While that is true, it is also a time when I have the pleasure to meet outstanding students from high schools throughout Porter County who are looking for scholarships as they prepare for the next phase in their life.

Students today are doing more before they graduate high school than my generation ever imagined even if the opportunity was present. Through the generosity of many donors, the Porter County Community Foundation continues to make a difference in the lives of young people by awarding scholarships to ease the financial burden for post-secondary education.

When Steven Juszczak from Portage received the call that he had been awarded a scholarship, he said it was like winning the lottery. Upon graduation, Steven returned to Porter County and is a mechanical engineer at ArcelorMittal.

Katherine Schryner was a young mother running a day care business out of her family’s Valparaiso home when she applied for a scholarship from the foundation. She also returned to Porter County and is a commercial interior designer at Kramer & Leonard.

And while we cannot help everyone, there are some great resources available to help students navigate the process. In addition, websites such as Fastweb, the leading online resource for finding scholarships, can assist in searching a vast database of scholarships.

A scholarship can provide the springboard for each student to turn their dreams into reality by finding their passion. As the saying goes, “If you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life.”

Since 1998, the foundation has awarded 269 scholarships to deserving students throughout Porter County. Submit a Letter to Editor

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