JUDY M. THOME MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Judy M Thome Memorial Scholarship was established in 2023 in memory of Judy Thome by the Judy M Thome Memorial. Thome, a Rock Falls Township High School English teacher, impacted her students in the classroom and through extracurricular activities. She was the Fall Play Director, the Contest Play Director, and the Scholastic Bowl Supervisor during her tenure. She used her position to bring out the best in her students and transform their lives. The Judy M Thome Memorial was established by former students and community members impacted by this remarkable individual.

Each year, one or more scholarships will be awarded to a qualified graduating senior from Rock Falls Township High School to be used for post-graduate educational expenses. The recipient must be enrolled as a college student at a two- or four-year institution or trade school, and the scholarship will be paid once proof of registration has been acquired. This is not a need-based scholarship, but first-generation college students are encouraged to apply.

Selection is based on the following criteria:  

The student has participated in at least one of the following: a Rock Falls Township High School Theatrical Production, Scholastic Bowl, and advanced English/Language Arts courses. It is not necessary to be a four-year member of the activities above. However, total involvement will be considered throughout the student's time at Rock Falls Township High School.

Student Component (choose one)

Essay: Students may write an essay of 250-500 words on one of the following four prompts.

Video: Students may submit a video of 3 to 5 minutes creatively demonstrating one of the following four prompts.

PROMPTS:

1. Describe a teacher or coach who changed your life and how they changed it.

2. Describe how Alexander Pope's quote, "Act well your part; there all the honor lies," is exemplified by experiences in your life.

3. Describe how the William Shakespeare quote, "Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt," is exemplified by experiences in your life.

4. A Judy Thome student possesses the following qualities. Describe how you exemplify these traits:

• A wide array of interests and abilities
• A visionary
• A human who has demonstrated growth of mind and character
• A human who takes advantage of the opportunities presented to them

Letter of Recommendation: 

The letter should be written by a teacher, coach, or community member to whom the applicant is not related. The letter should give clear examples of how the applicant has taken advantage of all that high school has to offer, how the student has grown over their high school career, and how the student has demonstrated an ability to interact well with others and the capability to encourage and uplift those with whom they work.

The committee for selecting scholarship recipients shall consist of at least three Judy M Thome Memorial members to whom the applicant is unrelated.

Interested applicants should submit the above no later than the Ides of March 2024 on the website:

+ Scholarship Application PDF

+ Letter of Recommendation