MOSES LAKE — Fourteen Moses Lake High School seniors will have a little help with college thanks to a scholarship from the Moses Lake Alumni Association.

This is the 17th year the association has offered the scholarships, according to association Secretary (and historian) Susan Blackwell.

“This year, we just topped $250,000 (over the years),” Blackwell said.

The amount of the scholarship varies from year to year depending on how much is donated to the fund, Blackwell said. To apply, students fill out an application form and submit transcripts and letters of recommendation, as well as a letter stating what their goals are, she added. Then those applications are ranked by a committee within the association. One recipient chose to defer her scholarship to next year.

Members of the association pay annual dues, and many donate more to the scholarship fund, Blackwell said. In addition, some graduating classes have banded together to give memorial donations at their high school reunions.

“The Class of ’62 actually donated eight memorial scholarships in memory of Mr. Gary Frey, who was one of our instructors and a wrestling coach,” she said. “He attended most of our reunions, including the one last November, and then passed away in December.”

The Alumni Association always welcomes new members, Blackwell said. More information on the association and the scholarships can be found on its Facebook page, or interested parties can write to the association at P.O. Box 1446, Moses Lake, WA 98837.

“(We want to express) gratitude for all of the faithful members who have donated year after year after year, including the memorial scholarship donors,” Blackwell said. “It's very important.”

Joel Martin may be reached via email at jmartin@columbiabasinherald.com.