Purpose:

This scholarship was created by the family of Dalton Viner in order to provide a financial scholarship to students with good character. Eight $500.00 scholarships will be awarded to seniors who intend to further his or her education in a field of public service helping others live a better life.  These students must attend one of the following schools: Choctaw, Midwest City, Carl Albert, or Del City.  A male and female winner will be selected from each high school.

 

Background: 

Dalton Viner graduated from Choctaw High School in 2012. Dalton had many special friends. With his charisma, infectious laughter and smile, he was truly loved by all. Dalton always made time for others and will be forever missed. Dalton had a promising baseball career. After high school graduation he attended Eastern Oklahoma State College, and San Jacinto Junior College on baseball scholarships. Subsequently, Dalton was drafted by the Florida Marlins (2013) and the Cincinnati Reds (2014). He chose to remain in college and hoped to be drafted in a higher round in the next couple of years.

   In the summer of 2015, Dalton began to struggle with debilitating depression and anxiety. Mental illness holds no favorites and it affects all walks of life. Our goal is to educate and support others suffering from mental illness. We want to let them know they are not alone and it is okay to struggle with this issue. Sadly, on May 20th 2016 we lost Dalton to suicide. The Dalton Viner Memorial Foundation is dedicated to eliminating suicide by raising awareness in making people aware of the resources which are accessible in helping with suicide prevention. The foundation further wants to help in breaking stigmas associated with individuals receiving help for suicidal thoughts, and supporting mental health awareness.

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Scholarship Eligibility: 

• Student in good standing 

• 2.5 or higher GPA 

• Aspiration of a career in helping others (medical, psychology, law enforcement, etc.) 

• Attends Choctaw, Midwest City, Carl Albert, or Del City high school

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Requirements:

To be considered for this award, the student must: 

• Meet all eligibility requirements 

• Provide a letter of recommendation from either a faculty/staff member at your high school OR a manager from previous or current employer. 

• Complete the application and submit all materials by the due date. 

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Scholarship Selection: 

The recipients will be chosen by the Dalton Viner Memorial Foundation Scholarship Board Committee. One male and one female senior from each of the named high schools will be awarded a $500 scholarship each.

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Deadline:

March 15, 2025

 

Good character shall be considered over academic record.