PONDERAY — Local youth are presented with an opportunity to receive a financial boost in furthering their education.

The Ponderay Rotary is holding its second annual Scholarship Drive with the goal of uplifting students financially as they pursue higher education.

“We’re trying to do as much as we can because we really believe in supporting the students here and their futures, because college is expensive,” said Kari Saccomanno, president of the Ponderay Rotary Club.

Scholarships are not limited to graduating high school seniors, or to traditional higher education.

Homeschoolers, those who are already enrolled in higher education, and those who have taken a break from school also can qualify for a scholarship. In fact, scholarships are available to students who aim to become a productive member of the workforce, Saccomanno said

“This will help them financially but it’s inspirational, too, because they know people believe in them,” Saccomanno said. “We like to support not just graduating seniors but students who are continuing their education whether they’re a sophomore, junior, or senior. Also if they’ve been out of school for a while, we will support them, too, as long as they go through the process of earning the scholarship.”

The Scholarship Drive began as a work-around during the pandemic. Before, the Ponderay Rotary Club ran the Duck Derby at Schweitzer to raise funds.

“Because of COVID, we split off our sponsorships from our Duck Derby event and created this scholarship drive,” Saccomanno said.

The Duck Derby has returned, but the Scholarship Drive is also here to stay.

This year, Ponderay Rotary has the goal of raising, and distributing, $20,000 through the Scholarship Drive.

Those interested in being a part of the Scholarship Drive can donate through the club’s website at PonderayRotaryClub.com, or by mail at P.O. Box 813 in Ponderay.

The club organizes other fundraisers including the Duck Derby at Schweitzer and Flowers for Futures, both of which go toward financially supporting youth in their higher education endeavors.

Last year, the Scholarship Drive sponsored 32 scholars. Donors and scholars will have the opportunity to acquaint themselves with one another at the club’s Meet the Scholars event to be held on June 28.

“We all get to meet each other and it becomes real — instead of just writing a check. We believe in these kids,” Saccomanno said.

According to information on the Ponderay Rotary website, scholars must demonstrate Rotary values of “service above self” with an emphasis on community service and volunteerism.

Previous recipient of the Ponderay Rotary Club’s financial backing, Alicia Walker, is now a registered nurse at Bonner General Health with a bachelor of science degree in nursing.

“The Ponderay Rotary Club was truly an integral part of my education,” Walker said. “I received many of the continuing education scholarships throughout my schooling that helped me get to where I am today.”

Walker is also one of the 15 members of the Ponderay Rotary Club. The club is always open to welcoming new members. Those interested in joining are invited to attend one of their club meetings held in the Columbia Bank Center, 414 Church St., in Sandpoint. Meetings are held during the first three Tuesdays of each month at 7 a.m.

Those interested in receiving a scholarship can apply online at the Ponday Rotary Club website at PonderayRotaryClub.com/scholarships.php. There will be a large emphasis placed on an applicant’s letters of recommendation.