For DonorsFor Applicants

S.O.P.H.I.E Scholarship

Funded by
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Sophie's Mart LLC
$2,015
1st winner$1,008
2nd winner$1,007
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jun 30, 2024
Winners Announced
Jul 31, 2024
Education Level
High School
1
Contribution
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
State:
South Carolina
Background:
Community service experience

Sophie was an incredible grandmother who was an inspiration to her family and those around her.

Sophie was a pillar of her community in Allendale, South Carolina. She absolutely loved her community and its citizens, instilling hope and faith in everyone she could reach. Students who share Sophie’s passion for community and selflessness should be uplifted through their educational journey so they can succeed and reach their goals.

This scholarship seeks to support students who are dedicated to serving others and making their communities better one day at a time.

Any high school senior in South Carolina who has community service experience may apply for this scholarship opportunity.

To apply, submit a 400-600 word essay or short video telling us about the activities you’ve participated in to better your community and how you think you can improve your community for generations to come.

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

Please tell us about the extracurricular activities you have participated in to help your local community and any ideas you have to help your community become even better for future generations. 

0–600 words

Winning Applications

Shamiah Obanner
University of South Carolina-SalkehatchieALLENDALE, SC
The B.E.T.A. Club and the National Honor Society stand as a ray of hope and change in my community. These two clubs have provided me with an opportunity to engage directly with my community by giving back to it. By being part of these associations, I was able to develop as a person and also contribute to improving my people’s living standards hence paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come. Amongst many such programs including food drives, literacy programs, and environmental clean-up initiatives, we undertake activities that address current concerns in our town. As an active member of the B.E.T.A club, I have been privileged enough to take part in organizing community events, working as a volunteer in local shelters as well as tutoring disadvantaged children at the school level. Such experiences have not only built empathy within me but also made me want to make positive changes today’s world requires. Moreover, I have been serving in the National Honor Society which has been supportive of my path of service. As a member of this highly respected organization, I am trusted with the duty to maintain scholarship, leadership, service, and character. For instance, projects run by the National Honor Society such as raising funds for educational materials and mentoring programs for younger students allowed me to utilize my skills for the sake of improving society – young minds. These experiences have shown me how important it is to give back and be a role model for the future. In the future, I would like to continue working towards making my community better for the future youth. One way through which I plan to accomplish this is by working with local leaders as well as organizations to tackle issues such as poverty, injustice, and environmental degradation. Fostering collaborations & sustainable solutions will allow me to create a more fair & thriving community for the many generations ahead. Furthermore, I am aware of the significance of youth empowerment in promoting change that matters. This way, we can produce new integral leaders who are dedicated to influencing good. In conclusion, joining the B.E.T.A. Club and National Honor Society has been influential in molding my dedication to community service and social responsibility. From this background, I have come to learn about giving back and how unity can impact our society greatly. To that end, as I march into the future, I will continue working on my community to make it better for generations to come knowing well that through collaboration we will make the world more equal than it is now.
Dasha Melamed
Mauldin High SchoolSIMPSONVILLE, SC
Community service is a quality I have embraced wholeheartedly through my active participation in my high school student council, the Spanish National Honors Society, Beta Club, and various volunteer initiatives. My dedication to helping and shaping my community for the better has helped carve a path of personal growth for me. I love helping others and giving back to my community and the people I share it with. As a member of my high school's student council, I have had the privilege of spearheading fundraisers for local charities. Over my years on council, we have raised over $300,000. In 2022, we raised $133,346 for Jasmine Road, which is a residential program for adult women survivors of human trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. In 2023 we raised $124,228 for Julie Valentine, which is an organization that provides free and confidential services to sexual assault and child abuse survivors. In 2024 we raised $130,041 for Battle Buddies, which provides veterans with PTSD a free service dog. The funds raised and donated helped provide essential services, support community projects, improve the lives of many, and reinforce the notion that collective efforts can lead to substantial positive change. My participation in Beta Club extended my service to the community by volunteering in various capacities. Whether it was cleaning up our local park, assisting at food banks, or helping at community centers, my actions contributed to the betterment of the community's environment. Over my three years in Beta Club, I have done over 60+ hours of community service. The time and effort my peers and I have dedicated to volunteering not only addresses immediate needs but also creates a ripped effect of kindness and civic engagement. In Spanish National Honors Society, I have volunteered around my school and community. On Fridays, we would go to elementary schools and teach Spanish to the after-school students. We used interactive approaches like games and crafts to make learning a fun and engaging experience for the children. In April, we spent a few afternoons cleaning the school to assist the custodians, and once a month, we were all assigned a specific date where we would come to school early in the mornings and tutor the kids in our high school struggling with their Spanish work. These endeavors enrich the community by promoting language skills and cultural understanding among young leaders. Finally, my passion for horses translates into community service as I teach lessons to children and volunteer at a horse farm. This unique contribution not only provides local youth with the opportunity to learn about horsemanship, but also instills in them values such as empathy, responsibility, and respect for animals and nature. Aside from teaching lessons, I feed the horses, clean and fill up their water troughs, and hold the horses for the vet, dentist, and farrier. The farm itself benefits from my volunteer work, ensuring the animals are well-cared for and the operations run smoothly. Each role I play and each hour I dedicate to these activities strengthens my community, making it a better place for everyone. I believe that my efforts demonstrate how your individuals can be agents of change, leading by example and inspiring others to contribute to the common good. I believe that if schools continue to offer these kinds of clubs, future generations of students will be involved in helping their communities. Schools could create mentorship programs that connect young people with experienced professionals to foster a culture of learning and personal development. These efforts could enhance the quality of life for current residents, while also laying down a strong foundation for future generations.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jun 30, 2024. Winners will be announced on Jul 31, 2024.