Raymond and Velma Merkle Scholarship – Manual H.S. (UA)

The Raymond and Velma Merkle Scholarship supports first-generation college students from Manual High School who are active in their school and community. This scholarship was established by Velma Merkle to honor her late husband Ray and their commitment to education. Ray was employed by the First National Bank of Denver for 37 years, and after his death, Velma worked for the Colorado Game and Fish Department for 21 years. Though they never had children of their own, it was Velma's hope that this fund would help a few students each year to pay for some of their higher education expenses. This was Velma's way of giving back to the Denver community that she so dearly loved. The scholarship is a one-time award that may be used towards tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, and other required educational expenses at trade schools, technical schools, community colleges, or 4-year accredited colleges in Colorado. Applications are reviewed based on financial need, academic performance, and extracurricular activities and leadership.