BY LINDA FISH-ODA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MASON -- A civic organization in this Warren County city is making an impact on the higher education of its students.
The Mason Kiwanis -- 80 members strong -- has given away $106,000 in scholarships in the past 15 years.
There are 34 high school seniors who live in the Mason City School District vying for three $1,000 scholarships this year. Winners will be able to renew the scholarship annually for up to $4,000 each. Tom Paffe, who has been in the Kiwanis for more than 30 years, said the group was looking for a way to make a difference in its community. One of its members, an avid golfer, suggested holding a benefit golf outing to raise money.
"Somebody else, who had a couple of kids in college, said maybe we should consider giving away scholarships," said Mr. Paffe, who chairs the scholarship committee.
The first golf outing earned more than $5,000. In the past five years, more than $20,000 has been raised annually by the fund-raiser. It attracts more than 200 golfers.
That first year, two renewable $1,000 scholarships were awarded. To date, 32 students have received the awards.
There is about $120,000 in the Mason Kiwanis Scholarship Foundation at this time, and the goal is to get the foundation to the point where the interest earned from the principal will pay for the scholarship money.
"Once that starts happening, we'll either add more scholarships or up the amount we give annually to each student," Mr. Paffe said. A student does not need to attend Mason High School to receive a scholarship.
"They just have to live in the school district," Mr. Paffe said.
He said students are judged on need, academic achievement, community involvement, honors and awards, leadership and written recommendations.
There will be seven finalists interviewed, with the top three earning scholarships. The winners will be introduced at the May 28 Kiwanis meeting.
The Mason Kiwanis benefit golf outing will be April 29 at The Golf Center at Paramount's Kings Island. Morning and afternoon tee times are available, as well as lunch and dinner. Prices are $100 and $120. Information: Dick Yost, 398-0911, or Tom Paffe, 923-3019.
