Craig L. Cross

Craig L. Cross Future Teachers Scholarship

To honor Craig Cross’ legacy of teaching, mentoring, coaching, and guiding by providing educational resources to students pursuing a career in teaching.

Winter Scholarship - Closed Closed This scholarship is part of the Winter application cycle. The application is open December 1st to February 1st every year. How to Apply

Scholarship Background and Intent

Craig dedicated 35 years to education, beginning as a 6th-grade teacher at Monmouth Grade School and retiring after 33 years as a beloved 1st-grade teacher at Byron School. In addition to teaching, he coached girls' volleyball and basketball and inspired students through motivational talks, always demonstrating exceptional commitment and care for the children he served.

Beyond the classroom, Craig had a deep appreciation for the arts, especially painting and directing Poetry Theatre productions, with a special fondness for Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree. He was also a passionate gardener and arborist who found joy in nature and the outdoors.

A humble and faithful Christian, Craig treasured his family, friends, and lifelong relationships. His strong faith guided his daily life through Bible study and prayer. He maintained close connections with loved ones, former students, high school friends, and fellow retired teachers. Remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to others, Craig leaves behind a lasting legacy and will be deeply missed.

Eligibility Criteria

Every CFNIL scholarship has a unique intent, often reflecting the background of the donor or person in whose memory the fund was created. CFNIL uses an online "universal" application to ensure the most efficient process; as an applicant, you do not need to predetermine which scholarships you should apply for. Complete ONE application each cycle, and your answers to a series of yes/no and personal background questions automatically match you to every scholarship you are eligible for. Because our scholarships were created to support students of all ages, backgrounds, and aspirations, we encourage every scholarship seeker (high school graduating seniors and older) to apply!

Specifications

  • Academic performance will be given high consideration in the selection process.
  • Past recipients can reapply but may only receive the award for two years.
  • A history of taking education-related courses will be a positive factor in the selection process.

Written Prompt

Each CFNIL scholarship is created with a specific purpose in mind. As you complete the application, the system automatically matches you with every scholarship for which you are eligible and will present you with a specific written prompt for each. You're encouraged to craft a unique response to each prompt to show the reviewers why you're the best candidate for that scholarship.