The Jefferson Awards is offering a $500 scholarship to seniors.

The scholarship was started by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Sen. Robert Taft Jr., and Sam Beard in 1972.

“Originally it was for public figures,” guidance counselor Deana Dearmin said. “However, about five years ago, they expanded the program to include high schools.”

A Jefferson Award also goes out to a student each month who has greatly helped the community with his or her volunteer work. In order to win a Jefferson award, students have to be nominated to the committee, which consists of two students from each grade level.

“This year we have an extra senior,” Dearmin said. “They really wanted to be involved in the committee, so we let them join.”

Senior Nikki Gregory isn’t putting in for the scholarship.

“I am not planning on applying for the scholarship because I feel that there are many more people that deserve it more than me,” she said, “and I don’t want the fact that I am on the committee to influence me being picked over other people.”

Applications for the Jefferson Awards Scholarship are due May 15 and can be found on Edline or from your homeroom teacher.

By Sara-Renee Weatherby