Scholarship Programs
Rotary-Garbe Foundation Scholarship
For 65 years the Rotary Garbe Foundation has awarded scholarships to assist local students with their continuing education. Mr. and Mrs. Garbe were longtime residents and community leaders in Scotch Plains.
Mr. Garbe was a member of the first Planning Board; a founder of the Scotch Plains Community Fund; a founding member of the Fanwood Scotch Plains Rotary Club; and a Past District Governor of Rotary. But most of all, the Garbes were huge supporters of young people in our community.
More than 300 students in our community have received financial assistance from the Rotary Garbe Foundation. This year’s three scholarships are for a total of $10,000 each – paying out $2,500 a year for four years.
Dr. Richard Dobyns Memorial Scholarship
This award of $1,000 was started by Rotarian, Dr. Richard Dobyns. It is given to the student who made the most progress or “turn around” in their academic studies from Junior year to Senior year.
The selection is by the High School Principal and Guidance Department.
Ethel Perkins & Robert Mullins Memorial Scholarships
Ethel Perkins was born in Philadelphia Pa. She moved to Donsen Lane in Scotch Plains in the late sixties and lived there until she passed away in 2007. Having no children, living frugally and investing wisely, she amassed an estate of over 2 million dollars.
She left a portion of her estate to the Rotary Garbe Foundation to establish scholarships in her name and in her brother’s name (Robert Mullins). Because she and her brother she shared a fondness for animals, the scholarships are awarded to students studying animal sciences.
These two scholarships are for a total of $8,000 each – paying out $2,000 a year for four years.
David E. Ringle Memorial Scholarship
The David Ringle Scholarship Fund was initiated by the Rotary Club several years ago in memory of our friend and fellow Rotarian Dave Ringle.
Dave was a local businessman who dedicated much of his life to Rotary Club causes, not only locally, but around the World. Dave lived his life by the Rotary motto - “Service above Self” and was an inspiration to all who knew him.
An award of $500 is awarded to the SPFHS Salutatorian and $750 will be awarded to the SPFHS Valedictorian.
Robert H. Kraus Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship honors the memory of Bob Kraus, a long time Rotarian and respected member of the community.
The Robert H. Kraus Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School graduating senior who will be attending Rutgers University, has been involved in extra-curricular activities or volunteerism and has maintained a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
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