FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Jill Collins
(623) 687-3990
jcollins@ipmadvancement.com

Mo.-Based GLBT Foundation Awards $10,000 College Scholarship
Helps Missouri and Kansas GLBT teens achieve greater success through higher education

Kansas City, Mo. - The Dillenkoffer Endowment announced Shane Heslet of Rossville, Kansas as the 2008 recipient of its $10,000-per-year, four-year college scholarship. The Endowment awards the scholarship each year to a gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender (GLBT) high school student who resides in Kansas or Missouri. Shane's is one of four scholarships given by The Dillenkoffer Endowment each year.

In his application essay, Shane wrote about the challenges many GLBT youth encounter in their daily lives: "GLBT citizens … have a tough road to become successful. We must overcome the acceptance of our peers, family, friends and everyone in our daily lives."

"Shane is helping to build a positive image for the GLBT community and is a role model to straight and GLBT young adults everywhere," says Honorary Chairman of the Endowment Frank Dillenkoffer. "He regularly volunteers for community projects and fundraisers, and tutors lower-level students. Shane aspires to be a teacher and continue his dedication to helping others, and we trust that this scholarship award will help him realize that dream."

The Dillenkoffer Endowment also awarded three one-year scholarships this year to the following students:

Shane Heslet of Rossville, Kansas $10,000

Chelsea Masewich of Chesterfield, Missouri—$1500

Ralph Jenkins II of Lake St. Louis, Missouri—$1000

Trey Matzes of Washington, Missouri—$500

About The Dillenkoffer Endowment
The Dillenkoffer Endowment (TDE) rewards gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) high school seniors who graduate from a Kansas or Missouri high school and attend a Kansas or Missouri college, maintain at least a 2.75 GPA, and make a difference through community and school involvement, with $25,000 per year in college scholarships. TDE was established in 2006 to honor Kansas City, Missouri, resident Gayle Dillenkoffer’s acceptance of diversity without judgment.

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Click here for the 2007 winners