The Saxon Success Fund is a nonprofit organization made up of alumni and SSHS supporters wishing to transform South from a great Oregon high school to a national model through strategic investment. We raise funds for specific projects that have the greatest impact on the success of all Saxon students. Providing scholarships each year is one way we fulfill our mission.
We offer several different scholarships and they vary from year-to-year depending on donations. Please read the descriptions of each scholarship below as requirements for each do differ. Completed applications are due by April 30, 2025. It is essential that you include all of the requirements requested below. You will need to be logged into your SSHS Google account in order to submit. Please contact us at saxonsuccessfund@gmail.com with any questions you have.
Our selection process is thorough and notification of recipients will occur near the end of the school year. We will contact candidates via email when decisions have been made. Those applicants selected for scholarships must provide proof of enrollment in the technical program, college or university prior to receiving scholarship funds.
Saxon Success Fund Scholarships
Applicants must be seniors at South Salem High School. Submissions will be scored based on the content you provide. This is not a scholarship based solely on academics or financial need, rather we look at all of the components you’ve provided to learn what makes you and your circumstances unique. We strive to award scholarships to students who wish to pursue technical certifications, two-year programs, and four-year degrees.
Scoring takes into account your community service, school activities, personal essay, and financial need. For applicants planning to attend community college or a 4-year college or university, high school course load/college preparatory work will be considered and a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher at the conclusion of first semester senior year is required. Those embarking on technical certifications must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher. These scholarships are $1000 awards.
Your completed submission will include:
Completed application form with links to:
- Your personal essay (prompt included in the description below)
- Two letters of support
- A copy of your high school academic transcript (unofficial transcripts provided through the College and Career Center are acceptable)
All of the above components will be completed or uploaded within this application form. Submissions will be scored based on the content you provide. This is not a scholarship based solely on academics or financial need, rather we look at all of the components you’ve provided to learn what makes you and your circumstances unique. Scoring takes into account your community service, school activities, personal essay, financial need, high school course load and GPA.
Two Letters of Support - Letters written will describe the student’s dedication, skill, leadership, work ethic, and family/community involvement. The letters may be written by any adult in your life, (e.g., high school teachers, employers, clergy, community service supervisors, coaches, advisors, counselors).
Personal essay - Explain how this scholarship(s) will help you achieve your education and career goals and provide details to illustrate. Be sure to include any life experiences you have overcome or obstacles you've faced that have challenged you in furthering your education.
Kathleen Hanneman Scholarship
The Kathleen Hanneman Scholarship is designated for an SSHS student who plans to work toward a career in the field of Education. This scholarship is named for Dr. Kathleen Davin Hanneman, who was the first female high school principal in the Salem-Keizer school district.
Scoring takes into account your community service, school activities, personal essay, financial need, high school course load/college preparatory work and GPA. Your cumulative GPA should be at least 2.8 at the conclusion of first semester senior year. These scholarships are at least $1000 awards.
Your completed submission will include:
Completed application form with links to:
- Your personal essay (prompt included in the description below)
- Two letters of support
- A copy of your high school academic transcript (unofficial transcripts provided through the College and Career Center are acceptable)
All of the above components will be completed or uploaded within this application form. Submissions will be scored based on the content you provide. This is not a scholarship based solely on academics or financial need, rather we look at all of the components you’ve provided to learn what makes you and your circumstances unique. Scoring takes into account your community service, school activities, personal essay, financial need, high school course load and GPA.
Two Letters of Support - Letters written will describe the student’s dedication, skill, leadership, work ethic, and family/community involvement. The letters may be written by any adult in your life, (e.g., high school teachers, employers, clergy, community service supervisors, coaches, advisors, counselors).
Personal essay - Explain how this scholarship(s) will help you achieve your goals and provide details to illustrate. Please share your goals and the vision you have for a career in the field of education. Be sure to include any life experiences you have overcome or obstacles you've faced that have challenged you in furthering your education.
Loydee Stonebrink Scholarship
This scholarship is intended to help an SSHS student pursuing a career in the trades and embarking on a technical certification. Applicants will be asked to demonstrate their outstanding character, reliability, integrity in their application and essay.
Scoring takes into account your character as demonstrated by your community service (including jobs) and/or school activities, if applicable; personal essay and financial need. GPAs should be at least 2.0 at the end of the first semester of senior year. These scholarships are $1000 awards. It is essential that you include all of the requirements requested below.
Your completed submission will include:
Completed application form with links to:
- Your personal essay (prompt included in the description below)
- Two letters of support
- A copy of your high school academic transcript (unofficial transcripts provided through the College and Career Center are acceptable)
All of the above components will be completed or uploaded within this application form. Submissions will be scored based on the content you provide.
Two letters of support - Letters written will describe the student’s dedication, skill, leadership, work ethic, and family/community involvement. The letters may be written by an adult in your life, e.g., high school teachers, employers, clergy, community service supervisors, coaches, advisors, counselors.
Personal essay - Explain how this scholarship will help you achieve your education and career goals and provide details to illustrate. Share examples of how your strong character and work ethic have been an asset in school or work, as apporpriate. Be sure to include any life experiences you have overcome or obstacles in your path you've faced that have challenged you in furthering your education and training.
Rick and Jan Gassner Scholarship
This scholarship is intended to help an SSHS student with a strong college preparatory academic record for whom finances will be a barrier to attending college. Those students planning to pursue a training program in the trades are also welcome to apply. The Rick and Jan Gassner Scholarship will award up to $5,000 to the selected student(s).
Scoring takes into account your community service, school activities, personal essay, financial need, high school course load/college preparatory work and GPA--a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA at the conclusion of first semester senior year. It is essential that you include all of the requirements requested below.
Completed application form with links to:
- Your personal essay (prompt included in the description below)
- Two letters of support
- Pell Grant eligibility, if known
- A copy of your high school academic transcript (unofficial transcripts provided through the College and Career Center are acceptable)
All of the above components will be completed or uploaded within this application form. Submissions will be scored based on the content you provide. This scholarship considers your financial need in particular and it is requested that you indicate your financial challenges relating to your college or training plans. Scoring takes into account your community service, school activities, personal essay, financial need, high school course load and GPA. Applicants not receiving this scholarship will be considered for the SSF Scholarship.
Two letters of support - Letters written will describe the student’s dedication, skill, leadership, work ethic, and family/community involvement. The letters may be written by an adult in your life, e.g., high school teachers, employers, clergy, community service supervisors, coaches, advisors, counselors.
Personal essay - Explain how this scholarship will help you achieve your education and career goals and provide details to illustrate. Be sure to include any life experiences you have overcome or obstacles in your path you've faced that have challenged you in furthering your education.