The Western Kane County Republican Organization is seeking applicants for a scholarship created to honor former chairman Stan Bond, who passed away earlier this year.

The $500 scholarship is open to high school and college students who live in the Western Townships of Burlington, Virgil, Plato, Rutland, Kaneville, Blackberry, Big Rock, Hampshire and Sugar Grove. The scholarship will be awarded based on a 500-word essay on "What Freedom of Speech Means to Me." According to a news release, the essays will be screened anonymously and Stan's wife, Marion Bond, will select the recipient. The winning student must have plans to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year college or private high school for the 2019-2020 academic year. Funds will be distributed directly to the school.

Applications are available online at www.westernkaneGOP.com. Applicants must submit their application, essay and a copy of their most recent transcript/report card to info@westernkaneGOP.com or to Western Kane County Republican Organization, Attn: Scholarship Committee, PO Box 782, Sugar Grove, IL, 60554. Submissions must be received before midnight on July 28.