High School Rejects Scholarship over “US Citizens” Requirement

By Todd Starnes
Lions Club
The Lions Club was given an ultimatum by the school district: either remove the wording or they would not be permitted to give the scholarship.  NBC15.com

For more than 20 years the Lake Mason Lions Club has been providing a $500 scholarship to young men and young women attending a trade school or community college. But not this year.

Click here for a free subscription to Todd's newsletter: a must-read for Conservatives!

The Wisconsin Dell School District rejected the service organization's scholarship over a requirement that the recipient be a citizen of the United States.

"They told us it violated federal law and state law," Lions Club spokesman Ralph Jacobsen told me. "We were really blindsided. We're just asking for the student who receives the scholarship to be a U.S. citizen. That isn't okay with them apparently."

Wisconsin Dells High School Principal Hugh Gaston told NBC News the scholarship requirement raised red flags because the requirement was not fair for all students.

"Regardless if they were born in Baraboo and grew up a block from the school or if they were born in another country and they came here legally or illegally, I still think it's our mission to serve and connect with all students regardless of their background," the principal said.

Jacobsen told me the service club adjusted its scholarship requirements about five years ago. Club members wanted to make sure the money would go to a legal resident of the country.

"We as a charitable organization we felt that we should be serving the citizens of the United States," he said.

The Lions Club was given an ultimatum by the school district: either remove the wording or they would not be permitted to give the scholarship. Club members took a vote and the majority decided that the wording would not be removed.

"Who would ever think in this country that you can't specify (that) something goes to a U.S. citizen? It's unbelievable," Jacobsen said.

It's unfortunate that American-born students and legal immigrants are not permitted to be honored or celebrated because of political correctness.

Sadly, a future Wisconsin auto mechanic or welder or pipe fitter has been denied a $500 scholarship simply because he's an American citizen.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories