Loans are a good alternative, but if a student is given a chance to earn a prize, which is what a scholarship is, essentially, why not offer them that? Something tells me that people who are criticizing this "free money" would be singing a different tune if it was their child losing the $4,000 they were promised, and are facing thousands of dollars in debt. As a taxpayer (and, may I add, a recent grad with very little money herself), I have no problem with knowing my money goes to help a deserving, hardworking kid get the same chance I had, or even something better.

Whats wrong with a student LOAN? I am a college student and like most students right now in this economic downfall, am having a really hard time getting a student load because companies have simply suspended their programs until the economy picks back up again. I ended up finally getting a student loan but at at a ridiculous interest rate of 12%. That means in about 4 years, the loan I just took out to finance my education, is going to double. That is absurd. In order to get a good job in today's world you are required to have a degree. How are students supposed to get a degree when students simply cannot afford it and companies refuse to give them loans. Colleges now a days seem to be in it for the money, not the education. I take classes that supposedly makes me well rounded but am pursuing a career as an electrician. Tell me why do I have to take a gym class in order to graduate. Seems to me that the university is making money on a class that I shouldn't be required to take. Universities are going to have to eventually find a way to make it more affordable for students to pursue a degree. Instead, tuition keeps rising and the head officials keep getting pay raises.

Too bad Mr. Lindberg can't rally for his district! His district is suffering with high unemployment, closing prisons, very little stimulus money! Most of the Federal stimulus money will be kept in Lansing to off set Granholm's spending spree. I guess we have to be from Newberry and win the lottery to get his attention. When something positive happens, low and behold there is Mr. Lindberg's picture (typical politician). Thank goodness for term limits.

The money is an investment in our future. These students earn it by working hard and doing well in school. My son for one would not have been able to attend his college without this award. He is taking out loans also and has other scholarships, but without the $4000 he would not be able to make it.

It's called investing in our future. Education is the most important life time asset a person has, and it shouldn't matter how this is obtained, as much as the importance of the future.
Scholarships offer incentive. If one receipant receives it and goes on to find the cure for cancer, or how many stars are in the sky, or finds life on another planet, it's well worth it.

Every nickel you get is paid for by other people. What's wrong with a student LOAN? With your degree, you'll get a better paying job and should be required to pay back those dollars. Can you explain why the elderly and others should pay for YOUR expenses?