BELLE — Graduating seniors at Belle High School will have a new scholarship opportunity this year with the establishment of the $2,000 Zumwalt Family Scholarship.

The scholarship will recognize one graduating Belle High School senior who has demonstrated a commitment to serving the community while showing an interest in entrepreneurship, business ownership, innovation or creating jobs and economic opportunities for others.

According to the Zumwalt family, the scholarship was established around the belief that giving back is an important responsibility and that strong communities depend on people willing to serve others, take initiative and create opportunities.

Applicants will be evaluated primarily in two areas: community service and entrepreneurial drive.

For community service, consideration will be given to students who demonstrated commitment to helping others and making a positive difference in the Belle community. The entrepreneurial component will consider a student’s interest in entrepreneurship, business ownership, innovation, job creation or developing economic opportunities for others.

“We believe that the future of our community depends on young people who are willing to give back and who have the vision and determination to create opportunities for others,” the Zumwalt family wrote in a Facebook post. “We want to recognize a Belle senior who understands that success isn’t just about what you achieve for yourself, but also about what you can do for your community.”

The $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to one graduating senior. Selection will take into account the applicant’s community involvement, leadership, entrepreneurial spirit and vision for making a positive impact in the future.

Through the scholarship, the Zumwalt family hopes to encourage Belle students to remain involved in their community while pursuing their goals and developing ideas, businesses and opportunities that can contribute to the local economy.

Belle High School seniors interested in applying or obtaining additional information about the Zumwalt Family Scholarship may call the high school at (573) 859-6114 and ask for counselor Chris Feeler.