The Wellington Day School is launching an annual scholarship program in honor of a former student.

Last week, the school announced plans to offer a South Whidbey girl a one-year, full-tuition scholarship every year.

The program is in memory of 10-year-old Rhianna Hobbs, who died unexpectedly in April.

Christine Mulcahy, a spokeswoman for the scholarship, said Wellington officials wanted to do something special to remember Hobbs and a paid tuition for a girl around her age was a good way to do it.

“They wanted to memorialize her and her spirit at the school, Mulcahy said.

The scholarship is limited to female students between fourth and eighth grades, and applications must provide a brief letter of interest.

Parents are also asked to provide a statement about why they would like their daughter to attend the school.

A single recipient will be selected by a teacher committee during the first week of September. Applications are available at the school, or by emailing wellington@whidbey.com

Application deadline is Aug. 31, 2013.

Wellington Day School is located in Langley, WA. It serves students in grades Pre K-8 with a Montessori-based pre-school and a self-paced, individualized curriculum for elementary and middle school students.