VIRGINIA L. GRAHAM SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION 

Administered by the Paxton-Buckley-Loda Education Foundation 

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MAIL WITH A POSTMARK DATED NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 15, 2008, TO: 

The Paxton-Buckley-Loda Education Foundation
Virginia Graham Scholarship
P.O. Box 192
Paxton, Illinois 60957 

Background 

Virginia (Beckley) Graham was born and raised on a farm in rural Rossville, Illinois, on February 1, 1928. She graduated from Illinois State Normal University in 1949. After teaching for five years, she devoted her life to raising a family. She went back to teaching in 1974. She taught fourth grade at Clara Peterson School for over 20 years. After her retirement, she continued to work with children as a volunteer and substitute teacher at Clara Peterson. She died in February, 2003. In memory of her and her love for children, her family provides a $500 scholarship to a Paxton-Buckley-Loda graduate pursuing a degree in education or child development.  The scholarship is administered by the Paxton-Buckley-Loda Education Foundation.

 Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Eligible applicants include graduating PBL high school senior students.

Applicants must be ranked in the top 50% of their graduating class.

Applicants 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.)

The recipient will be selected on the basis of these three weighted selection criteria:

1. Academic achievement as evidenced by grade point average (seventh semester), class rank, and test scores.  (1/4)

2. Participation and leadership in community, school, and work experience activities. (1/4)

3. Written narrative essay. (1/2)

Financial need will be a criteria for selection. 

Application Procedures and Timeline

Applicants must submit a typed application form, consisting of four parts: Cover Sheet/Student Information; Academic Information; Extra-Curricular Activities; and Essay.

NOTE: Student’s name should be appear ONLY in the first section (Cover Page/Student Information).  A student identification number will be assigned by the Foundation Scholarship Committee.

 Applications should be MAILED WITH A POSTMARK DATED NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 15, 2008, to: 

PBL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Virginia Graham Scholarship
P.O. BOX 192
PAXTON, IL  60968

The PBL Education Foundation Scholarship Committee will evaluate finalist applications and will announce and make the scholarship award during May at a public presentation.