Xavier and Aidan Wensink Memorial Scholarship

The Xavier and Aidan Wensink Scholarship fund was created in their memory to ensure their legacy lives on through student excellence. Xavier and Aidan Wensink were two brothers who shared a deep bond. Although two years separated them, they leaned on each other in every endeavor.

As the older brother, Xavier thrived as the role model. He strived to set forth a persona to live by: to embrace hardwork and persevere through obstacles. While being a fierce competitor, he also demonstrated great sportmanship. Xavier did not see challenges as unobtainable. Instead he utilized any available resource to rise to the challenge and succeed. Aidan definitely fullfilled the little brother role. He looked up to his older brother, and yet at times seemed discouraged he wouldn’t find his own path. His bright personality and internal drive pushed him to excel. Although more vocal about his fear of conquering challenges, Aidan was able to talk through his emotions and build his strength and confidence. They both relied heavily on their community and once they met someone, they developed a friendship for life.

They were both truly blessed in all aspects of life: they strived to excel spiritually, academically and athletically, while also taking the time to nurture relationships with family and friends. Some of the things they were best remembered for are their unique smiles, their kindness, dedication, and willingness to share friendship.

We believe Aidan can be best remembered for his joyfulness and exuberance, while Xavier can be best remembered for his dedication and humbleness.

In establishing this scholarship , the Wensink family wishes to recognize the dedication to continued education, athletics, and community service of two Patrick Henry High School students annually.

Purpose

The purpose of the Xavier and Aidan Wensink Memorial Scholarship is to provide post-secondary education scholarships. It is anticipated that two scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00 will be awarded but the amount may increase as funds allow.  Any Patrick Henry high school graduate who is pursuing post-secondary education may apply.

Qualifications For Eligibility

1. Applicant must be U.S. citizen;   
2. Applicant must be eligible for graduation from Patrick Henry High School, Hamler, Ohio.
3. Applicant must demonstrate continued enrollment as a full-time or par-time (as defined by the institution) student at a two or four-year post-secondary educational institution.

Basis For Selection

Scholarship recipient(s) will be chosen by a special committee of the Henry County Community Foundation based on information submitted on the scholarship application form and all attachments (as noted below). 

1. One scholarship award shall be given priority consideration to applicants with average academic achievement (GPA in the 3.0 range) who live the “Wensink Way”.  (The Wensink Way, originally called the “Patriot Way”, is a way of living an “elite” life – that is, being the best version of oneself.  It is based on three pillars.  Perseverance – being elite in difficult times; Above and Beyond – being elite when no one is looking; Family – being elite for others.
2. One scholarship award shall give priority consideration to applicants with above average academic performance (minimum 3.5 GPA), who have participated in athletics (at Patrick Henry High School, or outside of high school).

Additional criteria utilized in selecting scholarship recipients may include the following:

1. Involvement in extracurricular and/or community activities (i.e., athletic, musical, artistic, academic, etc.) and/or paid employment, during his/her high school years; and
2. Need for financial assistance in order to pursue post-secondary studies.

How to Apply

1. Complete scholarship application form.
2. Obtain and attach:
   1. An official copy of your most recent transcript;
   2. Two letters of recommendation from individuals of your choice (teachers, school administrators, employer, etc.);
   3. A sheet listing school, community and/or athletic activities in which you have been involved, honors you have received, offices which you have held, volunteer and employment activities, etc. during high school or beyond; and
   4. Brief essay (one page or less) on the topic: What the Wensink Way means and how I strive to live an “elite” life.
3. Submit all application materials online or by mail to: Henry County Community Foundation, Inc.; ATTN: Mr. Dusty Sonnenberg, 611 North Perry Street, Napoleon, OH  43545 (due or postmarked)-April 1st of the current year.