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

The Officer Scott A. Wertz Memorial Softball Association 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 who are players or umpires in the Reading Softball Association, or for graduating seniors who are children or grandchildren of players or umpires in the Reading Softball Association, who plan to further their education after high school, with preference given to students planning a career in law enforcement, law, criminal justice or a related field. Preference will also be given to applicants who reside in Berks County over those applicants who are not Berks County residents.

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 Softball Association 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:

County of Residence:

Education

High School:

High School Graduation Date:

Eligibility for this scholarship

Please check one of the following
Player in the Reading Softball Association
Umpire in the Reading Softball Association
Child of player or umpire in the Reading Softball Association
Grandchild of player or umpire in the Reading Softball Association

If you are a child or grandchild of a player or umpire in the Reading Softball Association, list the name of the player or umpire and your family relationship to them:

List the Reading Softball Association team and league that either you or your parent or grandparent participate on:

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.