Trenton Rotary established the Lion Woodward Educational Fund in 1928 as a memorial to assist worthy students in achieving their educational goals. The Fund was converted to a scholarship program in 2011, administered by the Princeton Area Community Foundation, and overseen by a committee of five current Rotarians.
Lion L. Woodward
Lion L. Woodward embodied the mission of Rotary – “Service Above Self.” He was a charter member of the Trenton Rotary Club in 1914, President in 1920, and District Governor two years later.
After graduating from trade school in Lancaster, Pa., Lion Woodward came to Trenton in 1901 and secured a menial job at the Fitzgibbon and Crisp Wagon and Carriage Company. Step by step, in thirteen years, he reached the presidency of the enterprise and transformed it into an auto body manufacturer.
He served as President of the Trenton Chamber of Commerce, director of a local bank, Financial Chairman of the YMCA, President of the Trenton Country Club, and as a member of a commission appointed by the Governor to study crippled children. In the year before his death, he was elected President of the Auto Car Company, a growing truck manufacturer. His career, ended by his untimely death at the age of 48 in 1927, exemplified community service. “He will be remembered,” declared the Trenton Times, “as a man of keen mind, unselfish spirit, and indomitable zeal.”
The Award:
One scholarship of up to $10,000 is awarded annually. The award is paid out in amounts of up to $2,500 per year for up to four years.
Eligibility:
In order for a student to be eligible for this scholarship he or she must meet the following criteria. The student:
- Must be graduating from a high school in Trenton, or in the greater Mercer or Bucks counties area.
- Must be accepted as a full time student at an accredited college, university, trade, or vocational school.
- Must maintain a C (2.0) Grade Point Average or better for the term of the scholarship.
- Must report their progress in person at a Trenton Rotary meeting once per year to continue their eligibility for years 2, 3 and 4 of the scholarship.
A variety of factors are considered as part of the evaluation process, including financial need, academic achievement, exemplary community service, and leadership.
Application guidelines, Due Date and Award Notification:
- Download application form (PDF file)
- Submit the completed application and all required attachments to the Princeton Area Community Foundation at 15 Princess Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 by March 31.
Please visit pacf.org/grants-scholarships/scholarships/scholarships-for-students/ and click on “The Lion Woodward Educational Fund of the Rotary Club of Trenton” for details.
The scholarship will be mailed directly to the institution where the student is enrolled on July 31.
