The Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (SDCCW) is offering Diocesan Leadership Scholarships that recognize outstanding Catholic female high school seniors. Four $500 scholarships will be awarded this year. According to scholarship chair Mary Ann Scopel, applicants will be judged on how they exemplify DCCW's mission values of leadership, faith and service.

Young women who are interested in applying for the scholarship should contact their high school principal or guidance office, their parish office or www.dccwspringfield.catholicweb.com for application directions.

In addition to the applicant's school and parish resume, an essay is required showing how the senior has exemplified leadership, faith and service in her community, parish and school. Also required are letters of recommendation from at least two individuals who are well acquainted with the applicant.

Completed resume, essay and letters of recommendation must be postmarked no later than March 25. The DCCW will select the scholarship winners and those winners will be notified by May 1. Winners and their families will be honored guests at this year's DCCW convention which will be held in Paris, Ill., on Sept. 29.

DCCW is an affiliate of the National Council of Catholic Women and has been active in promoting the Catholic faith through service and leadership within the deanery and parish Councils of Catholic women since 1927. The council is comprised of representatives from the deaneries of Alton, Decatur, Effingham, Litchfield, Jacksonville, Quincy and Springfield.

For more information on the scholarships contact Mary Ann Scopel at (217) 835-2505 or .