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Gregory Chase Carter Memorial Poetry Scholarship

Funded by
$500
1 winner$500
Awarded
Application Deadline
May 14, 2024
Winners Announced
Jun 14, 2024
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
Identity:
Underrepresented minority

Gregory Chase Carter was a beloved son, brother, grandson, and friend who passed away far too soon in May 2022, leaving behind a hole in his family and community.

Greg graduated from Durham School of the Arts in NC in 2011. He excelled in English, Writing and Literature. While there, he studied music, specifically saxophone and percussion. He loved poetry, lyric writing and performing at spoken-word events.

The beauty in poetry lies in its rhythmic cadence, vivid imagery, and the power to distill profound emotions into a few carefully chosen words. Poets are akin to word alchemists, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary through the magic of language.

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Gregory Chase Carter by supporting students who share his talent and love for poetry.

Any high school senior who is an underrepresented minority with at least a 2.5 GPA may apply for this scholarship opportunity. Applicants attending Durham School of the Arts are preferred.

To apply, submit a poem with the prompt "A Perfect Day". You may submit a video of you reciting the poem if you'd like.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published February 20, 2024
Essay Topic

Submit a poem with the prompt "A Perfect Day".

400–600 words

Winning Application

Fareeda Olaiya
Pennsville Memorial High SchoolPennsville, NJ
A day with no worries, no stress, no strife A day so perfect, it feels like a dream A day where time seems to slow down A day that makes you want to scream A day where the sun shines bright And the birds sing cheerfully in the sky A day when the flowers bloom And the breeze carries a sweet scent nearby A day when the world seems to pause And the chaos disappears A day where you can just be And let go of all your fears A day spent with loved ones Laughing and making memories A day where you feel alive And forget all your miseries On this perfect day, I feel whole I stop by a café, sipping on my coffee As I watch the world go by People walking, talking, smiling Just enjoy life, no need to hurry The streets are bustling, full of life And the music playing, it's like a paradise I close my eyes and take it all in On this perfect day, there's no need to win I walk along the beach, the sand beneath my feet The waves crashing, such a peaceful beat The sun begins to set, painting the sky With hues of orange, pink, and purple so high The stars appear, twinkling in the sky And the moon, oh so bright I make a wish, on this perfect night For this perfect day, to last forever in sight As I lay in bed, reminiscing the day A feeling of contentment washes over me I drift off to sleep with a smile on my face On this perfect day, I found my happy place A day when your heart is full And your soul is at peace A day where everything is perfect And all worries cease A day that brings a smile to your face And a warmth to your heart A day that you'll always cherish Even when it's time to depart A day that reminds you Of life's simple pleasures A day that teaches you To treasure all life's treasures A day that you'll remember For years to come A day that you'll hold on to When life gets tough and troublesome A perfect day may seem rare But it's closer than you think It's in the little moments That makes our hearts truly sync So let's cherish our perfect days And hold on to them tight For they are the ones That makes our lives truly bright. In a world full of chaos and pain A perfect day may seem hard to obtain But amidst all the chaos, there's always a way To create your own perfect day.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is May 14, 2024. Winners will be announced on Jun 14, 2024.