Mary Virginia Merrick Scholarship

Christ Child Society of the Western Reserve

THE 2026 APPLICATION HAS CLOSED. Scholarship for one graduating high school senior per Lake County public high school. Applicants must be a Lake County resident, plan to attend a four-year college/university, community college, or trade school, and demonstrate strong community involvement in Lake County.

Qualifications:

The applicant must:
– Be a graduating senior from one of the following high schools: Auburn Career Center, iSTEM, Harding, Harvey, Kirtland, Madison, Mentor, Perry, Northern Career Institute, Riverside, Wickliffe, Eastlake North, Willoughby South

– Be a resident of Lake County

– Plan to attend a: (1) Trade School, (2) Community College, or (3) 4-Year College/University, Public or Private

– Demonstrate strong community involvement in Lake County.

Students may only apply once through one school (either home school district, Auburn Career Center, or Northern Career Institute).

How to apply:
1. Craft an essay of 500 words or fewer addressing the provided prompt:
Drawing on your own experiences and volunteerism, please define what a
servant leader is. How will your educational plans prepare you to be a
servant leader in your local community and beyond? In the response,
please describe your ten-year plan and how you will be able to give back
to your local community using your education.

2. Students will submit their essays to their Guidance Counselor by the 2/27/26 deadline.

Award Amount:
$1,200

Deadline:
February 27, 2026