Scholarships: Wheat Ridge High School
Dee Reed Teaching Scholarship
Purpose
Established in memory of Dee Reed by her family, the purpose of this scholarship is to recognize and provide a annual one-time scholarship award to one well-rounded graduating Wheat Ridge High School senior who plans to pursue teaching as a career.
Award Amount
Each scholarship may be up to $1,000.00 per student.
Selection Criteria
- Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
- Demonstrated desire and intent to pursue higher education and a career in teaching
- School and community service
- Extra consideration will be given to students who have demonstrated financial need
All applications must be received at The Jefferson Foundation, 809 Quail Street, Building #1, Lakewood, CO 80215 by April 1, 2012 for consideration.
Click here to download a Dee Reed Teaching Scholarship application. (Word doc)
About Dee Reed
Dolores Reed (nee Koeltzow), a 2nd generation German immigrant, was born in Nov. of 1929. She was the oldest of the 6 children, raised in Rhea, Texas, on a wheat farm. The family left Texas during the Dust Bowl to seek a better life in Brighton, CO where they lived in a one car garage and attended Lutheran schools. In time their father moved the family to Wheat Ridge where she was able to attend Wheat Ridge High School -- graduating in 1948. Dee was a bright student who earned a scholarship to Denver University. Her dream was always to be a teacher. Unfortunately, her family didn't believe that she should go to college; they needed her at home to help raise the other children and go to work. Her dreams were crushed. A few years later, she married, had four children and eventually moved to the mountains. There her husband of 10 yrs. later died in a tragic accident. Once again she tried to complete college and get that teaching degree, however raising 4 kids, working full time and trying to go to school would soon prove to be too much. Once again her dreams went by the way side.
Dee had a difficult life both as a child and an adult, but she never complained about its unfairness. She took everyday and made the most of it. What she didn't realize was that her example of living was her teaching. Dee was a role-model in perseverance, hope, optimism, and a “bring it on” attitude. She was a woman of strength and honor -- truly admired by all who knew her.
Dee passed away in April 2011. Her children: Wayne, Cheri, and Cindy (Wade, their brother, passed in 1987) wanted to find a way to honor her legacy. Her love of living and teaching by example created a positive ripple effect that will last for many generations to come. Dee's children wanted to carry on this effect through the creation of Dee Reed Teaching Scholarship. This scholarship represents her dream of education and the belief that every child deserves a great teacher. The scholarship recipients are asked to continue creating the positive ripple effect through their love of teaching.
Wheat Ridge Optimists Carl Cerveny Memorial Scholarship
The Wheat Ridge Optimists Carl Cerveny Memorial Scholarship was established to recognize and provide scholarship awards to well-rounded graduating Wheat Ridge High School and Jefferson High School seniors who have made an outstanding contribution to their school or 
community.
Award Amount.
Each scholarship may be up to $1,000.00 per student.
Selection Criteria.
- Student must have a grade point average in the upper 50% of the graduating class.
- Student must have exhibited impeccable character
- Student will have performed volunteer duties at school and/or community service
- The student will have work experience
- Primary consideration will be given to students who have demonstrated service and leadership in school and community activities
Other Criteria.
- Completed applications should be submitted to the Jefferson or Wheat Ridge High School counseling offices by April 30, 2012. Amount awarded for the 2012-2013 school year.
- Finalists will be interviewed by a Selection Committee.
- Applicant must enroll at an institution of higher learning as a full time student within six months of graduation.
- The scholarship will be awarded at a regular time and location, as determined by the two participating schools.
All applications must be received at The Jefferson Foundation, 809 Quail Street, Building #1, Lakewood, CO 80215 by April 30, 2012 for consideration.
Click here to download a Carl Cerveny Scholarship application. (Word doc)
Carl Cerveny Memorial Scholarship Winners:
2011 Lance Ortiz (Red Rocks Community College, Golden)
2011
2010 Betsabe Mitchell (Metropolitan State College, Denver)
2010 Molly Freeman (Regis University, Denver)