In 1975, a scholarship program was introduced – thanks to Les and Betty Knapp who, for many years, raised and sold plants to help support this worthwhile effort. Our first scholarship ($2,000) was awarded to Tracey W. Ward, a Northern High School graduate who attended Temple University Business School.
Today the Optimist Club awards three scholarships each year. Over the past 43 years, the Calvert Optimist Scholarship Program has awarded $278,250 in scholarships to graduates of Calvert County Public Schools. The scholarships are judged on the completion of an application and an essay. Applications will be available at the Guidance Offices of all Calvert County High Schools and here on our website on the 1st of February of each year.
2023 College and Career Scholarships Available!
Click here for The Knapp and King Scholarship Application
Click here for The Career/Vocational/Technical Scholarship Application
2022 College and Career Scholarships Awarded
We are proud to announce our 2022 Scholarship Winners! Madison Conner, a recent Calvert High School graduate, was awarded the 2022 Les Knapp Scholarship, valued at $8,000. Madison will be attending the University of North Carolina, Wilmington this fall majoring in Exercise Science.
McKenzie Conner, a recent Calvert High School graduate, was awarded the 2022 Jim King Scholarship, valued at $6,000. McKenzie will be attending the University of North Carolina, Wilmington this fall majoring in Elementary Education.
Kobe “Hutch” Valentin, also a recent Calvert High School graduate, was awarded the 2022 Career/Vocational/Technical Scholarship, valued at $3,000. Hutch will be attending North Dakota State College of Science to earn an Associate Degree in Business and to complete the Diesel Technology – CASE International Pro