By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Going to college is an expensive choice, but a coaches’ scholarship program can provide some relief.

According to U.S. News and World Report, the national average cost of tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year was $10,423 for in-state students attending public colleges, $22,953 for out-of-state students attending public colleges, and $39,723 for private universities.

College Tuition Compare, which includes community colleges in its rankings, says this year’s average undergraduate tuition and fees for Kansas colleges were $5,537 for in-state students and $15,328 for out-of-state students.

The Marion High School Coaches Scholarship Program, established in 2003, recently was reorganized so donations could be tax-deductible. Scholarships will be named in honor of selected alumni, coaches, and staff members.

This year’s round of scholarships will be given in honor of class of 1968 alumnus Dennis Knoblock and coaches Deanna Thierolf, Marion Ogden, and John Hudson.

Longtime El Dorado track coach and Marion High School graduate Gary Melcher said the program would award four $750 scholarships this year to student athletes. Being “the top athlete in their sport” is not a requirement, he said.

There is no application process. Recipients are chosen by coaches, the school principal, and the guidance counselor working with a selection committee.

Students receiving alumni scholarships are selected on the basis of demonstrated ability to inspire peers, community engagement, and effort toward scholastic achievement.

“People could nominate staff members and alumni by donating $1,000 through Marion Advancement Campaign,” Melcher said.

An annual golf tournament the first weekend of May at Marion Country Club also supports the scholarships.

Melcher said scholarship amounts will increase as funding for the program allows.