Applications accepted for Vacek scholarhsips

     Mabel Vacek was a former Oxford Junction resident who died in 1998, leaving a legacy in excess of $240,000 to be used for scholarships for local youths. Mabel and her husband, Chuck, former Oxford Junction postmaster, were very community-minded and interested in helping young people. Due to health and family reasons, Mabel was not able to complete the eighth grade.

     Over the past 18 years, the Mabel Vacek Scholarship Trust has awarded 172 scholarships totaling $128,369.48.

     The scholarships are available to high school graduates who lived in an area served by the Oxford Junction Post Office for a period of at least six months before their last day of attendance after completing requirements for graduation. Eligibility is determined by residency, not by the high school attended. Preference will be given to current high school graduates, but scholarships will also be available to undergraduate college students. Recipients of the scholarships must be planning to attend, or are attending, a two or four-year college or university, in a program leading to an AA, BA or BS degree.

     The criteria for selection includes academic performance, participation in extra-curricular activities, positive citizenship characteristics, and economic need. Applicants do not have to be at the poverty or low-income level to qualify. Recipients are eligible for multiple year scholarships, but must reapply each year.

     Applications may be obtained from the Guidance Counselor of the Midland Community School and should be returned to the school by April 6, 2018.

     Selections are made by the Midland Community School Scholarship Committee.

     Citizen State Bank of Wyoming, Oxford Junction and Olin, administers the Trust.