Jefferson | Cedar Rapids Community Schools Foundation

55th Reunion

Earle W. Dickinson Scholarship

In honor of longtime band director, Earle Dickinson, for a 4-year band member who plans to continue playing their instrument in college. Student must submit a letter of recommendation to the JHS Director of Bands for consideration (not a family member nor current JHS band director).

Steven Arnold Memorial Theatre Scholarship

In memory of Steven Arnold, a 1970 alumnus, who was a director and actor at Theatre Cedar Rapids and long term board member of Act One Theater in Benton County. For a student who has been active in JHS theatre all 4-years and will attend UNI to major in any of the theatre arts. Student […]

Robert C. & Ruth L. Arnold Memorial Scholarship

In memory of Robert C. Arnold, long-time elementary teacher and principal at Lincoln, Monroe, and Madison elementary schools for a JHS graduate who will attend Kirkwood Community College. Student must have demonstrated a caring spirit for others, as well as being involved in community activities. Student must have significant financial need.

Alan Zazza Memorial Scholarship

For a student active in Business Education courses at Jefferson High School.

John Wojtowicz Memorial Scholarship

In honor of Jefferson High School Academic Decathlon Coach, John Wojtowicz, for a member of the Academic Decathlon team who represents his dedication to learning.

Gordon Wilhelm Memorial Scholarship

In honor of all the teachers who have taught at Jefferson High School, the student recipient must exhibit leadership qualities and the potential to succeed.

Daniel J. Vanorny Memorial Scholarship

In honor of Daniel Vanorny’s support for Jefferson High School students and love of being a fine arts parent. Student awardees must have financial need, currently participating in at least one fine arts program, and have a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Ronald Smrha Memorial Education Fund

To assist a deserving student interested in pursuing a career in journalism.

Rich & Connie Ripley Scholarship

For a Jefferson High School graduate of color with financial need in order to continue their post-secondary education (university, college, trades, etc.)

Robert Reitz ‘Future Educator’ Scholarship

In honor of Robert Reitz, beloved Jefferson High School English teacher, for a Jefferson senior planning to major in Education at a 2-4 year college.

Polaski Family Scholarship

To recognize a Jefferson High School student that has shown dedication and commitment to their teams, coaches, and directors, who lead by example, and who go above and beyond to give of their time in areas of that required or expected. Student must participate in show choir and another winter activity.

Dorothy Peterson Scholarship

In honor of long-time Jefferson math department chair, the Dorothy Peterson scholarships recognize outstanding, talented math students.

Nancy Parmater Champion Memorial Scholarship

In memory of Nancy Parmater Champion, a 1965 graduate of Jefferson High School, for a graduating Jefferson senior with plans to enroll in the field of journalism or related field of communications at a college or university. Recipient must have participated in the school yearbook, school newspaper, or any other continuing school publications. Student should […]

Olson Basketball Scholarship

Given to a Jefferson High School student who played basketball at least two years and plans to attend a post-secondary collegiate institution. Minimum 2.5 GPA. Preference given to a student with financial need. Determined by counseling staff.

NextGrad Scholarship

For one student at JHS, KHS, and WHS who has financial need to achieve any type of post secondary education. Determined by counseling staff.

Candace Lynch “Future Ready Leader” Scholarship

Awarded to a graduate of Harrison or Johnson elementary schools who is pursuing any post-secondary program, including 2- or 4-year academic, military, or trade. Priority to student eligible for free or reduced lunch.

Joe Kenney Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a Jefferson High School varsity baseball player planning to attend a post-secondary institution of any kind.

Walter & Ida Kansky Charitable Fund Scholarship

Award to one student from each of the CRCSD high schools who will pursue further education in a trade program, vocational institution, or college. Financial need preferred. Recipient to be determined by individual high school staff.

Jefferson Alumni Golf Apprenticeship Scholarship

Student(s) must be pursuing a career in one of the trades (electrical, carpentry, Sheet metal/HVAC, or Plumber/Pipefitter). Funds for formal trade appropriate training costs.

Patricia Hobson Memorial Scholarship

A female leader at Jefferson who has had hardship in her life, but still pushes through and works hard. Someone who lifts others up and has a strong work ethic. Optional/Ideal: A first-time family college attendee and/ or has an interest in finance/banking industry.

Steven W. Hilby Memorial Scholarship

A former Roosevelt student with 2.0 grade point or above who is also an athlete; not necessarily varsity but has dedication, a love of the game, a positive attitude, and is a great teammate. Student must plan to attend a technical school, 2-year, or 4-year institution. Financial need a plus, but not required.

John Hegarty Scholarship

In honor of John Hegarty, long time science teacher and wrestling coach at JHS, for a student who excels in the classroom and in the wrestling room.

Walter D. Hartman Scholarship

In recognition of the contributions made by Walter Hartman during his 34-years of service to Cedar Rapids Community School District. It is given to graduating seniors from Jefferson High School with the intent of majoring in education. Students must exhibit a strong work ethic, leadership skills, good character and positive values during high school.

Robert & Alo Geuder Memorial Scholarship

For a Jefferson male or female student planning to pursue a career in education or professional theatre which could include radio, television, or film. Student must have been active in speech and/ or drama for a minimum of two years and be a member of JHS Thespian Troupe 561.

Dennis & Grace Ferreter Scholarship

For a Jefferson student who attended Van Buren Elementary (for some period of time, does not have to be all 6 years) and will attend an Iowa Regents institution or an Iowa accredited community college and/ or vocational institution (no private college). Student must have significant financial need as well as having put forth strong […]

Jack & Jeanette Ernst “Grateful Grannies” Scholarship

In recognition of Jack and Jeanette Ernst and their longtime commitment to the “Grateful Grannies” organization, for two JHS seniors with any post high school education/ training plan. Students must have a strong work ethic, good moral character, financial need, and drive to be a positive presence in the world.

Tom Campbell Memorial Scholarship

Endowed in memory of Thomas Campbell, a long-time teacher at Jefferson, for a J-Hawk personally selected by Jefferson counseling staff.

Barry & Gilda Boyer-Van Meter Inc. “Power Your Future” Scholarship

Funded by the Boyer’s and Van Meter Inc. to encourage and support students going into the electrical trade to become an electrician. Awarded by application.

Jim Bowen Memorial Baseball Scholarship

In memory of Jim Bowen, the scholarship will be given to a Jefferson young man who is dedicated to the sport of baseball and who has led by example on and off the field. His academic accomplishments and general citizenship at Jefferson should identify him as a young man of quality character and principles.

Judy & Larry Blum Scholarship

For a Jefferson student who has expressed an intention to pursue a career in either elementary education or special education. Must have demonstrated a strong work ethic, leadership, good character, and positive community involvement during his/her high school years.

School: Jefferson