The Family Behind the Financial Aid

Six years after Deerfield Beach High School was founded, in 1970, the J.D Butler and Alice W. Butler Memorial Scholarship was introduced and offered to students who graduated from the school but did not have the financial resources to continue their education.

Alice and J.D Butler wanted to honor their kids Evelyn, Reba, and J.D Butler Jr. With something that would outlive them and continue their family legacy. For their dying wish, they used the money they made from their farm to set up the scholarship with the family name. The farm is now a neighborhood in Coral Springs called Butler Farms, which has over 30 properties. The Butler Corporation sells assets such as putting the properties on sale to bring in money for the scholarship.

The money students can get ranges from $296-$500,000. One of the highest amounts of money ever awarded to students was back in 1990 for a total of $464,795 to 233 graduates. Students can even receive up to an additional $2,000 depending on their inclusiveness with school activities and/or grades.

Students awarded the scholarship are split into four categories. Kids bound for a local community college receive between $296-$737, community college away from home, $1,302-$1,785, a local university, $667-$1,236, going away to 4-year universities, $1,752-$3,652.

Required documents for students include an online application, SAR report, activity sheet, W-9 form, terms and agreement from Butler website, and two letters of recommendation. Other criteria are the

student must be a graduate of DBHS, have 12 credits, be enrolled full time, and GPA (grade point average) of at least 2.0 in high school.

All the required forms and information should be sent to Ms. Rodríguez at s.rodriguez@browardschools.com. She has been working with and managing all Butler Scholarship applications for over five years and is familiar with all things Butler family and scholarship-wise. All students must submit their applications by April 18, 2022

Written by Julianah Cha Pit | Graphic Designed by Courtney Gift

Published March 29, 2022 | ePathfinder | News