Mary Bentzlin Scholarship - $1,500
Established:
2018
Amount:
$1,500
Description:
Mary Bentzlin established the Mary Bentzlin Scholarship to encourage young people to pursue public service. Mary Plunkett Bentzlin was a beloved teacher in the Morris School District for over 30 years. She was responsible for developing the Gifted and Talented Program at the elementary school level and served on numerous district committees. Most of her career was spent at Frelinghuysen Middle School where she introduced Etymology and Expository writing and directed many unforgettable plays and musicals. Her imaginative, ingenious, and exceptional approach to education inspired thousands of students who revere her and consider her to be the best teacher they ever had. Mrs. Bentzlin has been a resident of Morristown for over 70 years where she and her husband, Bertil V. Bentzlin, raised their 6 children, all of whom attended Morristown High School. In addition to her active professional life as an educator, she has been extremely active in civic endeavors and organizations including the Church of Christ the King, the Morris County Retired Educators Association, the Women’s Club of Morristown, and the former Morristown Children’s Museum. Mrs. Bentzlin is committed to a life of learning and is highly informed about Shakespeare, politics, history, religion and culture, often giving extensive lectures on these subjects.
Criteria:
This scholarship will be open to all students who are pursuing liberal arts in their college studies with a goal of public service. Preference will be given to students with demonstrated financial need. The scholarship must be used to pay tuition and related expenses at an accredited 2 or 4- year college or university.
To be considered for this scholarship, the Morristown High School senior must:
- Submit a complete MEF Common Scholarship Application online
- Have a minimum weighted GPA of 3.0
- Apply to or have been accepted by an accredited 2 or 4-year college or university
- Be pursuing a liberal arts education with a goal of public service
- Demonstrate financial need (financial need is preferred, but not required)
- Demonstrate participation and leadership in activities at MHS and/or outside of school
Application Requirements:
- MEF Common Scholarship Application with current transcript
- Financial Information Application Supplement
- Complete the following Supplemental Essay (300 words or less each):
- What has inspired you to pursue a career in public service?
- Provide two letters of recommendation that address why this student should be chosen for this scholarship – one from his/her guidance counselor and one from a teacher/faculty member.
