Scholarships

Scholarship Essay Required
Big-hearted, selfless, smart, determined, a tremendously gifted athlete, but unfailingly humble. This was Sam Foltz. A 2012 graduate of Grand Island Senior High, Sam followed his dream, walking onto the football team at the University of Nebraska. He proudly wore number 27 and became the starting punter, earning a scholarship position through his Central Nebraska work-ethic and grit. 

Foltz perished in a car accident the summer before his senior season at the University of Nebraska. The entire state and nation mourned with his family, as many remembered his character and spirit:  

"Sam was kind and generous but tough and ornery enough to always be the guy you wanted on your side. He was respectful and quick to give credit to others, to look out for others — all the while quietly outworking everyone. The Huskers have lost an outstanding punter, athlete, teammate, representative and friend. We’ve all lost a man of the highest caliber." –Joe Kutlas, GISH Activities Director

The last tweet from Sam’s Twitter account read: “You never know who’s watching…What impact do you wanna leave on the next generation to aspire to?! #DreamBig”  This was Sam Foltz. It is in this spirit that Sam’s family offers this legacy scholarship fund. 

The scholarship is intended for students who work hard and need additional support to pursue their education.  

Amount and Terms

• $2,000 x 1 year to a Grand Island Senior High graduate
• $500 x 1 year to a Central Valley High School graduate

Number of Scholarships

• 2

Eligibility

• Must be a graduate of Grand Island Senior High or Central Valley High School (Greeley)
• Grand Island Senior High student must be a two sport athlete
• A high school GPA of 3.5 or better
• A student/athlete of high character

Essay Question

• Tell us about your dreams for the next 5 years.  What is your plan for accomplishing these dreams?  What does ‘stay humble’ mean to you? Essay must show evidence that applicant has done research to become familiar with Sam’s character and accomplishments. (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.