MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Interested high school seniors whose parents are active duty, retired or deceased Naval service members, can apply for the Alexander Kreiglowa Navy and Marine Corps Dependents Education Foundation Scholarship Program.

 This is the first year the scholarship has been made available, explained Marilyn Bucchi, the vice president of scholarship programs for the Navy League’s San Diego chapter.

 “The scholarship is self containing because we use interest on the account Kreiglowa set up,” said Buccchi.

 The scholarship, which is available for the first time this year, provides up to $15,000 per year to pay for tuition, books and school fees.

 Students must maintain a B average to maintain the scholarship for their four-year bachelor degree program.

 Students need to re-submit their applications every year to continue funding.

 In order to apply to the program, students must graduate in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class and have proof of need for financial assistance.

 To prove financial need interested scholars must fill out a “special circumstances” form supplied by the league.

 “The special circumstances form lets us know the types of hardships they are experiencing,” said Bucchi. “These forms let us know about unusual financial circumstances such as a large medical expense, but they need to provide documentation of the expense.”

 Four to five students will receive the scholarship in the San Diego area this year, explained Bucchi.

 Kreiglowa started the program in order to give back to the Navy after serving more than 20 years and retiring in 1957.

 “The Navy was very good to me and I think this is one way I can give back,” said Kreiglowa. “I want the scholarship money to go to students who have a strong desire to get ahead and accomplish things.”

 Applications and forms can be found on the Navy League Web sitewww.navyleague-sd.com.