The Greater Long Island Running Club is accepting nominations for its 20th annual Herb Grayson Memorial Scholarship Award. The club plans to present $2,000 in US Savings Bonds to one or more graduating high school seniors to be selected on the basis of his or her service to the Long Island running community. All graduating seniors who reside anywhere in Nassau County or Suffolk County are eligible.

The club is not necessarily interested in the star of the track or cross-country team; it is interested in the youngster who helped raise the funds to send the team to an out-of-state meet, or who helped organize a road race for a local charity. The key is service, not athletic prowess. If no applicant meets the club's standards (it happened in 1989), the club simply won't make an award. If there is more than one applicant who stands out in terms of service to the Long Island running community, the club will make multiple awards, as it has in 1985, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

The club's scholarship program was redesignated as the Herb Grayson Memorial Scholarship in 2001, to honor the memory of Herb Grayson, who died March 7, 2001 at the age of 75. Herb was a good friend and determined runner, whose quiet wisdom and unfailing good humor were an inspiration to everyone. His wonderful sense of humor and positive attitude on life made him a truly outstanding human being. Herb's 21-year running career encompassed 341 races, including 11 marathons and one 12-hour run.

Applications for the 2004 scholarship can be obtained from GLIRC scholarship chair Erica Gassen at 349-7646. The deadline for submission of applications is April 6.