Hi-Line Sportsmen Memorial Scholarship applications available

High school seniors across Valley County are encouraged to check with their guidance counselors for information and applications for the annual Hi-Line Sportsmen Memorial Scholarships.

Multiple sizeable scholarships will be awarded at the conservation group’s annual banquet, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 19 at Glasgow’s St. Raphael’s Catholic Church parish center gymnasium

The scholarships honor the memory of Barb Marsh and Mark Jackson, both longtime supporters of the community and local youth. To memorialize their commitment to the community, Barb’s partner, Joe Younkin, and Mark’s wife, Karen Jackson, sponsored a special gun that was auctioned at last year’s Hi-Line Sportsmen banquet. Proceeds from the commemorative gun are being distributed to eligible high school students this year.

All Valley County high school seniors are eligible to apply for the scholarships, which are designed to aid in recipients’ pursuit of a college or trade-school degree. Application materials are available from career counselors at these county high schools: Glasgow, Nashua, Opheim, Hinsdale, Frazer, and Lustre Christian. Deadline to receive applications is Monday, Jan. 31.

In keeping with the wildlife-conservation mission of Hi-Line Sportsmen, scholarship applicants must possess a valid Montana Conservation License, and submit a copy of the license with their application. Other considerations are community service and participation in hunting and conservation-oriented activities as well as submission of two personal letters of recommendation.

Scholarship winners will be announced at the conservation group’s annual fundraising banquet on Feb. 19, during which another special scholarship gun—a Savage rifle chambered in .22-250 with scope—will be auctioned to provide funds for next year’s scholarships.

Over the past five years, HLS has awarded a total of $16,000 to 19 Valley County seniors headed for additional education, whether technical and trade schools or 2- or 4-year universities.

For details about eligibility and other information about the scholarship, students are encouraged to visit with career counselors at their schools, or applicants can call Jenn Jackson at 263-7339 or email [email protected].

For information on the Feb. 19 banquet, contact a Hi-Line Sportsmen member or visit the group’s Facebook page. The banquet raises funds for local wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation, youth events, and to support our hunting heritage.