This fellowship was established in November 2013 by the Northeastern Ohio Tennis Foundation and amended in 2019 to reward tennis players who have volunteered in the tennis industry. Students that have shown ability, passion, attitude and a proven record of volunteering to grow the game of tennis in Northeastern Ohio tennis district are urged to apply.

Each year the Northeastern Ohio Tennis Foundation will award one $500 gold ball award, two $250 silver ball awards and up to four $100 bronze ball awards to eligible graduating and/or graduated (180 days) high school USTA members. All award winner’s must have concluded their eligibility with the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

Students who are current members of the USTA, have volunteered in the Northeastern Ohio district and plan to attend an accredited college, university, trade school, join the military or have plans to pursue a professional tennis career are eligible to apply.

Awards may be conferred in both January and in July.

Important: You may use the "back" button to make changes to the application as you work. Once you press "Submit," you will no longer be able to edit the form.

Please tell us a little more about yourself here:

THE RON & CAROL GANDER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY QUESTIONS

Directions: Each candidate must answer fully, completely and thoughtfully the mandatory question listed below. You will then respond to 2 of the 3 remaining questions. Failure to submit responses to 3 total questions will result in your application not being considered. Feel free to add extra sheets.

MANDATORY ESSAY QUESTION:

Mr. Gander and Mrs. Gander were both firm believers that all players, both juniors and adults have a stake in growing the game of tennis in Northeastern Ohio. If you are awarded the Ron & Carol Gander Memorial Scholarship, how will you help to continue their legacy to grow the game of tennis in Northeastern Ohio? Explain why are your past actions make you a good candidate to receive this memorial scholarship?

OPTIONAL QUESTIONS: ( SELECT 2)

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1. Mrs. Gander was awarded The Frank Dowling Award by the Midwest Section of the United State Tennis Association in recognition of her outstanding leadership as a tennis official. This award was given in recognition of her 50 years of excellence in the tennis industry. Discuss any leadership roles, tennis accomplishments, academic awards or recognition, that you have received that sets you apart from others.

2. Mrs. Gander was a library technician with the Akron Public Schools, retiring after 25 years of service. Education was extremely important to both Mr.& Mrs. Gander. They were both firm believers in setting goals and recognizing student accomplishments. What are your tennis & academic goals? Where do you expect to be in 10 years?

3. Mr. Gander worked as an assistant high school tennis coach, as well as an official for both section and the district tennis matches. Mrs. Gander was the Executive Director of the Northeastern Ohio Tennis Association for more than 11 years. They worked as members of various teams of coaches, parents, volunteers and tennis officials. They both felt being a part of a tennis team was as beneficial to the growth of an individual tennis player as being a single’s tennis specialist. Do you agree or disagree with that idea? Thoroughly defend your position.

Please upload each of your essays here.

1. A tennis professional, coach, or USTA official. Be sure they include their USPTA number

2. A teacher or faculty member that knows you well

3. A person of your choice that knows you well

Please use the space below to enter the names of your three references. Each reference is required to send a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Please have your references email the letter directly to GanderScholarship@gmail.com.

It is your responsibility to make sure that these individuals have agreed to write letters of recommendation for you, and that they email their letters to the above email address.

By submitting this form, both you and your parents are in agreement that the information is current and accurate. If you have any questions, please contact the NEOTF fellowship chairperson: Sharon Miles, or the NEOTF office.