This scholarship was donated in memory of Mark Edward Klima by his parents. In 1985 Mark Klima was 15 years old and living on his family’s horse farm, Shakespeare Acres. Mark had just completed his freshman year at Rootstown High School where he earned straight A’s. He aspired to become a doctor. Tragically, Mark was murdered during a home invasion and burglary. He was the only child of the late Charles and Carol Klima.
The Mark Klima Memorial Scholarship is an endowed scholarship at the Portage Foundation. The recipient of the Mark Klima Memorial Scholarship will be selected by the Portage Foundation’s Scholarship and Grants Committee upon the recommendation of a school committee appointed by the current Principal at Rootstown High School.
The scholarship will be awarded based two main criteria – and should be addressed in the required essay. The applicant will outline a long-term life goal. Additionally, the applicant should articulate (through examples) how hard work and tenacity has paid dividends now and in their past. Applicants will not be evaluated solely on academic achievement. Financial need and an interest in science may be considered (but not required) in determining scholarship recipients.