THE CASEY JOYCE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
2009-2010
The Casey Joyce Memorial Scholarship annually honors a senior applicant who resides in the Plano Independent School District. This Scholarship was established in honor of Sergeant James “Casey” Joyce, a U. S. Army Ranger and Plano Senior High School graduate, killed during combat in Somalia in 1993. The $1,000 annually renewable scholarships are awarded to applicants based upon their demonstrated commitment to the ideals and values displayed by Sgt. Joyce, both in life, and in the sacrifice he made for his comrades. This scholarship was first awarded in May 2000.
A committee administers the scholarship, with committee members appointed by the Commander of the Casey Joyce All-America Post #4380. Committee members are responsible for publicizing the scholarships, establishing guidelines for awards, evaluating applicants, selecting scholarship winners and publicizing the awards.
Awards are currently $1,000 per year for use at any institution of higher learning or trade school. The awards are renewable for 4 years, provided the student maintains a 3.25 GPA, or its equivalent. The committee reserves the right to award scholarships to all candidates it considers worthy. If no candidates meet the committee’s criteria it may elect not to award a scholarship.
The scholarships are paid from the assets held by VFW Post #4380. A Scholarship fund is established to hold any monies collected. The fund was initially created by a gift from Mrs. Gail Joyce, Casey’s mother. VFW Post #4380 conducts an annual golf tournament to contribute to the permanent endowment of the scholarship. Additional contributions are always welcome and will enable Post #4380 to expand the program to assist more deserving candidates.
The scholarships are awarded to the best applicants, as judged by the committee, based upon the following submissions:
► A biography outline, detailing their significant personal and family background, higher education plans, activities and achievements.
► A photograph.
► An essay on the theme “My Greatest Challenge”. Students should prepare an essay (500-1000 words) based upon their reading of the book “Black Hawk Down” by Mark Bowden, or viewing the movie of the same title. The essay should address the values held by Sgt. Joyce and his comrades, and how the student applied these values to overcome a significant obstacle in their life or how they will use them to shape their future.
► 2 Recommendations. Applicants should provide 2 recommendations from teachers, coaches, pastors or other persons who have extensive personal contact with the applicant. Recommendations should be no longer than two double-spaced pages, and may follow any format the writer finds appropriate. Recommendations should highlight the Army Values of: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage.
►Materials provided will not be returned. Submission of an application constitutes consent to release of name, photo and limited personal information if applicant is selected as a scholarship recipient.
►The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2010.
► Completed application packets may be brought or mailed to:
Plano VFW Post #4380
Attn: Casey Joyce Scholarship Committee
3420 Ave. K, Suite 122
Plano, Texas 75074