Conkle-Rowe Scholarship Endowment

In 2019 we reconstituted the scholarship endowment that was once dedicated to Henry Conkle and added Pat Rowe to its name. They are the two parishioners who over the past many, many decades have led our ministry to support area students needing help to attend college. Henry Conkle who first started the church’s scholarship program and our own Pat Rowe who has been the scholarship committee chairman since 2002 and deserve such recognition.

Scholarships for post high school education are awarded annually by the Church.  The scholarship committee is a subcommittee under the Outreach Committee. Funds for the scholarship come from the outreach budget, as well as the Shepherd and Scholarship Funds. The income from these funds is established by the congregation and given for both vocational training and higher education colleges. Applicants must reside in the Blue Ridge School District, and fill out a full detailed application. Awards are based on need and academic success. We continue the student scholarships until graduation and keep up communication and support with the student throughout the years. Our committee will consider scholarships for graduate work for our student recipients.

For over twenty years the scholarship program has benefited many grateful students who would not otherwise have been able to continue their education beyond high school. Awarding over 100 scholarships in recent years.  This year, we awarded 12 new College scholarships, to freshman scholars - some, the first in their families to attend College. For the 22-23 school year,  $80,000.00 will be awarded to 29 College students, one graduate student and help to purchase five computers. 

A few years ago, the endowment was just over $100,000.00. Now, through your generosity and bequests, we have a balance of over $1,100,000.00.  Our goal is to grow the fund to 2 million dollars, ensuring a solid base for future scholars and assist the ever-growing number of graduates in their dreams of a college education. To do this, we need your help.

Donation envelopes are available in Hines Hall or click the button above to donate to the Conkle-Rowe Endowment Fund.  
Thank you for your support in helping the young people in our community!
WHEN YOU BELIEVE IN YOUTH AND INVEST IN THEIR FUTURE, YOU CAN CHANGE A LIFE.
WHEN YOU CHANGE A LIFE, YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.

    Scholarship Application
    Attachments (these attachments will need to be emailed to GoodShepAdmin@frontier.com in order for your application to be complete).
    1. A list of all extracurricular activities in which you have participated and any honors you have received.
    2. A list of all community or civic activities in which you participated and any honors you have received.
    3. An essay describing your personal, educational and professional goals in life and how you feel this scholarship will assist you in attaining those goals, along with anything extra you think we should know about you.
    4. A copy of your transcript
    5. A copy of your ACT/SAT scores
    6. A letter of recommendation from a teacher with whom you have had at least one class while in high school.
    7. A letter of recommendation from a resident of your community who is not a relative and who can write knowledgeably about you and why you might deserve this scholarship. A letter from an employer is acceptable.
    8. Letter of Acceptance:  Yes _______    No ______  (If no, Please explain)
    9. Attach recent photo
    10. At the time of your interview you will need your financial letter from the Finance Office of the school you will be attending.
     
    In order to be considered for a Good Shepherd Scholarship, the following items must be presented with your application:

    1. All applicants must reside within the Blue Ridge School attendance boundary.
    2. Please attach as separate items the following:
      1. a) A list of all extracurricular activities in which you have participate since entering high school and any honors you have achieved.
      2. b) A list of all community or civic activities in which you have participated since entering high school and any honors you achieved.
      3. c) An essay describing your personal, educational and professional goals in life and how you feel this scholarship will assist you in attaining those goals and anything extra you think we should know about you.
    3. A copy of the e-mail received after your FAFSA report has been processed showing the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). (NOT the entire form)
    4. Two letters of recommendation
      1. a) Two letters from High School teachers, a community member (i.e. Youth Minister, someone for whom you have worked, either in a volunteer capacity or as a paying job, not a family member), or employer.
    5.  A photograph of yourself, snap-shot (close-up) is fine. We need to see your face.
    6. A copy of your grades 9-12 and a copy of SAT or ACT scores both from your school counselor.
    7. ​A signed agreement.
    8. This application along with your grades is due by Friday, April 14, 2023 either to your school counselor or to the Church of the Good Shepherd.
    9. Grades and class load
      1. a) In order to be a full time student, one must take a minimum of 12 hours.  Students taking less than 12 hours for any semester will have their scholarship prorated.
      2. b) We require that all scholarship students must maintain a C average.  Any D places you on probation.  If you receive a D or F in a course, we urge you to retake the course.  Upon receiving a C or better we will remove you from probation.  When on probation, your scholarship may be withheld until you receive a C.
    10. Due Dates
      1. a) Scholarship Application, due March 27.
      2. b) First semester grades, due December 15.
      3. c) Second semester grades and letter, due June 9.
    High School Attended:

    Agreement:

    1)         I will be responsible to report my grades at the end of each semester. Fall semester grades and list of classes for next semester are due by Friday, December 15, 2023. Checks will not be sent until after the first of the year unless you have made special arrangements.  If we do not receive grades, the scholarship money will not be sent to your school.  No grades, no scholarship checks!
     
    2)         Checks may be withheld if the student does not meet a “C” average the first year.
                We expect grade improvement in the subsequent years.
     
    3)         I will receive a form to be completed in June. This will keep us updated on your progress and your financial need. The form must be returned to the church by June 9.
     
                a)  I will file a yearly information report on the form provided. This will be, along with my grades, a re-application for scholarship aid for the coming year.
               
                b)  A letter to the Scholarship committee telling about your school experiences this past college year.
     
    4)         Any changes of school will require reapplication.
     
     I hereby make application to the Church of the Good Shepherd for a scholarship grant.
     
    I have read the above rules and understand my obligations to the Church of the Good Shepherd.
     
    I UNDERSTAND THAT BY SUBMITTING THIS APPLICATION I AM ELECTRONICALLY SIGNING THIS APPLICATION.
     
    Fulfilling the application requirements completely and on time is part of the evaluation of the applicant.
     
     To All Applicants:
     
    If you have not applied for a FAFSA upon receipt of this application, it is imperative that you do so now.

    1.  It can take up to 6-8 weeks to receive your number and approval.
    2. Check with your school advisor or SWCC for the application process.
      1. The Pell Grant, Stafford loan and application to a specific college, other grants and the report you will receive from the government are dependent upon the FAFSA application.  Do not delay!
      2. If you are attending a school that does not require a FAFSA, please include a statement from that school stating that it is not necessary.
    3. Our final scholarship decisions are dependent upon the following:
      1. Your application to the Church of The Good Shepherd for further scholarship assistance
      2. Student interview  (to be scheduled by the Scholarship Committee)
      3. An acceptance letter from the school/or schools you plan to attend
      4. A statement from that school concerning what school assistance they are also providing (additional scholarship money, work, study, etc)
      5. Your FAFSA statement showing your EFC (expected family contribution)
     
     Items 3.3, 3.4, and 3.5 do not need to be provided with the application but should be available when you have your interview.
     
    Award grants are paid ONLY to the school of the approved applicant.

The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd
​The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina

Good Shepherd's Mission Statement
“To reflect God’s love through our Faith in Action”
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 32
Cashiers, NC 28717

Address:
1448 Highway 107 South
Cashiers, North Carolina 28717

Contact
Ellen Albright, Parish Administrator
Phone:  828-743-2359
Fax:  828-743-9138
Email: goodshepadmin@frontier.com
Directions:
From the intersection of US 64 and NC 107 in Cashiers, NC, we are 1.5 miles south on NC 107, on the right, and across the street from the entrance to High Hampton Inn.