We are looking for students meeting some of the following criteria in order to receive a Maloney Alumni Dollars for Scholars Award:

Academic Performance and Aptitude

 

The Maloney Alumni Dollars for Scholars Awards Selection Committee ("Committee") will

generally be looking for a GPA of 3.0 or above. Trends in the GPA may also be reviewed, and

grades in courses that may be more relevant to the student's desired field of study can be

weighed. Class rank and SAT/ACT scores will also be considered. Pursuit of advanced or

honors classes will also be taken into consideration, as well as any additional specialized

coursework.

 

Community Service

 

The Committee considers community service to be important. Participation in school

organizations that emphasize community service will be recognized and noted. A letter of

recommendation from a sponsor or leader of a school or community service organization

for which the student has volunteered would be particularly beneficial.

 

Character

 

It is the Committee's desire to make awards to students who have exhibited good character

and will be good ambassadors for Maloney High School in their post-MHS careers. Letters

of recommendation, participation in extracurricular activities, and MHS Counseling

Department input will be used to evaluate this criterion.

 

First Generation

 

Many graduates of the Board and Committee's generation were the first of their families to

go on to post-secondary education. The Committee will take this important milestone into

account should any of the scholarship applicants also be First Generation in their family.

 

Leadership

 

Has the student exhibited positive leadership skills and responsibilities during their four

years in high school? Criteria to be considered may include demonstrated leadership roles

such as club president, team captain, or committee chair. Also, recognitions or awards

received for extracurricular achievements.

 

Extracurricular Activities

 

The Committee believes that a well-rounded experience at MHS often leads to success in

college. Criteria to be considered include participation in clubs, sports, music programs

and other organized activities within the school or community. Hobbies and interests that

the student may identify will also be considered.

 

Work Experience

 

Work experience can provide valuable insights into a student's character and well-

roundedness. The Committee will take work experience into consideration in assessing

possible impacts on and interactions with academic achievement, extracurricular

activities, and financial need, including a working student's potential financial contribution

to their own higher education.

 

Financial Need

 

The applicant's family financial status will be an important consideration. The applicant's

Student Aid Index, based on their FAFSA submittal, will be used in the evaluation and

selection process. Per MHS Counseling Department guidelines, a statement of financial

resources and needs may be submitted for review by the student's parent or guardian. This

information may also be utilized by the Committee.

 

Letters of Recommendation

 

At least one letter of reference will be required - from a teacher, guidance counselor,

coach, administrator, or from another source such as a community leader, clergy member

or employer. Important clues may be found in these letters which can help define a

student's character, initiative, creativity, perseverance, etc.

 

Essay

 

The student will submit an essay stating personal goals and aspirations, achievements and

challenges faced. Of particular interest will be the students' thoughts on their upcoming

college experience, and their post-college goals. Consideration will also be given to

unusual or extraordinary circumstances that the student may document in a second essay.

 

Betterment of Community

 

The Committee recognizes the important role that a community such as the City of

Meriden has played in our lives. Scholarship applicants who have the potential or a

commitment to work for the betterment of their community after graduation will be given

due consideration.

 

Maloney Alumni Dollars for Scholars is committed to providing equal opportunities to all

eligible applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation,

national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The

selection process for the Maloney Alumni Dollars for Scholars awards will be conducted in

a manner that ensures fair and unbiased evaluation of all applicants.