USA Scholarships
Jericho-Underhill Lions David Damkot Scholarship 2027
The Jericho-Underhill Lions Club renamed this fund in 2016 to honor David Damkot, a charter member who modeled community service and ethical leadership. Residents of Bolton, Huntington, Jericho, Richmond, or Underhill who are graduating high school seniors or adult students pursuing a first postsecondary degree may apply. VSAC may award one or more scholarships up to $1,500 each when funds allow. Selection weighs recommendation letters, essay #1, financial need, and academic achievement. Enter ID LIONS-JU on the Unified Scholarship Application with FAFSA, transcript, and both recommendation types before February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
What is the Jericho-Underhill Lions David Damkot Memorial Scholarship?
The Jericho-Underhill Lions Club runs this fund to push local students toward college while keeping volunteer habits intact. David Damkot helped launch the club, and when he died the members retitled the scholarship so his name stays tied to every award. That history matters in essay #1: committees read for service that looks habitual, not a single afternoon of leaf raking.
Town lines are tight. Bolton, Huntington, Jericho, Richmond, and Underhill cover a slice of Chittenden County where many students bus into larger high schools. Seniors heading straight to college qualify, and so do adults finally earning a first associate or bachelor degree after years in the trades. Second-degree seekers should look elsewhere.
Money comes in chunks up to $1,500, often three awards from a pool near forty applicants. FAFSA, transcript, essay, and two recommendations are all mandatory. The community service letter is the differentiator. Ask a Lions sponsor, fire department captain, or food shelf coordinator who can cite dates and leadership moments, not a relative who writes generic praise.
Use VSAC ID LIONS-JU on the Unified Scholarship Application and treat February 11, 2027 like a hard stop. One late upload and the Lions committee never sees your file, no matter how many hours you logged for the club.
Eligibility
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✓Qualifying town residencyReside in Bolton, Huntington, Jericho, Richmond, or Underhill, Vermont when you apply.
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✓High school senior or first-degree adultBe a graduating high school senior or an adult student pursuing your first postsecondary academic degree.
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✓Community service and citizenshipDemonstrate community service and good citizenship. Recommendation letter #2 must focus on community service.
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✓Financial need and academic achievementShow financial need through FAFSA and academic achievement on your transcript and application.
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✓Title IV eligible schoolAttend an accredited college approved for federal Title IV funding.
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✓VSAC residency and citizenship rulesMeet standard Vermont residency and U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen requirements for VSAC assisted scholarships.
Benefits
- Maximum amount One or more scholarships up to $1,500 each
- Typical awards About three awards from roughly 40 applicants
- Selection factors Recommendations, essay, need, and academics
- Program scope First postsecondary degree at Title IV schools
- Renewal Not described as renewable
- Full tuition Not offered
Document checklist
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✓Unified Scholarship Application (USA)Complete the USA in MyVSAC and enter scholarship ID LIONS-JU.
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✓FAFSA for 2027-2028File FAFSA after October 1, 2026 because financial need is required.
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✓Essay #1 (general essay)Describe your education goals and how Lions Club values around service shaped your path.
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✓Recommendation letter #1 (non-relative)Submit one non-relative recommendation from a teacher, employer, or mentor.
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✓Recommendation letter #2 (community service)Submit a community service recommendation that documents volunteer work and citizenship.
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✓Official transcriptUpload transcripts for high school seniors or adult students returning to a first degree.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
Who qualifies for the David Damkot Memorial Scholarship?
Graduating high school seniors or adult students pursuing a first postsecondary degree who reside in Bolton, Huntington, Jericho, Richmond, or Underhill may apply if they show service, need, and academic achievement.
How much is the Jericho-Underhill Lions David Damkot Scholarship?
VSAC lists one or more scholarships up to $1,500 each, with about three awards from an estimated forty applicants in recent booklets.
What VSAC ID do I use for the Damkot scholarship?
Enter LIONS-JU on the Unified Scholarship Application. The code appears above the Jericho-Underhill Lions Club description.
Why are two recommendation letters required?
Letter #1 covers general academic or personal support from a non-relative. Letter #2 must focus on community service, matching the Lions Club mission.
Can adult students apply for the David Damkot scholarship?
Yes, if you are pursuing your first postsecondary academic degree and meet town residency rules.
When is the David Damkot Memorial Scholarship deadline?
Submit every required document by February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern for 2027-2028 funding.
Who was David Damkot?
David Damkot was a charter member of the Jericho-Underhill Lions Club. The club renamed the scholarship in 2016 to honor his service and ethical leadership.
Does the Damkot scholarship require full-time enrollment?
The booklet does not set a minimum credit load beyond attending a Title IV eligible program. Confirm enrollment status on the USA.
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