Dakota Karn Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Essay Required
GIPS student Dakota Christopher Karn, passed away unexpectedly at age 14. From the day of his birth, Dakota was a special gift. He immediately brought his family and their friends together in a way that his family had never seen before. Dakota meant so much to his family and friends, and how he enriched their lives. His gift was unconditional love. Dakota believed everyone was his friend, and it may have been true. He would talk to anyone, say "hi" to anyone, and was always ready with a hug for anyone that would have one. Dakota had the great gift of never having a bad day; even when he should have, he didn't. A day didn't go by that he didn't smile or laugh and make someone else smile or laugh. He made others feel better, even when he wasn't feeling his best. He lived his life in an amazing way. Dakota loved to go to school every day. He loved being with his friends and being a part of their lives. From Stolley Park Elementary to Barr Middle School, he had made so many friends and loved to go watch sporting events and hang out with them. Dakota was so looking forward to high school; and talked about it all of the time. Dakota's parents were always amazed and thankful of how well everyone treated Dakota. With this scholarship, they want Dakota's gift of love, helpfulness and zest for life to live on.
Amount and Terms
- $500 x 1 year
Number of Scholarships
- 1
Eligibility
- Must be a graduate of any Grand Island High School (Grand Island Senior High, Central Catholic High, Grand Island Northwest High, Heartland Lutheran High)
- Must be majoring in Special Education, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Pre-med, or Nursing.
- Must have a GPA of 3.0 or better
- Must demonstrate good character, citizenship, and volunteerism
Essay Question
- Dakota believed that all people he came into contact with were his friends. How do you value friendship? (Max 500 words)
To Apply
- Complete the online application form at www.gipsfoundation.org/what-we-do/scholarships
Deadline
- See scholarship application deadlines at www.gipsfoundation.org/what-we-do/scholarships
Selection Procedure
- Applications will be reviewed by a scholarship selection committee appointed by the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation.
Terms of Payment
- The scholarship will be paid through the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation to appropriate educational institution per scholarship eligibility defined above. Scholarships larger than $500 will be split into equal semester payments.
Claim Scholarship
- The student must provide proof of enrollment (class schedule) and student ID number to the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation for scholarship distribution. Proof of enrollment is needed for each semester covered by scholarship terms. Send proof of enrollment to Kari Price via email to kprice@gips.org, in person at GIPS Administration Building (123 South Webb Road) or via mail to PO Box 4904, Grand Island, NE 68802.