Our WACO scholarships are awarded in memoriam of John Bestmann; William A. Kelly, Sr.; and Michael J. O'Malley, who founded and grew WACO, enabling the organization to reach the level of impact – for thousands of children – that it has today.
Application deadline: May 31, 2026
Multiple $1,000–2,000 scholarships will be awarded (one per person).
Recipients will be notified by email by June 30, 2026, so please watch your email!
Criteria:
- High school senior graduating in spring 2026 with any post-secondary education plans (college/university, trade school, etc.)
- Past volunteer participation in the community
- Activities and honors
- 100-word response
- Scholastics
Volunteers are the lifeblood of WACO. Without your help, we simply cannot do all the things we do each year. At WACO, we are all volunteers; we do not have any paid positions. From the president on down, we all help whenever and wherever we can. Whether as a board or committee member, or as a volunteer on the day of an event, please consider joining us.
.jpg)
.png)
.png)
