Students
Senator Ronnie DePasco was a resident of the Historic Northeast neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, for over 50 years. He attended Holy Trinity grade school and graduated from Northeast High School in 1962.
After attending Maple Woods Community College, DePasco went to work for Armco Steel, working in the metallurgical department for 5 years. He left Armco to run the family business, DePasco’s Tavern, which was established in 1934, and was located at 12th and Cleveland.
In 1976, with encouragement from family and friends, DePasco ran for the Missouri House of Representatives. Winning that election, he went on to represent the Northeast area in the House for the next 16 years. In 1992, he was elected to the Missouri Senate. He was reelected to this position several more times and proudly served as Senator until his death in 2003.
During DePasco’s tenure as an elected official, he achieved many notable goals, including securing funding for the Liberty Memorial, the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum, the Truman Memorial Building and the historic Harry S. Truman Courthouse in Independence.
As an avid supporter of law enforcement, he was widely recognized for his work on issues affecting the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department and his sponsorship of many anti-crime bills such as Jake’s Law. His proudest political achievement was the creation of the Cliff Drive Scenic Byway. It was officially named the Ronnie DePasco Scenic Byway in 2003, with plaques at each of the four entrances honoring him.
While Ronnie was always modest about his accomplishments, others profusely praised and honored them. Over 40 organizations honored him as “Senator of the Year” or “Man of the Year.” The Kansas City Star reported that DePasco “was remembered as a man of wit and compassion whose affection for the old neighborhood in the Northeast area of Kansas City endured for a lifetime.”
Understanding this devotion, his family has established this scholarship foundation to honor Senator DePasco and the love he had for his community and its future.
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduating senior from a public high school from the Kansas City metro area;
- Must be the dependent of an employee of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department;
- Must be pursuing an undergraduate degree at any accredited junior college, college or university in Missouri;
- Must have demonstrated participation in school activities and community service.
Amount:
Up to $2,500 per academic year.
Renewable:
May be renewed for three additional years of funding if applicant continues to meet the above eligibility criteria. A renewal application must be submitted with proof of continuing college enrollment and a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.5.
Deadline:
The General Application will be opened December 2 and will be due (including any additional requirements for scholarships you may be matched with) February 14.
Requirements:
- Transcripts showing grades from Fall Semester 2024. Any applications submitted with transcripts omitting Fall Semester 2024 will not be considered.
- An essay of approximately 500 words that elaborates on your educational and career goals and describes and event or situation, whether positive or negative, that has impacted your life;
- A letter of reference from a teacher, pastor, or other influential adult in your life.
Apply: