UCS Foundation for Educational Excellence: Superintendent's Scholarship Application

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2023 Superintendent's Scholarship Guidelines

Academic Scholarships

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Introduction

The 2023 Superintendent’s Scholarship will be awarded to multiple Utica Community Schools graduating seniors who plan to continue their education at a university, community college or technical institution. These scholarships have been made possible by the Utica Community Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence since 2009, as well as other community sources. Over $35,000 in scholarships will be awarded this year.

The 2023 Superintendent’s Scholarship candidates must complete this application and submit it along with all required supporting documents. Every aspect of the packet you submit will be taken into consideration by the committee. When your application, essay(s), appraisal and grades have been reviewed, the committee members want to feel like they really know who you are and how your journey has brought you to where you are today, as well as your potential for future success. Finalists will be invited to be interviewed by Superintendent Robert S. Monroe, and a distinguished committee, before a final determination of awardees is made.

Utica Community Schools

Vision Statement

Utica Community Schools, in partnership with our community, will empower students to positively transform their future and the world.

Utica Community Schools

Mission Statement

Utica Community Schools ignites a passion for learning in all students. We strengthen our community by welcoming all learners, honoring culture, and inspiring remarkable growth and achievement. We accomplish this by:

-Ensuring students are at the heart of all decisions

-Collaborating with all stakeholders

-Providing a safe and supportive environment

-Encouraging mindsets that are open to innovation

-Reimagining what school can be

-Promoting high expectations throughout Utica Community Schools

-Committing to multiple pathways toward excellence and achievement for all

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IMPORTANT

This scholarship application becomes valid only when you have submitted a complete application and your appraiser submits a timely appraisal form and letter of recommendation no later than 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2023.

Please note that submitted scholarship applications missing required elements will not be considered.

After completing the application, you must review and CONFIRM your submission. After confirming your submission, a confirmation number will be displayed. Make a record of this confirmation number. Your application is not valid unless you receive and retain the confirmation number. If you believe that your application submission was complete, but you did not receive a confirmation number, email the Superintendent's Office at jennifer.swanchara@uticak12.org.

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Scholarship Application Instructions and Requirements

Applicant Information: Complete the sections for student applicant information, high school and post-secondary information, work experience, and school and community activities. List the accredited colleges or programs you plan to attend in order of preference, including whether or not you have been accepted.

Financial Need Worksheet: Completing the financial need worksheet is a requirement for scholarship selection (not applicable for the Stefan's Hope Scholarship). Equal consideration is given to all applicants regardless of financial need; however, it is considered. If applicable, it is appropriate to indicate you do not have a financial need.

High School Transcript: Upload a copy of your high school transcript. Transcript copies can be requested from the counseling office at your school.

Essay – Required by all applicants:

Complete using Garamond font, 12-point, double-spaced and no more than 500 words. Include your full name at the top of each page. You will be prompted to upload your essay. The essay is the most important item in the selection process. In other words, the essay is heavily weighted.

Students may apply for any of the offered scholarships in which they meet the listed qualifications. An original essay must be submitted for each selected scholarship and not duplicated. Selected recipients will only receive one scholarship total.

Appraisal Form and Letter of Recommendation: Acquire one appraisal which is a letter of recommendation from a teacher, school counselor, administrator or non-family member. Please give the person completing the form enough notice to write a letter of recommendation and submit electronically prior to the application deadline. It is the student’s responsibility to share the appraisal link with the appraiser or otherwise notify the appraiser of the process and submission deadline.

This is the appraisal form link to be shared www.uticak12.org/appraisal

Final Requirement: If you are invited by an emailed invitation (sent to the email address you provide in the application), you will be interviewed by Superintendent Robert S. Monroe, and a distinguished committee before a final determination of awardees is made. Using your district provided email ensures more reliable receipt of communications. Otherwise, be sure to allow emails from uticak12.org and/or check your junk/clutter boxes.

Application Deadline: This application must be submitted electronically. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2023. This application becomes valid only when you have submitted and confirmed a complete application and your appraiser submits an appraisal form and letter of recommendation no later than 11:59 p.m on Monday, January 30, 2023.

< Continue to the next page for helpful tips >

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Tips for Completing Your Application

Here are some tips that may be helpful to you in completing this application.

Plan ahead! The application may take 30 minutes or more to complete, plus additional time to write your essay(s). If needed, secure your transcript from your school's counseling office.
Remember: The deadline to submit the completed application and appraisal is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2023.
Be courteous to your appraiser. Allow plenty of time for them to complete the appraisal, write a letter of recommendation, and submit the information electronically prior to the application deadline.
You may work on this application over time by saving your work and resuming the application at a later date.
To save the application select the ‘save and resume later’ option from either the top or bottom of any page. When you save the application you will need to provide an email address and a password. Remember this email and password - it will be needed to resume the application!
You can resume a saved application by either using the link provided by the system when the application is saved (the link can be bookmarked) or by opening a blank application and selecting the ‘Resume a previously saved form’ link from either the top or bottom of the page.
NOTE: Saving the application does NOT submit the application for consideration. You must resume, review and CONFIRM the completed application prior to the deadline.
You will be asked to review and optionally edit your full application immediately after selecting the 'Review My Application' button on the final page of the application. Carefully review all of your information for accuracy and completeness. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
You will be able to print a copy of your completed application as part of the submission process.
It is your responsibility to share the link to the appraisal form with your appraiser.
Appraisers will complete the appraisal form and submit their letter of recommendations at this website link: www.uticak12.org/appraisal
Appraisers can type their letter of recommendation directly into the appraisal form or they can upload a file containing the letter of recommendation.
After completing and reviewing the application, you must CONFIRM your submission at the bottom of the review page. After confirming your submission a confirmation number will be displayed. Make a record of this confirmation number. Your application is not valid unless you receive and retain the confirmation number. If you believe that your application submission was complete but you did not receive a confirmation number contact the Superintendent's Office at 586-797-1100 or email Jennifer.Swanchara@uticak12.org.

_______________________________________

IMPORTANT: This scholarship application becomes valid only when you have submitted a complete application and your appraiser submits an appraisal form and letter of recommendation

no later than 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2023. Your application is not valid unless you receive and retain an application confirmation number.

< Proceed to the next page to begin your application >

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Scholarship Opportunities

There are five scholarship options offered within this application. Students may apply for any scholarship in which they meet the listed qualifications. A description of each scholarship is listed below. Selected recipients will only receive one scholarship total.

You are required to write an essay as part of the application process. An original essay must be submitted for each selected scholarship and not duplicated. The essay is the most important item in the selection process and must be completed by all applicants.

Each scholarship option has a unique essay prompt. Complete the essay portion of the application using Garamond font, 12-point, double-spaced and no more than 500 words. The essay must be a polished piece of writing equal in quality to an essay you would send to a college. You should have it proofread and adhere to all good practices of grammar and writing.

Complete your essay using Microsoft Word or a similar program. Make sure that your name and the name of the scholarship is included at the top of each page of the essay. Once the scholarship(s) you are applying for are selected, you will be prompted to upload your essay file. Accepted file formats are PDF, DOC, and DOCX.

$1,000 Superintendent's Scholarship

If you are a graduating senior who plans to continue their education at a university, community college or technical institution, you may be eligible for this $1,000 scholarship.

To apply you are required to write an original essay. This essay is heavily weighted for consideration of the Superintendent's Scholarship.

Essay: Please submit an essay that gives an account of your academic interests and/or career pursuits, intellectual interests and your choice of college and/or career plans for the future. Your essay needs to be reflective of your personality, successes and aspirations.

Selected recipients will receive a $1,000 scholarship. It will not be combined with the Brett Klenow Scholarship, the Stefan's Hope Scholarship, the Larry M. Smith Memorial Scholarship or the Richard LaBaere Scholarship. You will be prompted to upload your essay.

$1,500 Brett Klenow* Scholarship

If you are a student who is pursuing a career in engineering, computer science or a related field through advance study at a four-year college or university and who represents a high level of character and integrity, you may be eligible for this $1,500 scholarship.

To apply, you are required to write an original essay. This essay is heavily weighted for consideration of the Brett Klenow Scholarship.

Essay Prompt: What or who inspired you to pursue a career in engineering, computer science or a related field and how do you plan to fulfill your career goals? Also select a personal quality with which you identify: kindness, perseverance, diligence, independence, self-confidence, sense of humor, or respect for others. Describe how it has shaped your high school experience and how you think it will help you to be successful in college.

The recipient will receive a $1,500 scholarship. It will not be combined with the Superintendent’s Scholarship, the Stefan's Hope Scholarship, the Larry M. Smith Memorial Scholarship or the Richard LaBaere Scholarship. You will be prompted to upload your essay.

$500 Stefan's Hope** Scholarship

If you are a student in your last year of high school with an individualized education plan eligibility for Autism Spectrum Disorder, then you may be eligible for this $500 scholarship.

To apply, you are required to write an original essay. This essay is heavily weighted for consideration of the Stefan’s Hope Scholarship. You may utilize the assistance of your parent/guardian to complete and submit your essay.

Essay: Describe your talents and interests, community or service involvement you have done. Explain how Utica Community Schools has helped prepare you for your post-high school education or training. Tell us about your post high school vision and your plans for your future.

The recipient will receive a $500 scholarship. It will not be combined with the Superintendent’s Scholarship, the Brett Klenow Scholarship, the Larry M. Smith Memorial Scholarship or
the Richard LaBaere Scholarship. You will be prompted to upload your essay.

$1,000 Larry M. Smith*** Memorial Scholarship

If you are a student who has humbly provided meaningful support to a fellow student, and/or has selflessly given back to the community without seeking recognition or accolades, have a financial need, and is planning to continue your education at a university, college, technical institution or trade school, you may be eligible for this $1,000 scholarship.

To apply, you are required to write an original essay. This essay is heavily weighted for consideration of the Larry M. Smith Memorial Scholarship.

Essay Prompt: Identify a situation where you stood up for someone or something, or contributed to your school or community when others did not. Explain why this was important to you and what you will carry forward from this experience. Describe the experience, how it has shaped you and/or impacted your post-secondary/career aspirations.

The recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship. It will not be combined with the Superintendent’s Scholarship, the Brett Klenow Scholarship, the Stefan's Hope Scholarship or the Richard LaBaere Scholarship. You will be prompted to upload your essay.

$1,000 Richard LaBaere**** Scholarship

The Richard LaBaere Scholarship is for 2023 graduating high school seniors with special needs as determined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The amount of the scholarship will be $1,000.

To apply, you are required to write an original essay. This essay is heavily weighted for consideration of the Richard LaBaere Scholarship.

Essay Prompt: How will this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
Tell us how you will use this scholarship to make the world a better place as you achieve your goals.

The recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship. It will not be combined with the Superintendent’s Scholarship, the Larry M. Smith Scholarship, the Brett Klenow Scholarship or the Stefan's Hope Scholarship. You will be prompted to upload your essay.

< Continue to the next page to make your scholarship selection >

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* The Brett Klenow Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Brett Klenow, a 2005 graduate of Eisenhower High School. The purpose of The Brett Klenow Scholarship Fund is to provide inspiration and financial assistance to a graduating UCS high school student who seeks to fulfill their career goals in engineering, computer science or a related field through advance study at a four-year college or university.

** Stefan’s Hope, a local non-profit, was founded in 2011 as a source of hope for families who have received a diagnosis of autism for a loved one. The Stefan’s Hope Scholarship Fund supports young adults who live with autism and who will be continuing their education at a post-secondary institution.

*** The Larry M. Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Larry M. Smith, a former teacher, counselor and retired administrator with Utica Community Schools. Mr. Smith has been described as a true gentleman and genuinely kind human being. He made people laugh, feel comfortable, important and loved. His family established this memorial scholarship to provide post-secondary financial assistance to a graduating UCS high school student who embodies Mr. Smith’s legacy.

**** The Richard LaBaere Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Richard LaBaere, who dedicated 31 years of service to education. Richard "Dick" LaBaere started his career in education in UCS as a 6th grade teacher and then became principal at Schwarzkoff Elementary. From there he was named Assistant Superintendent in Personnel and Labor Relations, until he became Superintendent of Utica Community Schools. Dick will always be remembered and loved for his quick smile, generous heart and willingness to help others. He taught those around him by example to be kind, patient and to never quit when the going gets tough. This scholarship is designed to carry on his legacy of love and sacrifice and commitment to provide opportunities for everyone to make this world a better place.

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Community Activities, Awards, Honors

Enter the most significant community (non-school) activities in which you have participated during the past four years. List special awards, honors, achievements, certifications and leadership positions held. You may add details for up to 5 community activities by clicking on the link at the bottom of this section.

Community Activity

Years of Participation

Awards, Honors, Achievements

Leadership / Offices Held

School Activities, Awards, Honors and Achievements

Name the most significant school activities in which you have participated during the last four years in order of importance (e.g. student government, music, art, sports, etc). You may add details for up to 5 school activities by clicking on the link at the bottom of this section.

School Activity

Years of Participation

Awards, Honors, Achievements

Leadership / Offices Held

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Financial Need Worksheet

Please provide the following information for your first choice of accredited institutions where you have applied.

Institution Name

Institution Type

2-Year Community College	4-Year College/University
Technical Institution	Other

Description for Other

I am applying based on academic scholarship and may not qualify for financial assistance

Costs and Contributions

Enter the estimated costs for your first year of attendance (use whole dollars without commas)

Tuition and Fees

$

.00

Housing

$

.00

.

Enter the expected contributions for your first year of attendance

How much will you contribute to the total cost of your first year?

$

.00

How much will your parents / guardians contribute to your first year?

$

.00

How much do you anticipate receiving from financial aid?

$

.00

How much do you anticipate receiving in student loans?

$

.00

Total Cost

$

Total Contributions

$

Unmet Financial Need

$

Number of Household Members

List any additional sources of income (work study, grants or other scholarships) you expect to contribute to the cost of your college experience. Use a separate line for each source of income. Enter whole dollars without commas.

Source

$

.00

Please provide any additional information that will assist the reviewers to better understand your financial situation. Equal consideration is given to all applicants regardless of financial need.

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High School Transcript

Upload a copy of your high school transcript. You can request a copy of your transcript from the counseling office at your school.

You may save this application and resume it at a later time when your transcript is ready to upload. The option to save the application is provided at the top and bottom of each page.

IMPORTANT: Saving the application does NOT submit the application for consideration. You must REVIEW and CONFIRM this application prior to the deadline indicated in the instructions.

Upload your transcript file here. Accepted formats are PDF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, TIFF

Appraisal Form and Letter of Recommendation

Applicants are required to have an appraisal and a letter of recommendation from a teacher, school counselor, administrator or other non-family member. The appraisal and letter of recommendation will be submitted online.

Please give the person writing the appraisal and letter of recommendation enough notice to complete the appraisal, write a letter of recommendation, and submit the information electronically prior to the application deadline.

It is the applicant's responsibility to share the appraisal link with the appraiser or otherwise notify the appraiser of the process and submission deadline of 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2023.

Appraisers will complete the appraisal form and submit their letter of recommendations at this website link: www.uticak12.org/appraisal

Responsibility with Appraiser

I understand that I am responsibile for sharing the link to the online appraisal form with my appraiser. I must also notify the appraiser of the submission process and application deadline.

Certification and Signatures

I certify that the information provided is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Falsification of information may result in termination of any scholarship granted. This application becomes the property of the Superintendent’s Scholarship Program and will be held in confidence.

Student Applicant Signature (Typed name serves as a digital signature)

Parent Signature (Typed name serves as a digital signature)

Email communication regarding receipt of, or errors with this application will be sent to the following address:

Email Address Verification

I have verified that the email address above is correct

IMPORTANT: After completing this application you will be provided a final review of your application immediately after selecting the 'Review My Application' button below. Carefully review all of your information for accuracy and completeness. Incomplete applications will not be considered. After your review is complete you must CONFIRM your application using the 'CONFIRM' button at the bottom of the review page.

After confirming your submission a confirmation number will be displayed. Make a record of this confirmation number. You will also receive an email with this confirmation number (the email may arrive in your junk or clutter box). Your application is not valid unless you receive and retain the confirmation number. If you believe that your application submission was complete but you did not receive a confirmation number, email the Superintendent's Office at Jennifer.Swanchara@uticak12.org.

Confirmation Number Acknowledgement

I understand that I must receive and retain a confirmation number for this application to be valid.

Date / Time:

Click on 'Review My Application' to review your entries and print a copy of the application for your records.

Advanced Placement	AIM	AVID	CORE
CTE	Dual Enrollment	Stevenson MADE	UCMST
UCNCT	UCSI	None of the Listed Programs

Co-op	Internship	Work Study	Job Shadowing
Volunteer	After-school Job	Other