Named for Darren R. Baldwin, a 1993 graduate of Worthington Kilbourne High School, the scholarship was established by Baldwin’s family members to assist seniors from high schools in the Worthington District who plan to pursue higher/secondary education with tuition fees.

 

Before graduating from WKHS, Major Baldwin was a student at Thomas Worthington High School for his freshman and sophomore years. Each year, qualified seniors from WKHS, TWHS, Linworth Alternative School, and Worthington Academy meeting scholarship criteria are eligible to apply for one of three available scholarships. The scholarship awards are to inspire Worthington High School seniors to follow Major Baldwin’s example of academic excellence, athletic achievement, friendship, and leadership qualities that reflect the character of a responsible young citizen.

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Major Baldwin was a scholar athlete in high school. He graduated from U.S. Academy at West Point and became a U.S. Special Forces Green Beret, serving three deployments in Operation Iraqi Freedom. After suffering combat-related traumatic brain injury, he passed away on December 23, 2021. Throughout his life, Baldwin valued everyone equally and believed anyone could succeed with opportunity, hard work, and determination.  

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The Major Darren R. Baldwin Memorial Scholarship fund awards $5,500 each year to three eligible seniors:

• One $2,500 scholarship for a 4-year college degree.

• Two $1,500 scholarships for a 2-year degree or trade certificate program.
   

Application Criteria & Requirements

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• Eligible applicants are required to be graduating seniors from a Worthington District High School with a minimum grade point average of 3.25.

• Submit a one-page, double-spaced statement (12-pt font) outlining your educational goals, societal contributions, community impact, and leadership or character demonstrated in sports or activities.

• Include two recommendation letters from non-family members (preferably coaches, teachers, or employers).

• Provide an admission or acceptance letter from a 4-year college, 2-year college, or certified trade school.

 

The Major Darren Baldwin scholarship does not discriminate against any applicant based on race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, or other classifications. The Major Darren Baldwin scholarship evaluates all applicants equally. A review committee scores applicants according to those who meet criteria and have demonstrated the qualities Major Baldwin exemplified as a high school student.

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Submission Deadlines For Any Worthington District High School

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• Beginning January 1st of each calendar year, eligibility criteria will be available online at www.majordarrenbaldwinlegacyfoundation.org.

• All application materials must be submitted via email to darrenbaldwinlegacyfoundation@gmail.com by March 15th annually.

• Selected seniors will receive notification by both phone and email no later than April 15th.

• Scholarship payments will be arranged in collaboration with the recipient and disbursed directly to the secondary education institution prior to enrollment.