The Cary Cusumano Scholarship Fund was created by The Cusumano Family to help volleyball players in financial need that share Cary's passion for volleyball. High Performance and its partners Stratman Sports and ACE have expanded The Cusumano's generous gift to increase the allotted funding to impact even more athletes and families in the name of their dear friend Cary Cusumano.

Cary's upbringing, education, and passion for volleyball led him on a path to serve and help others. This scholarship is an incredible way to honor the lasting legacy and impact that Cary had on HP and our volleyball community beyond the game of volleyball. Cary knew that when we help others we help make our world a better place for everyone.

As noted this Scholarship is need based and as such applicant families will need to submit past years IRS tax returns as a requirement to qualify for this aid. The initial application process and details for applying are as follows.

1. $15,000 Scholarship Fund to be divided between winning applicants
   • Girls High School Application Deadline = 11/27
   • Boys Application Deadline = 11/27
   • Girls Middle School Application Deadline = 11/27  
2. Applicants need to send previous two (2) years IRS completed Tax Returns to cfo@hpstl.org. This should be done before sending the essay to ensure you financially qualify for the scholarship. 
3. Applicants need to send a 500-1,000 word essay to cfo@hpstl.org, written by the ATHLETE explaining the athletes volleyball passion, and how that passion for volleyball has helped them become a better servant leader, and why that is important to them.
4. Applicants need to be in good standing with the club.
5. Applicants NOT following steps 2-4 by the appropriate deadline will be disqualified.
6. Winning applicants will be contacted by 12/18.
7. All allotted funds will be awarded at the discretion of the Cary Cusumano Scholarship review board guided by The Cusumano Family.

Please note: If a family has already paid in full, a refund will be issued for the amount of the scholarship. If there is still money owed on an account, a credit will be applied. There will be no cash value awarded for this scholarship. A family can only receive a reduction of a partial or up to the full amount of their club dues obligation.