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Claire Ruehl Memorial Scholorship

Applications may be submitted electronically to:

Caldwelloptimist@gmail.com

​

or mail to:

Caldwell Optimist Club
PO Box 1325
Caldwell, ID 83606

Application
Must be submitted by 3/31/2026
 

In memory of Claire Ruehl, who was an active member of the Caldwell community and its youth programs, the Caldwell Optimist Club has dedicated two college scholarships in his name.  Each year two scholarships, $1,500

and $1,000, are awarded to seniors attending schools in the Vallivue or Caldwell school district boundaries. These scholarships can only be used to attend an Idaho college.

Essay Topic

Essay will be no more than three pages in length, typed, and double-spaced.

The essay topic for this year is:

Acts of Service and Community Understanding

Community is often defined by shared spaces, values, and relationships, but its true meaning is frequently revealed through service. In an essay, reflect on how your acts of service have shaped your understanding of what community means to you. Discuss specific experiences where you served others, what motivated you to get involved, and how these experiences influenced your personal growth, values, or future goals. Explain how your service has strengthened your connection to your community and how these lessons will guide you as a scholarship recipient and community leader. Be sure to provide vivid examples and personal insights to make your essay authentic and impactful.

  Students must meet the following criteria to be eligible for this scholarship:

  • Must be a high school senior living within the Caldwell or Vallivue school district boundaries.

  • Home school students within these geographical areas are also eligible to apply.

  • Must attend a post – high school Idaho educational institution located in Idaho.

  • Must exhibit superior potential in studies and desire relative to their continued education.

  • Must provide a letter of recommendation from a faculty member from his/her current high school.

  • Must provide a letter of recommendation from a personal source.

  • Must have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or higher.

  • Must submit a written essay and a completed application form.

  • Applications must be submitted by 3/31/2026


Selection of Winner

  • The awarding of the scholarship will be decided by an analysis of the applicant’s qualifying essay and completed application form.

  • Essay will be no more than three pages in length, typed, and double-spaced.

  • The winner of the scholarship will be selected by an Optimist panel from the Caldwell Optimist Club.

  • The winner will be selected and notified by April 15, 2026.

  • The scholarship will be awarded in the form of a check written to the winner and the educational institution of his or her choice.

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