The Samuel Keith Gellner Memorial Scholarship
Open for application on October 1st.
The Johnson family has created a scholarship in honor of their precious grandchildren who carried a gene for Potter Syndrome. Samuel Keith Gellner and his 4 siblings carried a gene for this rare genetic disorder that led to each of the 5 children passing away before or soon after their birth. The birth of their 5 heavenly grandchildren inspired their grandparents, Keith and Robin Johnson, to create a scholarship for students with learning differences.
They have created this scholarship to support students in the VINE program. The Johnsons’ hope is that through this scholarship, and any future gifts given, their grandchildren’s legacies will live on in the hearts and minds of special needs students and families at Valley Christian Schools.
“We are thankful that VCS is committed to teaching all students and offer a quality special education program. The VINE program provides an opportunity for these students to grow in the knowledge of God’s Word and succeed in academics under the compassionate guidance of Christian teachers who have dedicated their lives to raising up leaders, both great and small, for the Kingdom of God.
It is with this verse in mind that we know our grandchildren and those who are born with or develop special needs are not an accident but wonderfully and fearfully made in God’s image: For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14.” The Johnsons
The Johnson’s passion for reaching those students in need of special education doesn’t stop here. Robin Marie Johnson has worked in education for over 30 years both serving and learning from students with special needs.
She is the writer, producer, and host of the Different Isn’t Bad podcast for kids and has recently published The Adventures of Sammy the Cat: Brave, Kind, and Different. You can learn more about Robin and the work she is doing below.
Looking to give (donors)?
Use the giving form below to give a tax-deductible gift in support of this annual scholarship. More information on the scholarship and its intent can be found below.
Looking to apply (students)?
Students who would like to apply for this annual scholarship may do so using the application form below (if the form is unavailable, the application window is currently closed).
The form above is embedded into this webpage. This means that the entire page will not refresh after you click “Submit.” Please do not refresh your browser if you’ve pressed “Submit.” After submitting, your form will disappear and will be replaced by a “thank you” message. You may need to scroll up (or back down) to see this message. If you have any questions about your transaction, please contact Kittren Johnson at [email protected].
APPLICATION CRITERIA
Financial need-based scholarship for a current VCS VINE family.
AWARD AMOUNT
$1,500, one-time scholarship, to be awarded and distributed annually.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Applicants will be K-12th grade students currently enrolled in the VINE program at VCS.
- Applicant families must have a FACTS Grant and Aid application completed and on file for the school year the scholarship applies.
- To access this Aid application, please go to valleychristianaz.org/admissions/tuition-financial-aid/.
- From there, click on “Tuition Assistance Guide.”
- #3 in this guide is information on Internal Financial Aid. You can access the FACTS Grant and Aid application there.
- An essay is required from the student’s parent(s) as part of the application criteria.
- Parent(s) should complete an essay (up to 300 words) describing the family, the financial need, and their passion for Christian education.
- Student should complete an essay (up to 300 words) describing why they value Christian education and how they plan to be culture changers for Christ. Parents can assist if necessary for students in grades K-6.
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY
- Complete the form below.
- 2023-24 applications must be submitted by October 31, 2023.
- The winner will be notified within 30 days of the application deadline.
- The scholarship will be awarded within 30 days of notification.
- This scholarship is intended for a student’s VCS tuition.
After clicking “Submit,” the page will refresh and you will see a confirmation that your application has been submitted. This will display in red text and say, “Thank you for completing the scholarship application.” If you do not see this confirmation, your application may not have been submitted.