Two years ago, David Krogh, a parent of two Hilltop students, Kristin (already graduated) and Lauren Krogh (10), became skeptical of how scholarships were distributed. It seemed to him that the Valedictorian and those with similar GPA’s had much better chances to receive scholarships than those of the students who still had astonishing GPA’s (but not as high). That’s when the idea of Hilltop’s Dollars For Scholars came to be.

Mr. Krogh began his research on how to create an organization of his own, and stumbled across the Dollars For Scholars foundation that is already very popular throughout California. He decided to add Hilltop as one of the California’s many chapters. Along with David Krogh, the founder and President, are a board of directors, including Kathy Rahilly (a Hilltop counselor), Dick Grube (friend of Krogh), and Sheila LeCompte (1995 Teacher of the Year), and a few parent volunteers, who work hard so the high achieving graduating Seniors can have an even better chance at scholarships. The Hilltop chapter was awarded its charter in October and the class of 2003 will be the first to receive this aid.

An inspiration of Krogh’s was our very own Mrs. Marietta Minjares, who gave a scholarship with her husband that they call the "M&M Scholarship." Started last year, it was given to a graduating Senior who met at least one of their three criteria and the money came out of the Minjares’ own pocket! (See Mrs. Minjares in the ASB for more information on it).

Like the Minjares’, Mr. Krogh wanted to make a difference, and was determined to give a chance to the top of

the class and not just the "tip top" as he put it, for the majority of scholarships are geared for those select few. He also hopes to "spread the money," instead of one large sum to one single student.

A summary of eligibility is as follows: A graduating Hilltop Senior, who is either a CSF (California Scholastic Federation) Life Member, a CSF member (or eligible) for at LEAST three semesters and if not a member of CSF nor eligible, a student would need a teacher recommendation.

The amount of money given depends on the amount brought in, so if anyone can make a donation, Dollars For Scholars would greatly appreciate it, as would the students who receive this award!

This wondrous foundation obtains their money from donations, usually individual mail-in donations. Those who do donate can receive a Hilltop High license plate holder, and the donations are tax-deductible.

It’s no doubt that the creation of this organization will be a great benefit to those who seek it, and thanks go to David Krogh, without him and his board of directors, students wouldn’t have this amazing opportunity.

Source: The Lance, March/April 2003, pp. 10, 11. (The Lance is Hilltop High School’s student newspaper.)

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