How would you like to go to college on a St. Patrick’s Day scholarship? It doesn’t sound very scholarly, but it is.

The Greenville Avenue Area Business Association is awarding its first scholarships from the proceeds of the annual Greenville Avenue St. Patrick’s Day parade. The $2,500 awards were granted to three graduating, college-bound Dallas seniors based on financial need and academic achievement. They are:

Emigdio Sierra of Emmett J. Conrad High School

Kara Tinsley of Woodrow Wilson High School

Luis Martinez of North Dallas High School

The scholarships are the business owners’ way to give back to the community, said Jim Miller, a spokesman for the association, which represents about 50 businesses from Park Lane to Mockingbird Lane.

The Greenville Avenue Area Business Association produces the St. Patrick’s Day parade, where tens of thousands line up each year to catch some laughs and candy and the occasional Jello shot. But not everyone is a fan of the day’s festivities. After the morning parade, the party moves to lower Greenville where it turns into a big street scene. By the time it clears out, there’s usually a big mess, a bit of trouble and some unhappy neighbors who feel put upon.

The Upper Greenville association wants to distance itself from those problems. Miller said the businesses have worked to quickly clean up the street after the holiday and is looking for other ways to contribute to the community. Hence, the scholarships.

Go to the jump to read more.