DeSoto High seniors with big dreams and a desire to serve, here's your shot at some extra college cash. The Officer Richard S. Pittmon Memorial Scholarship is up for grabs, offering $2,000 to ease the financial strain on students bound for higher education. Named in honor of a dedicated officer, the award is aimed at those who mirror his commitment to community and service, according to the DeSoto Police Department.

Hopeful applicants residing in DeSoto and attending its high school should hit the books — a GPA of 2.5 is your ticket in. Not only academic performance but also leadership qualities will be under the microscope. With the cost of education skyrocketing, this scholarship could be the lifeline for students destined for service-oriented fields, providing a nudge toward careers fraught with challenges yet rewarding in their essence.

DeSoto High's own Ms. Rayline (Doris) Perkins is the gatekeeper of this opportunity, with her office serving as the drop zone for applications. Time is ticking away, with the May deadline fast approaching, and the aspirations of many a young scholar hanging in the balance. It's a race against time, with only the studious and benevolently inclined making the cut.