SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ANY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT
NOVEMBER
Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Seminar: One Sophomore will be nominated to attend a free
leadership seminar with other high school sophomores for several days in June. Website: www.hoby.org. Pick up
an application and return to the guidance office. Deadline: November 1 st
Voice of Democracy: High school students in grades 9th – 12th. Create a 3-5 minute audio essay on a CD on a
particular theme. Contact Samantha Schmidgall of the local VFW at 618-790-4295 (cell or text). They will award
cash prizes to local students. The winner will advance to the next level of competition. Website: vfw.org (Under
the community tab, click youth & education.). Deadline: Nov 1st.
The Prudential Spirit of Commitment Award: For students in grades 5th – 12th. Students who have made a
difference by volunteering in the community over the past year. Visit spirit.prudential.com or nassp.org/spirit.
Deadline: November 8th.
DECEMBER
Carson Scholars Program: For students in grades 4th – 11th . Must have strong humanitarian qualities and a 3.75
GPA. DHS or DMS must nominate the student so see your counselor or principal. Website:
www.carsonscholars.org Deadline for nomination from the school: December 22 nd
The George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest- This contest is open to sophomore, junior and senior students.
Entrants will write an original 800 – 1200 word essay dealing with an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated
with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence or framing of the United States Constitution. For
complete rules, go to https://www.sar.org/Youth/Knight_Essay and click on education tab, then select the Knight
Essay contest. Entries must be received by The Long Knives Chapter by December 31, 2016. Submissions may be
emailed as an attachment to [email protected] with Knight Essay on subject line or printed submissions or on
CD-R may be mailed to:
Kent D. Dixon
SAR Knight Essay
P. O. Box 1144
Du Quoin, IL 62832
JANUARY
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest: For any high school student. The essay will be about the
political courage of a U.S. elected official. Prizes range from $500 to $5,000. Go on-line at www.jfklibrary.org.
Deadline: January 4th.
American Legion Oratorical Contest: Any high school student. Student makes a 3 – 5 minute oratory on certain
U.S. Constitutional topics. Contact the local American Legion at 542-2477 for contest dates. Website: illegion.org
or legion.org Generally held from October 15th through January 15th.
FEBRUARY
SportQuest Playing with Purpose Program: For athletes in 10th - 12th grades. Student must have a “C” average
and be currently a varsity level athlete in one or more sports. Also must be a committed follower of Jesus Christ.
Apply online at scholarshipsearch.com (Search for Playing with Purpose). Deadline is February 1st.
American Legion Americanism Essay Contest: Any high school student or 7th & 8th grade student. Topic has to
do with “Americanism”. For a brochure go to illegion.org. Click on “Scholarship”. Entry deadline is February 3 rd.
Turn in essay to the local American Legion Post.
Christophers Poster Contest: For high school students. Applicant must create a poster with the theme of One
Person Can Make a Difference. Website: christophers.org. Deadline: February 27th
MARCH
Create-a-Greeting-Card Scholarship: Any high school student and college student. Applicant must prepare a
photo, artwork, or computer graphic for the front of a greeting card. Website:
www.gallerycollection.com/greetingcardscontest.htm. Deadline: March 2nd
VFW Young American Creative Patriotic Art Awards: Any high school student. Submit a piece of art to the local
VFW Auxiliary committee. The piece of art must be patriotic in theme. For further instructions go to
www.vfwauxiliary.org/programs-page/scholarships. Deadline: March 31st - Turn in to the local VFW.
APRIL
Ayn Rand Essay Contests: for 9th & 10th graders – read Anthem & enter by March 2017. For 11th & 12th graders –
read The Fountainhead & enter by April 2017. Go online for instructions & topics at www.aynrand.org/contests or
see guidance.
COLLEGE FAIRS
Illinois Regional College Fair: Tuesday, October 25th at 6:00pm at John A. Logan College. This is an annual
event and the closest one to DuQuoin. More than 50 colleges will attend. You can talk to any college representative
and ask questions about entrance requirements, cost of attendance, financial aid, etc. You can also pick up
applications from each college. All high school students & parents are invited.
NACAC College Fair: Sunday, October 16th from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at St. Louis University. This is a national
college fair. 250+ colleges will be represented. To learn more go to nacacnet.org. You must pre-register at
www.gotomyncf.com. To preview the colleges who will attend and to receive tips for the college fair, go to
www.nacacnet.org/ncfstudent
FREE SCHOLARSHIP SEARCHES
Scholarships.com
Moolahspot.com
Studentscholarships.org/scholarship.php
United Negro College Fund - uncf.org
MeritAid.com
Fastweb.com
Legion.org/needalift
This is a comprehensive merit aid scholarship database. Nearly all colleges
offer merit aid scholarships. Both private & state colleges across the country offer merit aid.
Students with a variety of GPAs may qualify. Many awards emphasize leadership or school
involvement. Students should start looking now to see what’s available. Open to all high school
students!