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By Chris Mitchell '95

Every Friday throughout the 2026-27 school year, Granite City Community School District #9 will be highlighting a staff member for going above and beyond to give students a positive experience.

This week's staff spotlight features Lake Educational Support Services Center (ESSC) school resource officer Paul Blankley.

Blankley is in his fourth year as the school resource officer at Lake ESSC and has served with the Granite City Police Department since July 2021.

He earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC). After being hired and sworn in, he completed 16 weeks of training at the SWIC Police Academy in Belleville, meeting all state requirements to become a police officer in Illinois.

Blankley sat down with GCSD9 to discuss his career in law enforcement, his role at Lake ESSC, and what “Living the Lake Life” means to him.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law enforcement?
My inspiration to be a Police Officer in the city I was born, raised and call home stems from my parents and my faith. Neither of my parents were law enforcement but both had career callings that placed others first and their own second. My mother was a school teacher and father did construction but was also a pastor. From my mother’s classroom, to my father’s church congregation, they showed how to have an attitude of gratitude no matter what situation you are in and to always show people the best in you. Faith was also a major inspiration. Isaiah 6:8 says “Then I heard the voice of the lord say, “Whom shall I Send? And who will go for us?’ And I Said, ‘Here am I. Send me!”. Law enforcement requires total surrender, obedience and availability to the people you serve and protect. Isiah 6:8 is answering the call for service without question.

What does a typical day look like for you as the SRO at Lake?
The saying, “Everyday at is the same, but every minute is different” is true at Lake School. For me, my goal is to make sure every student feels welcomed, supported and heard. That goal starts at the beginning of the day. I welcome and check each student upon their arrival. This allows me to engage with the students when they first arrive. From that moment until dismissal, I am whatever the student or staff needs me to be. Most times I’m “Officer Paul”, but other times I’m “Social Worker Paul”, or even “Custodian Paul”. The title or need may change, but the goal never does. The students deserve my best and I provide them with that every day, no matter the situation.

What is the most rewarding part of working with the students and staff at Lake?
For me, being a School Resource Officer for the Granite City School District has allowed me to build lasting relationships with so many amazing students. The most rewarding part of this chapter in my police career is when I attend the graduation ceremony. When graduation arrives, I get to watch each one of them achieve a goal that for some may be the first in their family. Seeing the excitement in the student and the joy their family and friends have in that moment is the greatest reward I could get.

What does the term “Living the Lake Life” mean to you?
For me, “Living the Lake Life” was a joke I would say when asked how everything was going when I was at the Police Department or around other School District staff. As the years have gone on, the meaning has changed. Now, “Living the Lake Life” means making the best with the situation you are in and doing your best no matter what. No matter what, it's always a great day at Lake.

When you’re away from Lake, what hobbies and interests do you enjoy?
For me, when I am away from Lake, I am a husband to a Granite City School District Nurse and I enjoy being the best dad to my 4-year-old son Lucas and my 2-year-old daughter Josie, of which fills most of my time. From playing hockey in the garage with my son, to playing with my daughter and her stuffed animals and dolls, there's never a quiet moment at our house. Besides doing things with my kids and wife, I am a big sports fan. I try to attend as many St. Louis City Soccer and Blues games as possible. If my living room T.V. doesn’t have Disney Frozen or Cars on, I will try and listen to whatever college/professional football game on. BEAR DOWN!

If you would like to nominate a deserving staff member, please email: information@gcsd9.net

Granite City, Ill., October 7, 2026 – The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded Granite City High School a $2,500 grant to support its youth literacy program. 

This local grant is a part of more than $4.1 million recently awarded to non-profit organizations, libraries and schools in Dollar General’s hometown communities across the country to help extend a brighter future for K-12 students. 

The grant will allow the GCHS Library/Media Center to expand its collection with Hi-Lo and Spanish-adjacent titles to support struggling readers and students learning English.

“It's an amazing opportunity to improve these areas of our collection,” said Jennifer Connolly, GCHS Library/Media Center Specialist.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. 

The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam. Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online here or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.

A comprehensive list of grant recipients may be found online at www.dgliteracy.org.

This bulletin covers the first steps in applying to college and scholarships.

Steps in Applying to College:
1. Completely fill out the college application. (Most are online applications.)
2. Request that ACT send official scores to your school of choice.
3. Sign up at www.parchment.com to have official transcripts sent to your  school    of  choice.      

Reminders:
· In order to work on scholarships with your college or university, you may need to have applied and been accepted to the college or university 
· Scholarship and Application deadlines for schools may be as early as November 1!
· A FAFSA Completion Workshop will be offered in October 2026. This workshop will be held at the High School in the Media Center with sign-ups coming soon!

Scholarship Websites:
1. www.studentscholarships.org
2. www.finaid.org 
3. www.mometrix.com  -  Test Prep
4. www.studentaid.gov   
5. www.grants.gov
6. https://www.isac.org/e-library/applying-for-financial-aid/scholarship-searches.html
7. http://act.org  
8. www.goingmerry.com
9. www.scholarships.com
10.  http://www.fastweb.com/ 

10 Tips on Scholarships
1. SEARCH! Persistence is the key to getting a scholarship.
2. Be organized and prioritize.
3. Never assume: Don't believe that because you don't have straight A's and can't shoot a 3 pointer, there's nothing available to you.
4. Identify the goal of the scholarship and double check the eligibility requirements.
5. Be able to write about a variety of topics that may or may not be exciting to you. 
6. Understand yourself well enough to create a compelling portrait of who you are. You must understand your audience well enough to be able to position your skills and strengths as deserving of their support. Demonstrate that you are a scholar or would like to be a scholar. 
7. Use concrete examples in essays.
8. Watch deadlines like a hawk.
9. Apply early and for many scholarships.
10. Proofread your application one more time.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, DON’T GET SCAMMED!! "If you must pay money to get money, it might be a scam." 

These are Six Examples of Possible Scholarship Scams:
1. "This scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."
2. "You can't get this information anywhere else."
3. "May I have your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship?"
4. "We'll do all the work."
5. "The scholarship will cost some money."
6. "You've been selected by a 'national foundation' to receive a scholarship.", or "You're a finalist in a contest." (that you never entered)

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OCTOBER

Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois – The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program encourages academically talented Illinois students, especially minority students, to pursue teaching careers, especially at high-need, hard-to-staff schools by providing tuition assistance at one of the participating colleges.  You may qualify for up to $2,500 as a freshman or sophomore, and up to $5,000 as a junior or senior. Must have a GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Information is available at website www.isac.org.   APPLICATION IS NOT OPEN AT THIS TIME!

Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville

• Cougar Pride Scholarship—This scholarship is worth up to $16,000 over four years.  This is a competitive process, but all students who meet the criteria are encouraged to apply. Preferential consideration will be given to students completing the applications for admission on a first come first serve basis.  For additional information, visit website  www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/?audience=undergraduate-domestic-freshman  
   
• Johnetta Haley Scholarship-This scholarship is worth up to $8,000 over four years.  Applications must have a 3.0 GPA.  This scholarship is for students who are underrepresented in their anticipated fields of study. Preferential consideration will be given to students completing the application for admission on a first come first serve basis.  For additional information, visit website:  www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/?audience=undergraduate-domestic-freshman  
   
• Meridian Scholarships- There are a number of scholarships available at SIUE, with varying eligibility criteria.  To be considered for the Meridian Scholarship students need to apply for admission and complete the Meridian Supplemental Profile by November 15th, 2026.  Admitted freshmen with an ACT of 27 or higher will be considered.  Information is available by visiting the website www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/?audience=undergraduate-domestic-freshman   
   
• SIUE Grant- Preferential consideration will be given to students applying for admission by December 1, 2026. and completing the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1, 2026 FASFA School code 001759. . This award targets students with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $0 and family income levels at or below federal poverty guidelines. Information is available by visiting the website www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/?audience=undergraduate-domestic-freshman  
   
• AIM High Grant- This renewable grand awards $2,500 per year as long as you maintain a 2.75 GPA. Students are chosen based on FASFA Filing dates. The deadline to apply is December 1, 2026. More information is available by visiting the website 

www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/?audience=undergraduate-domestic-freshman 

McKendree University

Honor’s Scholarships—This scholarship, valued at $17,000 per year, are awarded to first-year students at the time of admission that have both a 3.75 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale.  Visit www.mckendree.edu for more information.  You may apply as early as August 1 2026.

Presidential Scholarship—This scholarship, valued at $14,000 per year, are awarded to first-year students at the time of admission that have both a 3.25 to 3.74 GPA on a 4.0 scale.   Visit www.mckendree.edu for more information.  You may apply as early as August 1 2026.

McKendree Leadership Award—Honor’s and Presidential Scholars are invited to attend Leadership Competitions in January.  Attendance at the Leadership Competition will determine student’s eligibility for a leadership Award ranging in value from $2,000 to $5,000. Visit www.mckendree.edu for more information. 

Dean’s Scholarship—This scholarship, valued at $10,000 per year, are awarded to first-year students at the time of admission that have a 2.75 - 3.24 GPA on a 4.0 scale.  Visit www.mckendree.edu for more information.  You may apply as early as August 1 2026. 

Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), Scholarships and other monetary support are available when you join Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), which allow you to focus on your education by relieving some of the financial pressure. You'll graduate with a respected and secure career path as an Army Officer, and with less debt for the school years your scholarship covers.  You’re eligible to apply for a ROTC scholarship—which could get you up to 100% tuition coverage—if you’re a high school student enrolling in college, enrolled in college, or an active-duty enlisted Soldier.  Visit goarmy.com for more information.

October 8th, 2026 – Application Deadline
AES Scholarship Program (Essay)- Scholarships worth $500 are available to students on the basis of character as determined by an evaluation of essays.  Scholarships are intended for our future leaders across a wide spectrum of fields of study. This award is available to high school seniors and all students attending a post-secondary educational facility. You are not required to be taking Engineering courses to be eligible.  Essay questions and additional information are available at https://aesengineers.com/scholarships.php. 

October 20th, 2026 – Application Deadline
Stephen J. Brady STOP Hunger Scholarships—These scholarships recognize and reward students who have made a significant impact in the fight against hunger.  The scholarship recipients each receive $10,000 for their education as well as a $5000 grant in their name for the hunger-related charity of their choice.  For additional information and application visit website  http://us.stop-hunger.org/home/grants.html  

February 1st, 2027 – Application Deadline
The McDonald's HACER National Scholarship Program will offer scholarships to 100 outstanding Hispanic students from all over the country. Funds are aimed to help recipients finance their college tuition, and there are three tiers. Tier 1 recipients will be awarded either $100,000, $50,000 or $25,000. Tier 2 recipients will receive $20,000 or $10,000 and Tier 3 recipients $5,000. Recipients are selected based on their academic achievement, community involvement and financial need. To date, more than $5 million in McDonald’s HACER National Scholarships have been awarded to Hispanic students across the country.  Applications open on October 1^st, 2026

October 31st, 2026 – Application Deadline 
Voice of Democracy Program—Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program.  Each year, nearly 25,000 high school students compete to win a share of $2.1 million in scholarships and incentives.  Students compete by writing and recording a broadcast script on an annual patriotic theme.  Entry forms are available online on the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) website. Entries must be submitted to the local VFW Post at Granite City Post 1300, 3401 Century Dr., Granite City Il, 62040.  More information at https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships 

October 31st, 2026 – Application Deadline
Big Futures Scholarship - The Scholarship Program is open to seniors in high school who meet the eligibility requirements. If you are an eligible student, by completing a college planning step using your College Board account, you will automatically earn a chance to win a $500 scholarship and an additional chance to win a $40,000 scholarship.  There are no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements. It’s easy to enter scholarship drawings each month. Simply complete one of the steps before the deadline, and you’ll be automatically entered to win $40,000. Apply at www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org

Coming Soon – Application Deadline

Heisman High School Scholarship—If you’re a high school senior dedicated to learning, leading, and performing, you have exactly what it takes to become a High School Heisman. Eligibility includes a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), being a proven leader and role model within your school and community, and performing in at least one school sponsored sport recognized by the Olympic Committee. More information at https://heismanscholarship.com   

NOVEMBER

November 6^th, 2026 – Application Deadline

SIBA Scholarship – The SIBA Scholarship fund was established to provide scholarships for students pursuing a degree in the field of Construction Management / Construction Related Engineering / Architectural-Interior Design / Construction Safety field.

The minimum requirements for scholarship applicants are as follows and supporting documents must be dated within the current year:
1.     Have a cumulative minimum grade point average of a 3.0 / 4.0 – Application must include a current copy of transcript and is required. 
2.     Have a career goal in the Construction Management / Construction Related Engineering / Architectural-Interior Design / Construction Safety field.
3.     Submit a personal recommendation from a person unrelated to the applicant within the current year.
4.     Planning to enroll as a full-time student and maintain full-time student status (12 hour minimum).  Part-time students working full-time in the construction industry will be awarded partial awards (written verification from full-time employer required).
5.     The applicant is required to show evidence that they are related to (as an immediate family member defined as spouse, parents and grandparents, children and grandchildren, brothers and sisters, mother-in-law and father-in-law, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, daughters-in-law and sons-in-law or related by way of legal guardianship) an individual employed full-time by an SIBA Member firm for a minimum of 2 years.  Written evidence from employer required within the current year.
6.     Applicants are to submit a typewritten report (minimum of 500 words) on career goal and what events they have experienced in their life that made them decide to pursue a career in the construction field.  Quality of essay will be judged.
7.     It is our goal to provide a minimum amount of scholarship to be awarded at $2,000.00 for each applicant however actual dollar amount will be determined by available funds and number of qualified applicants.
8.     Submit a completed application upon a form provided by the SIBA Scholarship Fund to:  SIBA, Attention:  Scholarship Fund, 1468 N. Green Mount Road, O’Fallon, IL  62269; Fax:  (618) 624-9065; E-Mail:  ceo@siba-agc.org.

November 11^th, 2026 – Application Deadline
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship- The Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is the largest undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. In addition to the monetary award, Cooke Scholars receive comprehensive educational advising, significant cohort-based programming, and graduate school funding, as well as a thriving network of nearly 4000 fellow Cooke Scholars and Alumni.  Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Senior standing – Complete four years of high school in the U.S., a U.S territory, or on a U.S. military base and plan to graduate in spring 2026.
• Fall College Enrollment – Intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college beginning in fall 2026.
• GPA – Earn a minimum, cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75 or above.

Apply online at: https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/college-scholarship-program/how-to-apply/

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution- offering the DAR Good Citizens award. This program is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. The scholarship is open to all senior class students. Students must demonstrate qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. Applications are available in the guidance office. Applications are accepted November 1, 2026- January 31, 2027. Go to www.dar.org for more scholarship info. 

DECEMBER

December 1^st, 2026 – Application Deadline

Ron Brown Scholarship Program - This program seeks to identify African-American high school seniors who will make significant contributions to society.  Each year 20 students will receive $10,000 annually for four years.  For additional information, visit www.ronbrown.org   

Southeast Missouri State University 2026-2027 Enhanced Scholarship Program

• Cooper Dome Scholarship- Freshman academic scholarships are awarded at the time of admission to students who meet the eligibility requirements and apply to Southeast Missouri St by the scholarship deadline. The admission consideration and scholarship guarantee deadline is June 1st, 2027 (fall applicants). The value is $500-$5,000 eligible for renewal. 
   
• President’s Scholarship—This renewable scholarship will be awarded to students with a 28 ACT (1300 SAT) and a 4.0 cumulative GPA.  The value is $8,000.  Apply online at www.semo.edu/apply.  Application deadline is March 1st, 2027. 

UMSL Opportunity Scholars Program—This program focuses on academically gifted first-generation college students who are underrepresented in the work force from certain academic fields.  Students who are selected as scholars in the program will be awarded a scholarship to cover their full tuition, fees and books for up to four years.  For eligibility and additional information, visit website www.umsl.edu/opportunityscholars .  Applicant must complete application for admission, have an ACT score of 26 and a GPA of 3.5 and be admitted to UMSL by December 1st 2026.  

JANUARY

January 11th, 2027 – Application Deadline
2026 Profile in Courage Essay Contest - This scholarship ranges in awards from $1000-$10,000. Applicants must write an original and creative essay of 1,000 words or less that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F Kennedy in Profiles in Courage. For complete guidelines, visit the Profile in Courage Essay Contest at www.jfklibrary.org. 

January 20^th, 2027 -Application Deadline
Illinois School Counselor Association Scholarship - The ISCA Post-Secondary Scholarship Program began in 2018, awarding scholarship money to High School Seniors throughout the State of Illinois. ISCA awards 9 ($1,000) scholarships to students throughout the State of Illinois. A student from each ISCA Region will receive the $1,000 Scholarship.

Students graduating from high school are eligible for this non-renewable $1,000 Scholarship. The Scholarship can be used to support the following post-secondary options: 4-Year College/University, 2-Year College/University, Trade School, or Apprenticeship/Vocational Program.  By submitting a completed application, participants agree to allow the Illinois School Counselor Association to use their responses on its website for recognition purposes or for other communications about Illinois School Counselors. Apply at: www.ilschoolcounselor.org/scholarships

Eastern Illinois University Presidential Scholarship- These scholarships for first-time students are automatically renewable for a total of 4 years (8 semesters). Eligible students are required to maintain full-time consecutive undergraduate enrollment in fall and spring semesters and maintain specific GPA requirements noted below. Recipients must be admitted by August 1; transcripts can be updated through August 19 to qualify for the scholarship or qualify for a higher amount. International undergraduate students on current visas (F1, J1) are not eligible for freshman merit or transfer merit scholarships.

Distinguished Merit Scholarship                    GPA – 3.75-4.0           $16,000 ($4000 annually)
High Achieving Merit Scholarship                GPA – 3.50-3.74         $12,000 ($3000 annually)
Academic Merit Scholarship                          GPA – 3.0-3.49           $8,000 ($2000 annually)

Apply at https://www.eiu.edu/scholarships/freshmenmerit.php

Coming Soon – Application Deadline

Alton Pride Scholarship - Alton Pride is a charitable and educational organization established to bring awareness, understanding, and advocacy to the LGBTQ+ community with an emphasis on the specific needs of the youth within the community. There are three scholarships to assist in furthering student education by attending a community college, trade school, or university.  Alton Pride has one scholarship for $1000, one for $750, and one for $500.  Applications can be picked up in the Guidance Office starting in November!

Various Deadlines 2027 – Application Deadline

NACME is responsible for over $5 million in scholarships awarded annually to underrepresented minority (URM) students. NACME expects to support approximately 1,000 underrepresented minority engineering and computer students annually.  To be eligible to be named for any of the NACME administered scholarships students must either be a high school senior applying to an engineering or computer science program at a NACME Partner Institution, or be currently matriculating in an engineering or computer science program at a NACME Partner Institution, a US citizen or permanent resident, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. NACME's mission is to increase representation of Black/African American, Latinx/Hispanic-American and Native/American Indian in the fields of engineering and computer science. To apply go www.nacme.org.