Rya Coe

Ryan Coe Memorial Scholarship

After a two-year fight, Ryan Robert Edward Coe died from complications arising from cancer on December 2, 2008 at the age of 15. He would have been in the PBL Class of 2011. Ryan loved the outdoors, and he loved sports. He liked to build things, depending on his own creativity and sometimes finding resources for his projects in unlikely places. In honor of his courage, his determination, his resourcefulness, and his enthusiasm for life, his parents Michele and Todd Coe have established the Ryan Coe Memorial Scholarship.

Administered by the PBL Education Foundation, the scholarship will honor each year one graduating senior from PBL High school with a one-time $1000 award. Applicants must show evidence of at least a 2.0 grade point average (on a scale of 4.0) and must plan to enroll full-time at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or trade/vocational school. (Proof of enrollment will be required for release of scholarship payment after the award is announced.)

Applications will be available at the PBL High School Guidance Office and on-line at the PBL website and at www.pblfoundation.org.

Applications for the 2009-2010 school year must be mailed directly to the following address and must have a postmark dated no later than March 15.

PBL Education Foundation
Ryan Coe Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 192
Paxton, IL 60957

Any application not postmarked by March 15 will be ineligible for consideration for the scholarship. For more information concerning this scholarship, please contact pbl@pblfoundation.org.

The recipient will be selected on basis of the following weighted criteria:

1. Written essay

2. Two references from non-family members, one of whom must be a teacher. It would also be appropriate to ask an employer, a youth leader at church, a scout leader, or some other person from the community that knows the student well.

3. Because Ryan was passionately interested in the outdoors and especially in conservation, one part of the selection process will be based on the student’s choice of major. All graduating seniors with a C average may apply; however, students intending to major in ag sciences, natural sciences, environmental studies and conservation will be given extra points.

Applications will be evaluated and the recipient chosen by the scholarship committee of the PBL Education Foundation. Their decision will be final. Announcement of the recipient will be made at the annual Senior Academic Awards night prior to graduation.

Interested applicants may use the following links to print the information sheet and application blanks for the scholarship:

Ryan Coe Memorial Scholarship Information Sheets in Print Version

Ryan Coe Memorial Scholarship Application Blank in PDF Format

Ryan Coe Memorial Scholarship Application Blank in Microsoft Word Format