XL Neal Lodge No. 588 Annual Scholarship PrograM

 The XL Neal Lodge No. 588 Scholarship Program was established to encourage and support the educational aspirations of high school students within our community. The program reflects the Lodge’s commitment to service, uplift, and investment in future generations. 

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Enrollment:
 

• Must be a current high school senior (12th grade) who will graduate in the year of application.
   
• Must provide proof of acceptance to a college, university, technical, or trade school.
   

Academic Requirement:
 

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
   

Character & Community Service:
 

• Must demonstrate good character, leadership qualities, and active involvement in extracurricular activities or community service.
   

Essay Requirement:
 

• Submit a 500–750 word essay on the topic: “The Importance of Community Service and Leadership in Building a Better Future.”
   

Recommendation:
 

• Provide one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, coach, employer, or community leader.

A completed application packet must include:

• Scholarship application form (provided by XL Neal Lodge No. 588).
   
• Official high school transcript (sealed or emailed directly from the school).
   
• Copy of acceptance letter from a college, university, trade, or technical school.
   
• One recommendation letter.
   
• Essay (typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12pt font).

• Applications will be reviewed by the XL Neal Scholarship Committee, composed of selected Lodge members appointed by the Worshipful Master.
   
• Finalists may be invited for an interview (optional, at the committee’s discretion).
   
• The committee will make recommendations, and the winner will be confirmed by majority Lodge vote.

• January – March:
  Scholarship announcement and application distribution (via local high schools, churches, community centers, and Lodge communication platforms).
   
• April 15:
  Application deadline.
   
• April 30:
  Scholarship Committee completes review of applications.
   
• May Stated Communication:
  Lodge votes to confirm recipient.
   
• Joint Anniversary Celebration (May/June):
  Scholarship awarded publicly to the recipient, with recognition of their achievements.

The recipient will be invited to the XL Neal Lodge No 588 - Julia K. Neal Chapter No. 582 Joint Anniversary celebration where the award will be presented. The student and their family will also be acknowledged in Lodge communications and announcements.