Berks County Community Foundation-The Officer Scott A. Wertz Memorial Berks County Scholarship Fund Application

The Officer Scott A. Wertz Memorial Berks County Scholarship Fund

About Officer Wertz

Officer Scott A. Wertz was a life-long resident of Berks County, Pennsylvania. He attended Reading and Wilson School Districts before graduating from Wilson High School in 1984. He graduated from the Reading Police Academy in 1994 and again in 1997. Prior to that he worked as a Correctional Officer at Berks County Prison and also worked part-time for the Sinking Spring and South Heidelberg Township Police Departments. He joined the Reading Police Department in 1997. He worked in the Patrol Division, was an FTO, and was on the Auto Theft Task Force – a part of the criminal investigations division. On August 6, 2006, Officer Wertz died in the line of duty. At the time of his death he was survived by a wife and two sons.

Throughout his life, Officer Wertz exemplified what service and heroism are all about. He excelled in his profession. He lived life with zest and charisma. His service made a difference in his community. He touched many people’s lives in many ways. He always had a smile on his face. He loved his family, friends, football, playing softball, his job, the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Yankees, the City of Reading, and life. He died doing what he loved to do. He truly was a hero, not just in how he died but in how he lived as well. This scholarship was established in 2006 by Scott’s family to honor his memory.

About This Scholarship

Berks County Community Foundation shall make distributions from the Fund to support one or more scholarships for graduating seniors from Berks County high schools who are children of police officers serving in Berks County, who plan to continue their education after high school, with preference given to students planning a career in law enforcement, law, criminal justice or a related field.

The recipients will be good citizens in school and the community. Along with the application, applicants are required to write and submit an essay which includes a description of their career aspirations and also addresses the following quote by Arthur Ashe, and what it means to them: “True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” Arthur Ashe was a prominent tennis player and also known for his efforts to further social causes. This quote exemplifies what Officer Scott A. Wertz was all about.

To be considered for this scholarship, please fill out the form below and submit electronically between January 15 and April 1.

In addition to submitting this form electronically by April 1, you must mail a copy of your high school transcript postmarked no later than April 1 to:

The Officer Scott A. Wertz Memorial Berks County Scholarship
Berks County Community Foundation
P.O. Box 212
Reading, PA 19603-0212

Applicant Name:

Prefix	First	MI	Last	Suffix

Street Address:

Address 2 (optional):

City:

State: Zip Code:

Home Phone Number:

Email address:

Name of parent who is a police officer:
Address of parent who is a police officer:
Berks County Police Department where parent is employed:

Education

High School:

High School Graduation Date:

What is the name of the educational institution/program you will attend?

What major do you intend to pursue?

Awards/Scholarships

List any scholarships, grants or awards that you anticipate receiving (do not include loans):

School Activities
List any school clubs, sports or musical activities you have participated in throughout high school and any significant accomplishments you are proud of in those activities:

Community Service
List any community organizations that you are involved with, such as your church, clubs, nonprofit organizations, etc. List your role in those organizations and any significant accomplishments you are proud of in those organizations:

Please attach an essay of no more than two pages that describes your career aspirations and also addresses the following quote by Arthur Ashe and what it means to you: "True heroism is remarkable sober, very un-dramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost."

How did you hear about the Community Foundation?

Note: Berks County Community Foundation employees, board members and/or committee members are not eligible to apply or be nominated for a grant or scholarship, nor are their immediate family members. Immediate families include spouses, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and stepgrandchildren. The ineligibility period for Berks County Community Foundation board members or employees extends five years after board service or employment terminates. The ineligibility period for committee members who are not Berks County Community Foundation board members or employees is in effect only during their term of service.