Kathy Kirschbaum & Karen Fitzsimmons Memorial Scholarship
A $1,000 Scott County Democrats scholarship encouraging graduating Scott County high school seniors to participate in community politics.
Two Trailblazing Scott County Leaders
The scholarship honors the lives, work, and memory of the late Kathy Kirschbaum and Karen Fitzsimmons.
Kathy Kirschbaum
Kathy Kirschbaum became the first female alderman of Davenport in 1967 and later became the first elected female mayor of Davenport, serving as mayor from 1972 to 1976. She also served as a delegate to the 1972 Democratic National Convention and was an early champion of the city's bike paths.
Karen Fitzsimmons
Karen Fitzsimmons was the first female county auditor in Scott County, Iowa. She served honorably as Scott County auditor from 1976 to 2008, bringing professionalism and prestige to the office. She won her first election at the age of 27 and won re-election seven times. Fitzsimmons was very civic-minded. She was active with the Scott County Democratic Party and in the presidential campaigns of Howard Dean, Al Gore, Barack Obama, and other Democratic hopefuls.
Purpose
The Scott County Democratic Party, Iowa, is announcing its annual scholarship in honor of the lives, work, and memory of the late Kathy Kirschbaum and Karen Fitzsimmons. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage participation in community politics.
Eligibility
The $1,000 Kirschbaum-Fitzsimmons Scott County Democrats Scholarship will be awarded to one or more graduating Scott County high school senior who meets the following criteria:
- Presents evidence of acceptance to and eventual enrollment in an accredited post-secondary educational program in the United States. Eligible programs include: 4-year colleges, community colleges, or vocational/technical/trade schools.
- Graduates during the 2026-2027 academic year from a high school in Scott County with at least a 2.75 (out of 4.00) high school grade point average, and has not been enrolled as a full-time college or higher education program student prior to applying for this scholarship. Applicants may be enrolled in dual-enrollment and/or college credit courses while they are in high school.
- Presents two letters of recommendation (described in How To Apply section).
- Agrees to report back to the Scott County Democratic Party Central Committee via written communication or in person regarding their progress in the post-secondary educational program.
- Completes and submits the scholarship application form and supporting documents by the application date (see Timeline section).
- Obtains permission of a parent/legal guardian to participate.
How to Apply
Complete and return the application form and the required documents. Applications that do not include the required documentation will be disqualified.
- High school transcript.
- One letter of recommendation from someone, other than a family member, that confirms your involvement in Democratic Party activities.
- A letter of recommendation from either a high school teacher, guidance counselor, or principal.
- A typewritten essay of 200 words or fewer that describes your volunteer, extra-curricular and Democratic Party activities and why these activities are important to you.
- Submission of the completed application via U.S. mail by the due date.
Download the Application
Print, complete, and return the official application and consent form together with your required documents.
Download Application & Consent Form (PDF)Mail completed applications to:
Toby Paone
Scott County Democratic Party
PO Box 2009
Davenport, IA 52809-2009
Scholarship Award Process
The Scholarship committee will review all application materials submitted for the scholarship. The top contenders may be asked to appear before the Scholarship Committee.
The Scott County Democratic Central Committee will award a one-thousand-dollar ($1,000) scholarship to the selected applicant or applicants during the spring of 2027. The scholarship funds may be used for all post-secondary school-related expenses during the 2027-28 academic year.
Key Dates
Mark these deadlines for the 2027 scholarship cycle.
March 15, 2027
Deadline for postmarking the application.
April 16, 2027
Scholarship winner will be notified; award presentation to follow.
2026 Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to our 2026 Kathy Kirschbaum & Karen Fitzsimmons Memorial Scholarship recipients, honored at our May 7 ceremony: Jozie Perkins (Bettendorf High School), Maulid Sanchez Carmona (Pleasant Valley High School), Avery Stineman (Davenport West High School), and Nolan Williams (Durant High School). We are proud to support these outstanding future leaders.
Previous Scholarship Winners
We are proud to announce the 2025 Kathy Kirschbaum & Karen Fitzsimmons Memorial Scholarship recipients!
Grace Ludwig
A graduate of Pleasant Valley High School.
Awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Devan Riberdy
A graduate of North High School.
Awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Finn Boyle
A graduate of Bettendorf High School.
Awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Congratulations to all three of our outstanding recipients!
Questions About the Scholarship?
Contact the Scott County Democratic Party for more information.
Office: 1203 Jersey Ridge Rd. Ste 7, Davenport, Iowa 52803
Mailing: P.O. Box 2009, Davenport, Iowa 52809
Phone: 563-324-7699
Email: Info@ScottCountyDems.org