Three college scholarships offered to families Published Feb. 10, 2006 By Senior Airman Heidi Davis COMMANDO staff HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- In the past two years, more than $27,000 have been given in scholarships to military family members seeking educational opportunities. Three types of scholarships are available this year as well through the Hurlburt Spouses Club and First Command Financial Planning: the Turnaround Scholarship worth $500, the First Command scholarship worth $2,000 and the spouses club scholarships ranging between $1,250 and $1,500. “It’s fun to be able to give away money that’s not yours,” said Rachel Crigger, HSC scholarship chairperson. “It’s a great community outreach program.” A few of the major factors that will determine the winners of all three scholarships include a personal essay expressing short and long-term educational goals and two letters of recommendation. Interested people are encouraged to review each of the scholarship applications before applying to ensure they meet certain eligibility requirements. The Turnaround Scholarship, a new scholarship this year, is awarded to the senior who has made exceptional improvement in their academics during his or her high school years. The senior isn’t required to have a certain grade point average, but the student must be looking to attend a university, community college or technical/trade school after graduation. According to the Turnaround Scholarship application, the candidate must also be: a class of 2006 graduating senior, a dependent of a Hurlburt Field military member, have a valid military identification card and be enrolled in DEERS, have a nomination by a principal, counselor or teacher, and may not be a family member of a HSC scholarship committee member, nor any of the judges. The high school counselor for each of the local schools will submit two Turnaround Scholarship nominations, and the winners will be determined by lottery. The First Command scholarship is open to high school seniors with a “B” average or higher and has the same eligibility requirements as the Turnaround Scholarship. The third scholarship is the HSC scholarship available to Hurlburt Field spouses seeking an associate, undergraduate or graduate degree on a full or part-time basis. Winners for the spouses club and First Command scholarships will be selected by a panel of 22 independent judges from the local community who aren’t associated with the spouses club and don’t have access to application identification until applicants are selected. All scholarship applications and necessary paperwork must be received by March 4 to be considered for eligibility. A verification letter will be mailed to the candidate once their application has been received. All winners will receive notification by March 31, and an awards luncheon will be held in their honor in April 20 at The Soundside. For a complete list of scholarship requirements and restrictions, pick up an application at the family support center, base education office, base library, thrift shop and local high school guidance offices.