For DonorsFor Applicants

Rev. Frank W. Steward Memorial Scholarship

$500
1 winner$500
Open
Next Application Deadline
Mar 15, 2025
Next Winners Announced
Apr 15, 2025
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
State:
Florida
Experience:
Volunteering or community service
GPA:
3.0 or higher

Everyone faces certain challenges as they pursue their goals and dreams, and having the strength and determination to overcome them is an important skill.

As students work to make a difference in the lives of others through their careers and through volunteer work, they can live rich and meaningful lives. The Rev. Frank W. Steward Memorial Scholarship will honor Frank’s legacy and encourage students to continue persevering through challenges in order to make the world a better place.

High school seniors in Florida are eligible to apply if they have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have volunteer experience.

To apply, write about how you plan to use your career to make a difference, and explain how you plan to overcome obstacles that come your way as you pursue your educational goals.

Selection Criteria:
Essay, Perseverance, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published October 18, 2024
Essay Topic

Tell us about yourself and how you plan to make a positive impact on the world through your career. What obstacles do you anticipate you might encounter during your college education experience, and how will you work to overcome them? Tell us a little bit about your passions.

400–600 words

Winning Application

Charm Camiel
Columbia High SchoolLake City, FL
Greetings, My name is Charm Camiel. I am a graduating senior student at Columbia High School located in Lake City, FL. I am submitting this essay in order that I may provide a synopsis of my career goals when I graduate from college; as well as, how I plan to make a difference to society and finally how I plan to overcome obstacles to fulfill my aspirations. This next phase of my life will begin in the fall of 2024 as I embark upon the pursuit of pursuing a degree in nursing which will help me in my quest to make a difference in the lives of others. As far as overcoming the invariable obstacles which are bound to rear its head, I personally believe that I have already overcome several obstacles in my life which I will cover in this essay. My goal is to ensure that the readers of this essay are informed regarding who I am and who I am as a person. First of all, as I indicated above, I intend to enroll in a college and major in nursing. Nursing is a career field that I have been interested in for a long time. My interest is predicated on my own struggles with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Consequently, I want to be able to help others that are facing the same and similar challenges as myself to be able to overcome those hurdles in life. You can expand on what you will do when you graduate. When it comes to making a difference in society, for me it begins with me being an example for others that face the same and similar hardships dealing with the various nuances of ADHD. My family and I long ago during my early years were very supportive of me during the time in which I was first diagnosed with ADHD and I am so appreciative of their love and support for me as we navigated the journey from elementary school through high school. I want to be in a position that like my devoted parents, I can use my experiences to help others successfully overcome obstacles such as ADHD. I can say with some certainty that diagnoses such as ADHD can be dealt with in a manner that promotes success and overcoming challenges. Finally, as far as overcoming obstacles to the continuation of my academic pursuits, I know the journey will not be easy. But, I must say that I have already overcome certain obstacles and I feel that my parents and I have established a process that has proven to be successful for me and my family. Therefore, it is a methodology that will help me deal with any challenge that I may face in the future. We have a strong faith in God and through prayer and hard work the template for overcoming obstacles is already in place and it is up to me to continue to build on what we have established and know that I can not only be successful individually, but that I can help others who face similar challenges meet and overcome these hurdles successfully.
Emya Dix
P.K. Yonge Developmental Research SchoolAlachua, FL
As I start my journey of becoming a nurse anesthetist specializing in plastic surgery, I am driven by a passion for art and a commitment to caring for others. This combination of interests has shaped my career aspirations and drive me to make a positive impact on the world. My love for art started in middle school. since then I have been captivated by the t power of art and the message it sends. Whether through painting, sculpture, or photography. This passion for creativity has manifested a deep appreciation for aesthetics and an importance of self-expression. My desire to care for others has been a guiding force in my life. Growing up in a family that emphasized the value of compassion and empathy, I have always felt a calling to serve those in need whether that’s animals or people. Participating in volunteer work has shown me the importance of making a positive difference in other people’s lives.As I reflect on my career aspirations, I see the field of plastic surgery as the perfect field to combing my passion for art and caring for others. Plastic surgery offers a unique opportunity to combine technical skill with artistic vision, helping patients not only enhance their physical appearance but also regain confidence and reclaim their sense of self. As a nurse anesthetist in this field, I will play an important role in ensuring the safety and comfort of patients during surgery, while also providing support and reassurance throughout their journey. However, I am aware that the path to achieving my goals will be very difficult. Pursuing a career in healthcare requires dedication, and a willingness to overcome challenges. During my college education experience, I expect to face obstacles like difficult course work, residency, and balancing personal obligations with academic responsibilities. To overcome these challenges, I am committed to staying organized, managing my time effectively, and finding support when needed. I will prioritize self-care to maintain my physical and mental well-being, knowing that taking care of myself is essential to providing the best care for others. I believe that my passion for art and creativity will provide as a source of inspiration throughout my journey. By approaching each obstacle as an opportunity for growth and learning, I will remain committed to my goals. In conclusion, Regardless of the obstacles that may come up during my college education experience, I am confident that with determination and a focus I will overcome any challenges that come my way. With my blend of creativity, compassion, and clinical skill, I am excited to pursue this journey and contribute to the well-being and transformation of patients around the world.
Samuel Dorcelus-Cetoute
Palm Beach State CollegeRoyal Plm Bch, FL
Engineering has the power to significantly impact our society, so it is my goal and aspiration to use this skill set for positive change. My career goal is simple - leverage my passion for engineering to make a lasting difference in the world. This drives me as an individual, pushing me forward into college and furthering my education with aspirations of becoming one of the leading engineers today who creates better experiences and more efficient solutions for all generations living in this world. Although the journey to obtaining an engineering degree may pose challenges, its rewards far outweigh the difficulties. The rigorous academic workload is one of the main obstacles I anticipate during my college education experience. Engineering programs demand a deep understanding of complex mathematical and scientific principles, requiring dedication, focus, and hard work. To overcome this challenge, I will rely on my strong foundation in math and science and my experience with discipline from playing soccer at a competitive level. Time management and effective study strategies will be essential in successfully navigating the academic demands of college. I plan to set aside dedicated study hours, seek assistance from professors or tutors when needed, and collaborate with classmates to enhance my understanding of course material. Another potential obstacle could be balancing my academic pursuits with my desire to continue playing soccer at the college level. Joining the school team is an aspiration close to my heart, as soccer has been an integral part of my life, shaping my character and work ethic. I will prioritize my responsibilities and create a well-structured schedule to balance academics and athletics. Time management is essential for achieving my goals in college, on the field, and further down the line. With careful time, resources, and energy planning, I can ensure that academics and athletics are balanced effectively. This rewarding combination will enable success in all areas - academically, athletically & professionally - leading ultimately to reaching whichever goal I choose with confidence! I plan to continuously push myself throughout this journey and maintain a growth mindset. I understand the importance of overcoming challenges to create positive change. Consequently, no matter the difficulty or adversity faced, I remain committed to taking on new learning opportunities and seek guidance from mentors and peers alike to stay focused on my goals. Additionally, embracing diversity is essential for creating an inclusive environment that can lead to innovative solutions that benefit everyone involved - something that has been integral throughout my academic career studying engineering while playing professional soccer simultaneously. In this way, I plan to use these experiences as a role model and advocate for equal representation within both arenas. In conclusion, my education plans and career goals are centered around positively impacting the world. I have set my sights on a rewarding and fulfilling future, one I know will come to fruition with dedication and hard work. I am ready to take up new challenges that come along with this field while honing my current abilities even further. I aim to become a leader who effectively communicates complex ideas through innovative solutions. However, it is worth every minute of effort - ultimately aiming toward crafting innovative engineering solutions or inspiring others through the beauty of football.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Mar 15, 2025. Winners will be announced on Apr 15, 2025.