It is distressing to read the recent (and ever-increasing!) number of articles that suggest that children no longer spend time reading outside of school and that the book may someday soon become obsolete. As multi-media technology becomes more prevalent in American homes, children are seduced farther and farther away from the printed page.
As much as there is to admire about technology, we still love books -- and we hope to encourage local students to celebrate their own love of books. With the help of friends and family, we started the Veni Legi Vici Scholarship (Veni Legi Vici is Latin: “I came, I read, I conquered”). Each year, the VLV Scholarship Foundation awards at least one Flathead Valley student a $1,000 award package for the college of their choice. Though the scholarship is contingent upon the winner's acceptance into college or university, it is not strictly academic: we don’t ask for the students’ transcripts or test scores (though we are curious about extra-curricular activities). Our hope is to find students who prove to be well-read, well-rounded, well-spoken, and deserving of support in their search for higher education.
Each applicant is required to submit an educational resume, two letters of recommendation, and a 2,000 word book review. Our main focus is the book review. Grammar and spelling – of course – are key, but we don’t want the students to stifle their own voices in attempts at the “Perfect Scholarship Essay”. The winning review is the one that is possessed of the most true, unrestrained, and heartfelt writing.
The money for the scholarships is gained entirely through the generosity of the local population who have donated their time, used books, and sometimes cash. The VLV Scholarship Foundation holds an annual used-book sale at the Mountain Mall in Whitefish, and every single book is a donation from a friend of the scholarship. We are proud to be part of such a wonderful, giving community and glad to be able to give back to the students who help to make our valley a better place.
Interested in applying? Visit our application page! Are you interested in helping the Veni Legi Vici Scholarship Foundation? Please visit our donation page, or send us an e-mail. Thank you for your interest!