Across the nation, Scholarship America's programs - including Dollars for Scholars - have given out $2.5 billion to nearly 2 million students since our founding 50 years ago.

Staples Dollars for Scholars was started in early 1986 by high school counselors, Ken Schubluski and Ron Storbakken, with support and help from Superintendent Jack Nelson. Other school staff and several community members were added, establishing a formal community-based Dollars for Scholars organization. Motley Dollars for Scholars was formed at approximately the same time.

The two separate organizations came together forming the Staples & Motley Dollars for Scholars chapter shortly after the two schools consolidated. Membership in the newly combined Dollars for Scholars chapter was made up largely of individuals from two communities committed to creating more scholarships for Staples-Motley graduating seniors. Today the Staples & Motley Dollars for Scholars chapter remains largely a community-driven organization.

In 1986, less than $2,500 in scholarships were awarded, but because of increased community involvement, the scholarships doubled nearly every year that followed. Today, over $100,000 is awarded to our graduates each year. Most of these scholarships come from organizations and individuals within our local communities. Other scholarships are awarded through fundraising efforts by our Dollars for Scholars chapter.

Most of the success of the Staples & Motley Dollars for Scholars chapter is directly tied to the individuals and organizations in our community who are willing to be a huge part of making over $2,000,000 in scholarships available to our graduates over the past 38 years.