$10K given in honor of former state Sen. Curls
Missouri Legislative Black Caucus Foundation met in Kansas City on Thursday, August 16 as Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. made a presentation of $10,000 to the Phil B. Curls, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund in the office of state Sen. Yvonne Wilson. In attendance were Debra Jenkins, Senior Director of Marketing for the Isle of Capri Casino-Kansas City, state Sen. Curls’ wife, former state Representative Melba Curls, and other members of the foundation.
“Isle of Capri Casinos is proud to make this contribution. Senator Curls’ dedication to providing youth with a college education is an important goal,” said Debra Jenkins, Senior Director of Marketing, Isle of Capri Casino-Kansas City. “A college education allows young people to gain the skills they need to become strong leaders and make a positive impact in their communities.”
Curls, who passed away earlier this year, a founding member of the foundation, served as foundation president and executive director of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. He was a motivating force in the efforts to provide educational opportunities to underprivileged black youth. His efforts have led to many young people receiving the financial assistance necessary to obtain a college education that will lead to further success in life.
“Senator Curls serves as the inspiration for much of what we do with the Foundation and I hope we can continue the proud tradition of success and service to the community that he initiated,” said state Rep. Juanita Head Walton. “It is a thrill to see businesses like Isle of Capri giving back to the community and I hope we can form similar partnerships with others who also want to help our young people.”
“I appreciate the generosity of the Isle of Capri, and I am thankful that the legacy of Senator Phil Curls will continue,” said Senate Minority Leader Maida Coleman. “This contribution will help enhance the lives of our young people by ensuring they can afford a college education.”
Library scholarship applications due
Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan has announced nine scholarships awarded by her office to qualified Missourians pursuing library degrees.
Carnahan said, “I am pleased that we can provide these scholarships because investing in our future librarians is an investment in the future of our communities.”
The State Library has invested over $350,000 in the education of future librarians since the program began in 2003. Scholarships cover tuition and applicable fees at colleges and universities in Missouri, and recipients must commit to work in a publicly funded Missouri library upon graduation. The Missouri State Library Scholarship program is supported by funds from a federal Library Services and Technology Act grant.
In June, the Missouri State Library awarded nine new scholarships to Missourians working on their graduate degrees in library science. Since the program’s inception, 68 students have received support through the State Library Scholarship Program. Recipients are selected based on the strength of their applications, transcripts, references and interviews.
Area students winning scholarships to attend the University of Missouri – Columbia include Steven Davies-Sigmund, Kirkwood; Stacey McMackin, Richmond Heights; Molly Pfeiffer, St. Louis; and Melissa Poth, Rock Hill.
The Missouri State Library is now accepting new scholarship applications for the Winter and Summer 2008 semesters. Missouri State Library scholarships cover tuition and applicable fees at colleges and universities in Missouri for students pursuing a master’s degree in library science or school library media specialist certification. Scholarship recipients must commit to work in a publicly funded Missouri library upon graduation.
Recipients are selected based on the strength of their applications, transcripts, references and interviews. The deadline to apply is October 1. This is the only application period for the Winter and Summer 2008 semesters.
Applicant criteria and application forms are available at http://www.sos.mo.gov/library/scholarship.
For more information regarding the Missouri State Library scholarships, contact Brenda Sites at 573-522-1477.