The Bluffton Lions Club, for the first time ever, is offering two $500 scholarships to 2013 graduating seniors in area schools.

The scholarships will be paid directly to the school or college where the winning students will be enrolled.

Applications for these scholarships may be obtained through the guidance counselors either in Bluffton, Pandora-Gilboa or Cory-Rawson School Districts. Those completed applications received by April 16, 2013, will be considered.

Information and an essay that the student provides will determine the choice of the recipients by an established committee of the Bluffton Lions. An emphasis on volunteerism will be one criteria used in determining eligibility for these scholarships