For over forty years Howard Kelleher helped individuals and their families combat alcohol and other drug problems in Yakima County. Mr. Kelleher was a true pioneer of the alcohol counseling field in Central Washington. Howard was one of the original founders of MERIT Resource Services, Sundown M Ranch and Triumph Treatment Services. He was a recipient of the James Oldham Award recognizing his lifetime achievements. Howard continued to work a couple of days weekly and conduct group therapy sessions until his passing at the tender age of ninety-seven, in July of 2005.
In recognition of Howard Kelleher's lifetime commitment to the never ending battle of alcohol and other drug dependence, MERIT Resource Services offers an annual scholarship to graduating senior classes in Yakima County and Prosser. This scholarship is to be applied to continuing education endeavors including four year and two year colleges and universities as well as vocational schools.
For the 2006 graduating class, the Board of Directors of MERIT Resource Services is offering two (2) $1,000.00 scholarships, one (1) to be awarded in the Lower Yakima Valley (including Prosser) and one (1) to be awarded in the upper Yakima Valley. Scholarships will be awarded based on a competitive composition entitled "Are alcohol and drugs a problem in my school, how does it affect me, and what help is available?" Scholarship applications will be judged by a panel made up of two MERIT Resource Services board members, one MERIT Resource Services employee, one student and one school counselor.
For more information contact the Intervention Specialist at your school listed on the Student Assistance Programs page of this website or contact one of our four office locations listed on the home page of this website.