Established by the family of Katelyn Joy Derstine as a memorial tribute to the profound impact and legacy Katelyn left in her twenty short years on the many lives of the young adults in our Sarasota Community.

Eligibility
Open to Sarasota County High School Senior graduating females meeting the criteria established by the Katelyn Joy Derstine Scholarship Fund, Inc. who plan to further their education at accredited colleges or universities. Each candidate must demonstrate character traits exemplified by Katelyn Joy Derstine through volunteer/community involvement, an essay, and a reference letter from her teacher(s) and/or principal.

Application availability and deadline
Sarasota County High School Guidance Department will distribute applications in January of 2011. The application packet must be complete and received at the Katelyn Joy Derstine Scholarship Fund, Inc., c/o Mrs. Bambi Famous Kaine by Monday, March 30, 2011.

Number and amount of awards
A one-time award of at least $1,000 will be awarded to at least three deserving students. The “Fly High Award” will be presented at a private dinner function in May, candidates will be notified by mail.

Selection Criteria
The award will be presented on the basis of the following criteria:

• A female graduating senior from each of the Sarasota County High Schools who has been accepted by an accredited college, university or educational institution. A racial non-discriminating policy will be acknowledged.
• Achieved a minimum of a 3.0 un-weighted overall GPA during their high school tenure. Updated transcripts must be submitted with the application.
• Student has demonstrated community service and extracurricular activities.
• Student has demonstrated extraordinary excellence in disciplines in any of the following:
  • Dance, Music & Art
  • Leadership: served as an officer in student government, club or organization within the school district or community.
  • Community Service: Commitment to our local Sarasota Community: I.E., Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mote Marine, etc.
• Submission of an essay of 250 words to be reviewed by the Scholarship Selection Committee. The topic will be revealed annually. An anonymous review of both the application /essay will ensure an unbiased and objective selection of the recipient.
• Results of a possible interview with the Scholarship Selection Committee.
• Two letters of recommendation from high school teachers.
• Principal review and recommendation of the applicant.
• Meet Requirements of Scholarship, Character, Personality, Purpose and Need.

Scholarship eligibility-criteria will be distributed to the Sarasota County School Board/Scholarship Scene and high school staff annually, as well as available on the school district website, high school guidance departments and at www.fly-high-kjd.com.

Selection Process
The Scholarship Committee, consisting of the Officers and committee of the Katelyn Joy Derstine Scholarship Fund, Inc. will review all applications on the basis of the selection criteria included in each scholarship description. The committee may interview selected finalists and recommend three or more persons to be awarded scholarships. The number and dollar amount of the scholarships will be determined annually.

Submission Instructions
Your completed application, the required essay, your sealed official transcript and letter of recommendation must be submitted as a single packet to the Katelyn Joy Derstine Scholarship Fund, Inc. The packet must be complete and received by March 30, 2011. Incomplete applications will not be processed. (Postmarks or electronic transmissions will not be accepted.) Please send completed application packet to the following address:

Katelyn Joy Derstine Scholarship Fund, Inc.
C/o Mrs. Bambi Famous Kaine, President
6520 Wild Orchid Lane
Sarasota, FL 34241