Scholarship checks delayed for dozens of local students

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Dozens of Philadelphia public school graduates worked hard to earn the scholarships, which were given by a generous local business.

The Philadelphia School District has the scholarship funds so the families want to know why they haven't received the money yet. One of those parents reached out to Action News.

Siani Bolling's parents showed off her diploma from Overbrook High School and other mementos from their daughter's graduation, including a certificate naming her as a Pacifico Family Foundation Scholarship winner.

Action News was there in May when Bolling as well as dozens of other winners were given those certificates and promised at least $1,000 each.

"She graduated with honors. She earned this academically," said Eric Nelson, Bolling's dad.

Bolling's family also has a letter stating she should receive the money by June 15th.

Her parents were counting on the funds because Bolling is beginning college early.

She heads to Indiana University of Pennsylvania this weekend but the much-needed check still hasn't arrived.

"It's not just an inconvenience to my daughter, but to the other students who worked so hard to receive these scholarship checks," said Nelson.

Nelson said he was finally able to get a school district official on the phone to ask about the delay.

"She said she wasn't mailing the checks out because she wasn't sure the students actually graduated. She had to be certain the students graduated," said Nelson.

Action News called the Philadelphia School District and got a different answer.

A spokeswoman tells us this problem was caused by a school district "paperwork discrepancy."

She wouldn't explain the discrepancy but added, "The district is in the process of alerting students about the delay. The scholarship checks WILL be available early next week."

The district also says a total of 48 students, who were honored at the ceremony, haven't received their scholarship checks.

"Mr. Pacifico honored these students with this scholarship and they deserve to have it in a timely fashion," said Nelson.

After Action News got involved, the school district is now admitting its mistake, calling all the students affected and getting those checks out as soon as possible.

A spokeswoman says the district "regrets the inconvenience."

Action News will stay on this case until these students get their money back.