Valley County High School Seniors: Hi-Line Sportsmen Scholarship Applications Available

High school seniors across Valley County are encouraged to check with their guidance counselors for information about and applications for the annual Hi-Line Sportsmen Memorial Scholarships. Over the past nine years, the conservation group has awarded over $23,000 to the county's graduating seniors.

Multiple sizable scholarships will again be awarded at the conservation group's annual banquet, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 24, at Glasgow's St. Raphael's Catholic Church parish center gymnasium.

The scholarships honor the memory of the late Barb Marsh and Mark Jackson, both longtime supporters of the community and local youth. To memorialize their commitment to the community, each year Barb's partner, Joe Younkin, and Mark's wife, Karen Jackson, sponsor a special gun that is auctioned at the HLS banquet. Proceeds from last year's commemorative guns are tapped for scholarships for this year's recipients.

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 Luster Christian. Deadline to receive applications is Thursday, Feb. 8.

In keeping with the wildlife-conservation mission of Hi-Line Sportsmen, scholarship applicants must possess a current Montana Conservation License, and submit a copy of the license with their application. Other considerations are a short essay in which applicants discuss their interest in hunting and community service 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. 24, during which additional memorial guns will be auctioned to provide funds for next year's scholarships.

Over the past nine years, HLS has awarded a total of $23,500 to 22 Valley County seniors headed for additional education, whether technical and trade schools or two or four year universities.

For details about eligibility and other scholarship details, 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. 24 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.