A nonprofit organization, Catch the Spirit of Appalachia wishes to once again provide four opportunities for a scholarship in the amount of $500 each for Appalachian Studies to be presented to four deserving seniors in the Western North Carolina counties.

• The Annie Lee Bryson Memorial Scholarship is for a local student who has declared a major or minor in Appalachian Studies or related studies with an interest in traditional crafts.

• The Mary Jane Queen Memorial Scholarship is for students who have declared a major or minor in music, with an interest in the traditional music of the Appalachian Mountains.

• The Elmer & Irene Hooper Memorial Scholarship is for high school seniors who have demonstrated excellence in volunteerism and leadership. 

• The Founders Scholarship is awarded on the basis of merit or potential within the visual arts, writing or history, with consideration of financial need.

Applicants must submit a completed application and all supporting documents to the guidance counselor of the applicant’s school by March 10 in order to be considered for this year’s scholarship awards. Home-schooler applicants should complete the application and send it to CSA, 29 Regal Avenue, Sylva, N.C. 28779, also by March 10. The application may be downloaded at www.spiritofappalachia.org.

828.631.4587.