(2) an essay stating how the student has helped support international friendship and understanding, 

(3) an official high school transcript. 

Winners will be announced at the annual Senior Awards Night and by letter. Scholarship checks will be written to both the student and the educational institution to cover tuition costs. 

Sophomore Year Scholarships: 

Scholarship winners may request an additional $1,000 award for the sophomore year if they have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 at the end of the first year of study. Request for this additional support may be made by application and must include a transcript of the entire first year. Requests must be received by July 1. Please send applications to vandaliasistercities@gmail.com . 

Winners will be announced at the annual Senior Awards Night. Scholarship checks will be written to both the student and his/her educational institution in June. 

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AMERICAN LEGION POST #668 – BELIEVE IN AMERICA 

The American Legion Post 668 is proud to offer a $3,000 scholarship to a recipient from the Class of 2026 at Butler High School. 

This scholarship will be awarded to a student who is a graduating senior from BHS who had met the following criteria: 

• Have a family connection to a Veteran (generational is acceptable). 
• Be a graduating senior of the class of 2026 
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 
• Include a recommendation letter from a teacher/administrator. 
• Include a list of all extra-curricular activities that you are involved in 

Applicants must provide a short (less than 500 word) essay to include why you “Believe in America”, including your personal connection to the Armed Forces, and how you have supported a veteran(s) or veteran causes within the essay. 

Once enrolled, a check for $3,000 for school-related expenses will be issued to the institution the scholarship winner is attending. 

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BUTLER COMMUNITY CHURCH JAMES 1:27 SCHOLARSHIP 

The Butler Community Church is proud to sponsor the James 1:27 Scholarship to a graduating senior of the class of 2026 in the amount of $500. This Scholarship will be awarded to one graduating senior who has lost a parent or whose family has been involved with fostering or adopting. 

Qualifications: 

• Must be a graduating senior of Butler High School 
• Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 (verified by the BHS Guidance Office) 
• Students must be accepted at a college or post-secondary technical school. 
• Read James 1:27 before applying. 

Complete the application, and submit an essay addressing the following questions: 

1. Why do you believe you qualify for this scholarship? 
2. How does James 1:27 apply to your life? 
3. Please describe your hopes and dreams for the year ahead. 
4. Include a copy of your acceptance letter of the college in which you are intending to attend.

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LIVE LIKE DEL 52 

The “Live Like Del” scholarship was established in 2023 to remember and honor Delshon Marquise Williams. Del was a 2016 Butler graduate; he was well liked by his peers and teachers during his four years of school and beyond graduation. Whether it was his ability to make anyone laugh, his teamwork on and off the field, or his contagious personality to be around, Del will surely be remembered. To “Live Like Del'' means to be kind, to go out of your way to encourage and help others, to have good attendance, to have ambition and goals, and so much more. 

Award: 

The Live Like Del Scholarship will be awarded to two (2) students each year, with each student receiving a one-time award of $2,500. 

Qualifications: 

• Must be a graduating senior of Butler High School 
• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 
• Must have (7) seven or fewer unexcused absences throughout senior year 
• Must not have been disciplined during high school career for violating any portion of the Vandalia-Butler Student “Code of Conduct” 
• Must submit all application details by the submission deadline of the award year 

Application Details: 

1. Provide a list of your activities, jobs, community service projects, and/or extra-curriculars. For each, please include year of activity, duration of participation, and any corresponding details to help us understand your involvement.
2. Provide two (2) letters of recommendation. Family is ineligible to write recommendation letters. Approved letters can be from teachers, bosses, coaches, service project organizers, or religious figures.
3. Delshon is best remembered for his constant positivity, his respectful demeanor, his warm smile, and his team before self-attitude. Explain or demonstrate through your choice of written format or video (2 to 5 minutes in length) how you choose to Live Like Del and how you intend to use the scholarship award money to uphold his legacy. 

Please submit all application materials directly to the guidance department via a USB flash drive; the flash drive should contain all three requests as outlined above. 

Selection Process: 

• The Butler High School guidance department will review all submitted applications 
• Upon review, five (5) finalists will be forwarded to the Live Like Del Scholarship committee 
• The committee will then review finalist applications and interview all five (5), ultimately selecting two (2) as recipients of the Live Like Del Scholarship 
• Award winners will be recognized at Senior Awards Night in May

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Kayla Anderson Scholarship

The Kayla Anderson Scholarship Fund was established in 2022 to remember and honor Kayla and her mom, Sarah. They were known for living life to the fullest, making others feel valued, living joyful lives, and loving unconditionally. The goal is to create a self-sustaining fund in order to award scholarships each year while ensuring the program can continue for many years into the future. 

Donor: 

Kayla Anderson Scholarship Foundation – Vandalia-Butler Boosters Association 

Award: 

A $2,000 scholarship or two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to a male and female Butler student(s), who best meets the following criteria: 

• Graduating senior of Butler High School 
• Participated in any of the following Co-Curricular activities:
  • Butler Athletics 
  • Kickline 
  • Cheerleading 
• Must have a minimum of cumulative GPA of 2.5 
• Promise to attend and earn credentials/degree from an accredited school of higher education 

Scholarship will be paid to a post-secondary institution AFTER submitting proof to the Kayla Anderson Scholarship Committee of your first term in the post-secondary institution 

Supplemental Requirements: 

• Write an essay 250-500 words expressing how you have lived by or represented Kayla and Sarah’s legacy. 
  • Kayla & Sarah were known for making others feel valued, hardworking, loving, living life to the fullest and always having a smile on their face. 
• Include a list of:
  • Activities and year that you have participated in 
  • Letters earned 
  • Special Awards earned 
  • Community Service 
• Letter of Recommendation from your coach