John Cary Scholarship
Special Education Foundation established the John Cary Scholarship in 2016. In naming the $5,000 scholarship after him, the Foundation recognizes John Cary, the late superintendent of Special School District of St. Louis County, for his commitment to excellence and his tireless support of students with disabilities.
The Foundation has awarded scholarships to deserving students entering post-secondary education since 1988. SEF is awarding five John Cary scholarships totaling $25,000. The 2023 recipients are:
- Constance Anthony – North Technical High School, attending Spelman College
- Sara Brooks – Bayless High School, attending University of Missouri–St. Louis
- Benjamin Perry – Ladue Horton Watkins High School, attending Morehouse College
- Ciara Rhodes – Eureka High School, attending Lindenwood University
- Aaron Sims – Parkway West High School, attending Brigham Young University–Idaho
Criteria for Scholarships
The John Cary Scholarships will be given to graduating students who have received services from the Special School District of St. Louis County — special education and/or technical education – and who are planning to attend a four-year college or university. The selected students will reflect the characteristics most admired by John Cary — resiliency, courage and determination. The scholarship committee looks for evidence of future success by considering academics, leadership and community volunteer activities, and success in athletics and/or the arts. Well-rounded individuals, particularly those with exceptional achievement in a particular area, are likely to be successful applicants. Overcoming obstacles carries weight in the screening process. Financial need and teacher recommendations are also considered. The funds may be used for tuition only.
Teachers, after your students apply for a scholarship, you will fill out the Teacher Next Steps form and submit a letter of recommendation.
2024-2025 scholarship applications will be available to submit starting in August 2023. For more information or if you need help with the online application, please contact the Foundation at 314-394-7030 or email info@sef-stl.org.
There are other scholarships available to students served by SSD:
- James E. Westbury Memorial Board of Education Scholarships
- Bonhomme Lions Scholarships
- Allison M. Haake Memorial Scholarship
The foundation awarded scholarships to these students in 2022:
- Caroline Bellido, Parkway West High School, attending the University of Oklahoma
- Lillian Blanton, Parkway West High School, attending Valparaiso University
- Lucy Davis, Parkway West High School, attending Webster University
- Isabelle Lencz, Valley Park High School, attending Missouri State
- Takia McMorris, Parkway Central High School, attending the University of Missouri–St. Louis
In addition, Richard McNary of Ritenour High School is the recipient of the Christopher Davis Scholarship, and will be attending Harris Stowe State University.
The foundation awarded scholarships to these students in 2021:
- Bryce Batcheller, Rockwood Summit High School, attending Truman State University
- Michael Bayer, Oakville High School, college undecided
- Catherine Kister, Oakville High School, attending Lee University
- Jaxon Luraschi, Pattonville and North Technical High Schools, attending Lindenwood University
- Noah Williams, Kirkwood High School, attending Washington University in St. Louis
In addition, Richard McNary of Ritenour High School is the recipient of the Christopher Davis Scholarship, and will be attending Harris Stowe State University.