Spade & Trowel Garden Club opens scholarship application process

Applications are now being accepted for the 2014 Spade & Trowel Garden Club Scholarships. For the fourth year, the club will present two $1,000 grants.

Scholarships will be given to the accredited two- or four-year college, university or professional training programs attended by the winners, graduating seniors from Laurel, North Dorchester, Seaford, Sussex Tech, and/or Woodbridge high schools. Grant money may be applied toward the cost of first-year school expenses.

Applicants must legally reside in the Laurel, North Dorchester, Seaford or Woodbridge school district. Applicants must have an academic class average of at least a C+ and must plan to pursue a degree in agriculture, horticulture, environmental concerns, life sciences or related fields. Consideration will be given to community and school service and/or work experience.

Students must submit two letters of recommendation, including at least one from a current or former teacher, addressing the student’s scholastic ability and personal character, and a personal letter by the applicant, discussing future goals and commitment to chosen career.

Interested seniors should see their guidance counselor for application forms and return completed forms to the guidance counselor by that counselor’s deadline. Decisions will be communicated to school guidance counselors by May 1.