Local Scholarships and Awards
Every year West Deptford High School gives out approximately 100 local scholarships and awards at the Graduation Ceremony and/or Senior Scholarship and Awards Night. Most of the scholarships are decided by the high school's scholarship committee; however, some of the scholarships are decided by the organization(s) providing the scholarship.
Please check the qualifications for the scholarship and the due date. Some may need to be mailed by the due date, so please pay close attention to all details of the scholarships listed. Students can submit the completed applications to Ms. Saia in the Main Office. Late applications will NOT be accepted for any reason. Most scholarships will be given out at our Annual Senior Scholarship and Awards Night in June.
* Please check this page in or around MARCH for updates*
Kelly Mazzocca Scholarship Fund Award - $1000 - Due March 26th
One female scholar athlete will receive a $1000 scholarship. The applicant must be a graduating senior at WDHS, have been a member (player or manager) of the Girls Soccer Team for all 4 years, have shown leadership characteristics on and off the field, involved in community service, and must be attending college or post-secondary school. Please complete the attached application and submit it to the Main Office.
Greater Woodbury Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Competition, Due March 27
The Greater Woodbury Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer a $2,000 scholarship to one graduating senior from each participating high school. This scholarship supports students who plan to pursue a business related major and demonstrate creativity, leadership, and vision for the future. Please complete the attached application.
West Deptford Education Association (WDEA) Scholarship – $1000, due April 1th
The West Deptford Education Association will provide a $1000 scholarship to a deserving student who is planning a career in education and who has a weighted GPA of a 90% or better. Students interested in applying for this scholarship should submit a letter of interest explaining why he/she is choosing the field of education along with a list of any activities/clubs in which he/she is currently involved.
After the WDEA panel of teachers reviews these letters of interest, each student candidate may be called upon for a short interview.
The Holmes Family Legacy Scholarship - $500, due April 1
In loving dedication to Wilbert and Gloria Holmes, the proud parents of 18 children and the foundation of the Holmes Family. Their legacy of unity, perseverance, and excellence lives on through this scholarship and every generation that follows.
The Holmes Family Legacy Scholarship will award two $500 scholarships — one to a graduating senior female athlete and one to a graduating senior male athlete — who plan to continue their education at a trade or vocational school.
To apply, please submit a short essay introducing yourself. In your essay, include the sport you participated in, the trade you plan to pursue, and why you chose to attend a trade school rather than a traditional four-year college.
West Deptford Youth Lacrosse Scholarship - $500, due April 8th
The West Deptford Lacrosse Club will award a one-time scholarship totaling up to $500 to both a graduating senior female and male athlete who plan to attend an accredited four year college or university full-time (12 credits or more for the fall semester) in 2026. This scholarship is intended to award athletes for their participation in high school lacrosse and their support of the West Deptford Youth Lacrosse Club as well as their community.
South Jersey Baseball Old Timers Association - $1000, due April 13
This scholarship will be given to a graduating senior baseball or softball player at WDHS who will be attending a college or university in the fall and is in good standing academically. Interested students should submit a short essay to the Main Office on why they chose the college they will attend and their career path.
Charles B. McNally Scholarship - $2000, due April 14
The Charles B. McNally Scholarship in the amount of $2000 will be awarded to a graduating senior who is continuing his/her education at a college/university, whose academic rank is in the top quarter of the class, and who has displayed community service, leadership, and good character.
All interested students should complete the attached application and return to the Main Office by the due date.
Diana Demianenko Excellence in Athletics Award–$1000, due by April 15
This $1000 scholarship is given by the Diana Demianenko Memorial Fund to a multi-sport female athlete who has excelled in athletics throughout her 4-year WDHS career. This athlete exemplifies the highest qualities of good character, sportsmanship, loyalty, integrity, and school spirit.
All interested seniors must complete the attached application and 500 word essay by the due date.
PTO Scholarship - $500, due by April 15th
The West Deptford High School PTO will provide two $500 scholarships to students who are continuing their education, who have displayed good citizenship and who have demonstrated service in and around the school. In order to be eligible for this award, students' parents/guardians must be paid members of the PTO no later than April 15, 2026. The membership dues form is attached.
Debra Park Memorial Scholarship - $300, due April 16
Debra Park was a WDHS social studies teacher from 1977-2010 who taught history and sociology. However, it was as a teacher of psychology that Mrs. Park found her greatest passion for educating West Deptford students. Before retirement and until her passing in 2022, Mrs. Park was also an adjunct professor of psychology at Rutgers University and a very active member of the American Psychological Association.
Mrs. Park was involved in many other school related activities. She served as chairperson of the social studies department and developed the course and curriculum for the school’s AP Psychology course. She was also involved in service activities while advisor of the National Honor Society, such as bringing Operation Blessing to West Deptford. Through her years, she also served as advisor of numerous other groups, including class advisor and cheerleading coach. She received both the WDHS and WD district Teacher of the Year awards, as well as the American Psychological Association’s Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools Award.
In Mrs. Park’s memory, a $300 scholarship is offered to a graduating senior who plans to continue his/her education pursuant to a degree in education or psychology. The candidate should be of strong character, and possess a strong work ethic with a passion for his/her area of study.
All interested candidates should complete the attached application completely and return it to the Main Office by April 16.
Colonial Manor Fire Association - $5000, Due April 22
The basis for awarding these scholarships to three West Deptford High school students that show the same level of commitment to their town by serving to give back to others and making West Deptford a better place for all. Preference will be given to any applicants that are furthering their education in the pursuit of continued Community Service or Emergency Services direction.
We would request a short essay from any applicants that list their name, address, and shows their commitment to the above and incorporate the following components: Leadership Character Service to the Community Career path and an explanation on how these funds will assist in their career pursuit. Applicants are welcome to include any endorsements from other town leaders, teachers, peers that show their commitment to the town or others if they wish.
Amy Lessman Character Award -$250, due April 24
The "Amy Lessman Character Award" is in memory of Amy Lessmann - mother, friend, mentor, role model, teacher, and inspiration to all who met her. Amy, a special education teacher in the West Deptford School District, courageously lost her battle with peritoneal cancer in 2014, but did not let this hardship define her. Through compassion and grit, she strengthened and inspired others and left a legacy of perseverance and kindness. The nominees for this scholarship should exhibit these character traits that Amy exemplified in her own life, while in the face of adversity.
This $250 award will be given to a graduating senior who is accepted into a 2 or 4-year program at a university/college or technical school with a focus on public services/human services. Please review the attached for specific examples of these areas of study and, if you are interested, submit an essay and one letter of reference as stipulated in the attached criteria.
WDSC Chris Weber Memorial Scholarship in Soccer – $500, due April 24
This $500 scholarship is given by the West Deptford Soccer Club to a graduating senior female and male soccer player. All interested seniors must complete the attached application and return by the established due date in order to be considered
WD Basketball Club Award - $500, due April 27
This $500 scholarship is given by the West Deptford Basketball Club to a graduating senior female and male basketball player. All interested seniors must complete the attached application and return to the Main Office by the established due date in order to be considered.
Lt. Kenny Dechen Scholarship – $1500, due by April 27
This is to honor one graduating senior in loving memory of Lt. Kenneth B. Dechen of the West Deptford Police Department. Mr. Dechen was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He played a vital role in the lives of others. His ability to have fun and make others laugh allows us to keep his memory alive. Mr. Dechen also believed that the value of a good education was very important in fulfilling life’s dreams. We are looking for a candidate that will mimic his fun-loving personality, his devotion to his family and friends, but also his passion for education.
There is one scholarship to be awarded for the year. The amount of the scholarship will be $1,500.00 The following are other criteria for this scholarship: The candidate must have plans to attend a college of their choice for 4 year/ Bachelors Degree. They must be entering the fields of either Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement or the Healthcare/Medical Field. This candidate should also show the following characteristics: good moral character, good standing in the community, and no disciplinary problems within the school system or from the police department.
Please submit a 500 word essay “Why I want to study law enforcement or enter the healthcare field” or write a reflection paper “Why it would be an honor to be the recipient of a scholarship in memory of Lt. Kenneth B. Dechen”. We ask that you supply a written letter of recommendation from a West Deptford High School teacher along with your essay.
Dan Mansor Fellowship of Christian Athletes Scholarship $500, due April 28
Dan Mansor began his career as a history educator at West Deptford High School in September 2000. From the start, Dan's commitment to his students has been nothing short of inspiring. As a born-again Christian, he has always prioritized his faith, allowing it to guide him in his efforts to support and uplift those around him.
Dan's dedication didn't just stop in the classroom. His influence as a wrestling coach at West Deptford High School has left a lasting mark on numerous young athletes.
It was truly remarkable to see how Dan intertwined his faith and dedication into his roles as an educator and coach, making a difference in the lives of many. His legacy will continue to shine through those he inspired.
As part of your application, we would like you to share your experiences with The Fellowship of Christian Athletes club and how its teachings have influenced your approach to sports. Our annual $500 scholarship is aimed at supporting a graduating senior who exemplifies the values we hold dear in our club. Please reflect on the following points in your essay:
1. What has the club taught you, and how have you applied these teachings in your sports?
2. Provide at least one example of how your Christian faith has helped you navigate a challenging game or how you've assisted a teammate during a tough match. Please submit your essay to Ms. Kelly Saia in the main office. Due date: April 28
WD Junior Women's Club Scholarship-$100, due April 30th
This $100 scholarship will be awarded to one senior who is committed to continuing his/her education, demonstrates leadership skills, has displayed good character, and is involved in school/community service projects. Any interested student should complete the attached application.
3 Dimensional Physical Therapy Scholarship - $500, due April 30th
This $500 scholarship is given by Three Dimensional Physical Therapy to two graduating seniors planning to pursue Physical Therapy in college and/or who has participated in physical therapy as a patient at some point throughout their four years of high school.
Applicants can apply online here: 3DPT Scholarship
WD Women's Club Scholarship -$1000, due May 1st
Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors who plan to continue their education after high school. The WCWD Scholarship Committee encourages students who will be attending a vocational or technical school, a United States Military Academy, a two-year college, or a four-year college or university to apply.
All are encouraged to apply by completing the attached application and submit an essay (two-page limit) describing their most meaningful volunteer experience and explaining the impact it had on them.
Greater Woodbury Garden Club -$500, due May 1st
The GWGC will award two $500 scholarships to interested students who enroll in one of the following career paths in college: Agriculture/Crop or Plant Science, Botany, Earth Sciences, Floriculture or Nursery Production, Horticulture, or Landscaping Architecture or Design/Arborist. All interested students must have a minimum of a B average to qualify.
Key Club Scholarship - $300, due April 13
This $300 scholarship, given by the Kiwanis Club of Woodbury, will be awarded to a senior member in good standing of our WDHS Key Club. All interested students must complete the attached application in order to be considered.