The Teacher To Be Scholarship program was established thanks to the generosity of the late Mack Dunwoody, a local champion for public education and advocate for supporting district employees on their path to becoming Marion County Public Schools teachers.
Senior Scholarships managed by the Public Education Foundation of Marion County are now available! All Scholarships are accessed via the new scholarship portal. All submissions should be done through the portal. Please review the individual scholarship requirements below. All scholarships require a Grade Report form linked below OR a print out of your Skyward Grad Tracker. If a student uses the Grad Tracker, it must be stamped/signed by guidance and must include documented community service hours and the highest composite score for ACT, SAT, or both. A Portal Tip Sheet is also available to help you navigate the portal. Students will also have to submit the Student Aid Index Report from FAFSA. Not all scholarships are merit based, but all require the upload. If the student has not received the report, a screen shot of the confirmation email sent to the student showing the estimated Student Aid Index can be used.
The Public Education Foundation of Marion County administers a variety of scholarships. Please check listings below for individual scholarships and criteria. You can apply for more than one scholarship, but please make note of all requirements and apply for scholarships whose criteria is applicable to you. Scholarship Donors include corporations, associations, organizations, foundations and individuals who want to create a brighter future by encouraging education. Different scholarship donors have different scholarship qualifications. It is important to thoroughly review each scholarship description and application before applying.
2024 David Baillie Memorial Scholarship ($2,000) The Ocala Lions Club provides sight, hearing, glaucoma, and diabetes screening by financially supporting eye exams and glasses for the needy, eye surgeries, hearing aids, and so much more. The David Baillie scholarship was established in memory of David Baillie, Jr., a long-time member of the Lions Club and a big supporter of the Southeastern Youth Fair. Applicants for this scholarship must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in either agriculture, through the study of the biological or physical sciences, or veterinary medicine; at a college or university they choose. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the field of agriculture through involvement in Future Farmers of America, 4H, The Southeastern Youth Fair, or through proven experience such as actual work in agricultural or animal care activities as well as the study of the biological or physical sciences at the high school level. Some examples of work experience could include, on a family farm, at a veterinarian’s office, volunteering at an animal shelter or for an animal rescue organization.
Students Selected for this scholarship receive:
Student eligibility financial requirements below.
| HOUSEHOLD SIZE | ANNUALLY | MONTHLY | TWICE PER MONTH | EVERY TWO WEEKS | WEEKLY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26,973 | 2,248 | 1,124 | 1,038 | 519 |
| 2 | 36,482 | 3,041 | 1,521 | 1,404 | 702 |
| 3 | 45,991 | 3,833 | 1,917 | 1,769 | 885 |
| 4 | 55,500 | 4,625 | 2,313 | 2,135 | 1,068 |
| 5 | 65,009 | 5,418 | 2,709 | 2,501 | 1,251 |
| 6 | 74,518 | 6,210 | 3,105 | 2,867 | 1,434 |
| 7 | 84,027 | 7,003 | 3,502 | 3,232 | 1,616 |
| 8 | 95,536 | 7,795 | 3,898 | 3,598 | 1,799 |
| For each additional family member, add… | 9,509 | 793 | 397 | 366 | 183 |
Jim and Joanne Yancey dedicated their lives to help make their community a better place to live and work. Jim was a 7 time letterman at the University of Florida as a member of the football and golf teams. He is inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame. Additionally, he was a class A PGA Professional and a certified Greens Superintendent. He was the Head Golf Professional at Ocala Golf Club for over 25 years where he was known for his Junior Golf Programs and for teaching multiple PGA Tour Players.
Joanne was a member of the Garden Club in Ocala for over 40 years. Her passion for beautifying her yard and her community go hand-in-hand. She was devoted to the City of Ocala for over 40 years, serving in multiple capacities including the Building and Zoning Board. Her dedication to high school sports and amateur golf was well-known, particularly for organizing the Henry Camp Invitational Golf Tournament every spring since 1970.
This $500 scholarship is to be awarded to a senior who is seeking an education in Sports Management, Agriculture or is pursuing competitive golf in college. The candidate must be a leader in their school and community.
Joshua Rossignol was an awesome young man who was kind-hearted, hilarious, passionate, generous, and overall just loved life. He was so warm and kind that he made you feel like you had known him forever, even if you had just met him. He could also make anyone laugh, even in the toughest of situations. Josh was a talented and passionate cook and it had always been his dream to become a chef and open his own restaurant. He was pursuing his degree in culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University when he passed away at the age of 21. In his honor, his family and friends created the Joshua Rossignol Memorial Scholarship to help others achieve their dreams of becoming a chef. This year a $1,500 scholarship will be awarded to a Marion County senior or current MTC student seeking an education in the culinary arts who has demonstrated leadership in their school and community.
This scholarship is for graduating seniors that have completed at least THREE credit of Health Science coursework in high school, as well as participated in the HOSA chapter on their campus. Students will complete an essay (topic found below) and should share two letters of reference. (Letters cannot come from family members or Health Science instructors.) Health Science instructors will also complete an evaluation after the student completes their application. Applicants must be pursuing a career in the healthcare industry and will share their plans in the required essay. Applicants will be asked to share a list of activities, honors and awards and community service, when doing so applicants should make sure to include any HOSA awards and/or leadership. Applicants Grade/Test Report form or Grad Tracker should also include the three required credits of Health Science coursework.
Essay (350-750 words):
Describe why you have chosen a health career, your occupational and personal goals, and other information such as financial need that may assist in the selection process. This narrative can play a large role in who is selected and should describe your passion for the healthcare industry.
Niko Malidelis was a senior at North Marion High School, preparing to enter the Fire College after graduation when a tragic automobile accident cut his young life short. His family reached out to their network of friends to help establish the Niko Malidelis Fire College Scholarship. This $300 scholarship will be offered to seniors and students currently enrolled in fire college at MTC, who will become a fireman and demonstrate economic need and initiative.
This scholarship is for students planning to become teachers.
What is needed to apply:
Academic Grade/Test Report Form
1 Letter of Recommendation from a person familiar with your academic abilities and school activities, and should address your interest in teaching and the qualities that will make you a successful educator. List the name, title and telephone number or email address.
Goal statement: You have decided as a goal that you want to become a teacher. Please share your vision as to what that means to you and how you see yourself accomplishing this goal.
Walter Wade was a Navy veteran who served our country for 20 years (1973-1993). He loved the Navy and his duty posts included, San Diego, Honolulu, San Francisco, Seattle, Orlando, Long Beach, Commander Sixth Fleet in Italy and Sardinia during the Gulf War, and finally teaching ROTC at the University of Mississippi. He achieved the rank of Quartermaster Senior Chief Petty Officer. He entered the Navy with an Associate in Arts degree from Centralia College, WA, and then took advantage of evening extension classes offered to active military through Columbia College, MO and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Government. When he retired from the Navy, he continued traveling on cruises all over the world because he truly loved being at sea, and he worked as a volunteer at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, WA for 10 years as a gift shop assistant responsible for receiving and inventory. He moved to Ocala in 2013 and enjoyed the community and the weather immensely. Even though he had no children of his own, he was always an advocate for young people continuing their education beyond high school no matter how many years it took to graduate.
Walter loved cooking, reading, interior design, attending the symphony, dance performances, and visiting museums around the world. The Walter William Wade Memorial scholarship is dedicated to the arts and to our military men and women who have proudly served our country.
Criteria: This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to 1 Marion County high school senior who meets the following criteria:
1. Applicants must be pursuing a Bachelors Degree in any of the following specialties:
2. At least one parent OR grandparent who has served a minimum of four years active duty in any of the U.S. military branches.
Applicants are required to submit a 300 word essay, three letters of recommendation from teachers and a DD Form 214 certifying their parent’s or grandparents military discharge.
This scholarship is for Dunnellon graduating seniors only. The scholarship will be decided by a committee and awarded based on merit. Students must complete the entire online application including the uploads to be considered. A Student Grade/Test Report, as well as a letter of recommendation are required. The Student Grade/Test Report can be downloaded from the main PEFMC scholarship page. This scholarship is worth $1,000.
Ft. McCoy Elementary School is dedicated to their student’s success. This scholarship is available for students who have attended Ft. McCoy School for the entirety of Kindergarten to fifth grade, or the entirety of sixth through eighth grade. Ft. McCoy School is proud to give back and offer the opportunity to help in furthering education of their students.
Requirements to apply:
Applicants must be a graduating senior from Lake Weir High.
Students will choose a topic (from the list) and either write an essay or create a video submission. The information is found below:
Mr. Gibb emphatically believed in students finding their voice.
Students are encouraged to choose ONE of the following themes which resonated with the teachings and philosophies Mr. Gibb lived by:
Then students are asked to share their voice with through one of the following formats:
Marilyn Hughes, a life-long educator began her teaching career in 1963. She taught at schools in Florida and California until 1985 when she joined the staff at Stanton Weirsdale Elementary. There she held positions as a teacher, Elementary Learning Specialist, Curriculum Coordinator and Assistant Principal. She served as Assistant Principal until her passing in 2016.
Mrs. Hughes earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Florida A&M University. In 1983 she received her Master’s Degree in Reading Education from California State University. Her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership comes from Nova Southeastern University.
Marilyn Hughes made a difference in the lives of many after teaching and serving as an educator for over half a century. The Marilyn Hughes Memorial Scholarship has been established to honor the life of Mrs. Hughes and to continue her legacy of excellence in education. This annual scholarship for $200 will benefit a high school senior who attended Stanton-Weirsdale Elementary school for at least one complete school year, a school where Mrs. Hughes was an integral part of the faculty for over thirty years.
A committee of North Marion High School Alumni has established a scholarship fund to benefit 12th grade students from North Marion High School as they graduate high school and continue their education at a college, university or vocation/technical school. Scholarship winners will be determined based on their academic performance, school and community activities, character and the need for assistance.
North Marion High holds an awards night each year where deserving graduates are awarded scholarships from families and groups. After last year’s awards, a group of North Marion alumni got together to discuss the establishment of an endowment scholarship to be known as the Winners Circle Scholarship. The idea led to the formation of a committee of North Marion alumni to organize efforts in generating revenue to establish an endowment scholarship fund which will benefit graduates of North Marion High School as they continue their education at accredited college, university or vocational/technical school. The idea is to deposit contributions into the endowment account that will generate maximum interest income each year. The annual income will be used to award scholarship money each year.
The endowment fund has been established with legal counsel, professional financial advice and annual audit all provided through the Public Education Foundation of Marion County. Contributions are tax deductible and receive a tax substantiation letter.
This first year has seen great support from alumni and friends of North Marion, including many past faculty members. Due to the number of Winners Circle members, contributors to the Winners Circle Scholarship Fund, the first scholarship was awarded to a member of the Class of 2020. This first scholarship was for $1,000. The goal of the committee is to increase the amount and number of scholarships each year. As you consider making a contribution to the Winners Circle Scholarship Fund, remember that your generous contribution will earn interest year after year, thus providing scholarship money for years in the future. Annual contributions are welcome. Contributions in memory of someone in the North Marion family are welcome. Corporate sponsors supporting future North Marion graduates are welcome.
The committee has set a goal to reach $30,000 this year which will in turn award the $1,000 scholarship using interest money earned. Next year, the goal is to double the Winners Circle Endowment Fund. The fund will continue to grow as graduating class members will make future contributions and join the Winners Circle.
Contributions to the Winners Circle Scholarship Fund should be sent via check made payable to: Public Education Foundation of Marion County, 1239 NW 4 th Street Ocala, FL 34475 – Please note in the memo line – Winners Circle Scholarship
To make online contributions online, go to the donate page and select Winners Circle in the menu of options.
The Committee Members:
George Keep—Class of 1958—Liaison with Educational Foundation.
Jim Stroup————Class of 1959 Sonja (Mullins) Christmas–Class of 1987
Ronnie Simmons—-Class of 1972 Melissa (Desaint) Kinard—-Class of 1991
Dan Davis ————Class of 1973 Dale Hall———-Class of 1998
Laura Johnson——-Class of 1980 Matt Johnson—-Class of 1998
Penny(Johnson)Howard—Class of 1981 Tim Yarn———-Class of 1999
Kimberly Calvin——-Class of 1983 Lacey(Howard) McGovern–Class of 2004
Gay (Hurst) Street—-Class of 1983 Jamie Gilmore—Class of—-Class of 2012
Jackeria Beard—Class of 2019
This scholarship was established in honor and memory of Trudy Boone by her family. Trudy was an elementary educator and continued to mentor students long after she retired from teaching. She and her husband were owners of Foxfire realty where she worked as a real estate agent and trainer. This $2,000 scholarship is to be awarded to a worthy graduating senior that previously attended 8th Street Elementary or Ward Highlands Elementary. Additional scholarship requirements are included in the scholarship application linked below.
This scholarship, sponsored by the Villages Working Women Social Group, is given to a female senior graduating from Lake Weir High School. The student must be attending a trade school, state college or university. If the applicant plans to enlist in the military they must also be taking at least one class from an accredited school.
“The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?”
One $1,000 scholarship will be given.
