The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, which has more than 70 scholarships available, has posted scholarship applications online.

The awards range from $250 to $5,000 per academic year. Two of the most recognized scholarships are available to students graduating from any high school in the state.

The Joe Foss "An American Hero" Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate characteristics of an American patriot, and the Fred and Marie Christopherson Scholarship recognizes high school seniors who plan to continue their education at a college or university in South Dakota.

Other scholarships benefit students from specific communities,
including Alcester-Hudson, Canton, Dell Rapids, Doland, Groton,
Sioux Falls, Sisseton, Tea and Trent.

Foundation Vice President Andy Patterson says the Christmas
break is a great time to work on scholarship applications. He says
most are due March 15.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)