LAPLACE — Every year since 2001, St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre has offered local high school students a chance receive a $500 scholarship through the Louisiana Sheriff’s Scholarship Program.

So far, 15 students have received the annual award to help further their education.

Another 59 scholarships will be awarded this year, including one from St. John Parish. The winner will be announced by May 1.

“The Sheriff’s Scholarship program has been existence for many years,” Tregre said.

“Every Sheriff in the state is afforded an opportunity to help a young person out. It’s an opportunity for some lucky student from St. John Parish to get a little extra money to help with expenditures for college.

“Everyone who has gotten it in the past has benefitted greatly. I’m looking forward to selecting a new student in the near future.”

Students wishing to be considered for this year’s scholarship must apply by April 1.

Applicants must be permanent residents of St. John Parish. The award will only be paid for attendance at institutions of higher learning within Louisiana.

Applicants must be eligible for admission to the school indicated on the application and must be full-time, undergraduate students. There are no restrictions on how the scholarship funds are spent. To apply, visit stjohnsheriff.org/scholarship_form.php.

Past winners include 2015 East St. John graduate Joshua Duhe, who attended South Central Louisiana Technical College and 2014 West St. John graduate Kylon Adams, who attended Louisiana Tech University.

St. John Councilman Buddy Boe, a Jesuit graduate, received the award in 2003.

“I wish someone would use it to study criminal justice, but that has yet to occur,” Tregre said.

For more information regarding the Scholarship Program, contact the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-652-9513, Ext 8647.