MELMAC Richard W. Tyler Principals Scholarship Program
History
The Maine Principals Scholarship program was MELMAC Education Foundation's first initiative. The Scholarship program sought to recognize the critical leadership and mentoring role of every high school principal and the central role he or she plays in encouraging the dreams and aspirations of his or her students. The Maine Principals Scholarship program provided a $1,000 scholarship to one college-bound graduating senior from each participating Maine high school, public or private, chosen by that high school's principal. The scholarship was credited toward the student's second semester of study. The award was used for the pursuit of all types of higher education, at all institutions of higher education (two- or four-year colleges, within Maine or out of state, public or private).
In 2005, the Board of Directors renamed this scholarship to recognize Dick Tyler, long-time Executive Director of the Maine Principals’ Association and MELMAC Education Foundation Board Member, who passed away on April 11, 2005. Dick Tyler worked in education for over 40 years, including as principal of Morse High School in Bath. Under his leadership at the Maine Principals’ Association, membership was expanded to include elementary school principals and the organization relocated to a new building where the library bears his name. Dick’s impact on Maine students and the MELMAC Education Foundation will be felt for decades. This scholarship recognizes his devotion to improving educational opportunities for all Maine students. The scholarship is credited to a student’s third semester of study at a post-secondary institution of higher education.
Beginning in 2004, The MELMAC Richard W. Tyler Principals Scholarship…Supporting Early Success in College is a $1,000 scholarship credited toward a student’s third semester of study at a post-secondary institution of higher education. The Award is intended to assist students when additional financial support may make the difference in their decision to attend college and also to reward them for their persistence while attending college.
[ back to top ]
Nomination Process
Each spring the MELMAC Education Foundation contacts every Maine high school, public and private, and provides general information about, and an application for, The MELMAC Richard W. Tyler Principals Scholarship…Supporting Early Success in College scholarship program.
The principal of each participating school then nominates a particular student and submits that student's name and the reason for the principal's decision directly to the MELMAC Education Foundation. Scholarships are awarded at the time of high school graduation. Staff from the Foundation personally awards the scholarship when invited by the high school.
[ back to top ]
Criteria
The MELMAC Richard W. Tyler Principals Scholarship…Supporting Early Success in College is intended to assist students when additional financial support may make the difference in their decision to attend college and also to reward them for their persistence while attending college.
The recipient must be a student who meets the following criteria:
- has been accepted to college;
- faces significant challenges and obstacles in the pursuit of higher education;
- demonstrates exceptional financial need;
- makes a difference in the lives of others and that of his/her community;
- is a solid school citizen;
- has made a positive contribution to the school environment and/or extra co- curricular activities;
- exhibits a commitment to public service;
- has the potential to make a difference in the world;
- demonstrates satisfactory academic progress in college.
[ back to top ]
Award Statistics
| |
Graduating Class |
| |
2001 |
% |
2002 |
% |
| Total Scholarships |
114 |
145 |
| Gender |
|
| Female |
86 |
75% |
104 |
72% |
| Male |
28 |
25% |
41 |
28% |
| College Location |
|
| In-state |
61 |
54% |
72 |
50% |
| Out-of-state |
53 |
46% |
73 |
50% |
| College Type |
|
| Private |
58 |
51% |
68 |
47% |
| Public |
51 |
45% |
72 |
50% |
| Technical |
5 |
4% |
5 |
3% |
[ back to top ]
Acknowledgements
The MELMAC Education Foundation is extremely grateful for the work of the members of its ad hoc Maine Principals Scholarship Advisory Committee. In 2001, the Committee defined the criteria and process for the award selections.
Committee members have included:
[ back to top ]
|