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Spider-Man Showdown Scholarship

Funded by
$500
1 winner$500
Awarded
Application Deadline
Aug 1, 2024
Winners Announced
Aug 25, 2024
Education Level
Any

From swinging between New York skyscrapers to navigating high school troubles, Spider-Man has been an emblem of hope, resilience, and youth for countless fans around the world. The "Spider-Man Showdown Scholarship" is a nod to the webbed hero's cinematic journey, designed for students who have been engrossed in the various portrayals of our beloved wall-crawler.

Do you remember Tobey Maguire's struggle to balance love, duty, and identity? Or perhaps Andrew Garfield's tenacity and quick-witted humor? And how can we forget Tom Holland's fresh take on the young, evolving superhero? Each Spider-Man brings a unique flavor, resonating differently with fans and offering varying shades of Peter Parker.

This scholarship isn't just a tribute to Spider-Man; it's a recognition of the differing interpretations and what they represent to fans. From the storylines we cherish to the villains we love to hate, Spider-Man's journey has been as much ours as it has been his.

Students from every educational background who've been captivated, inspired, or simply entertained by the Spider-Man sagas are invited to apply! This scholarship operates on a rolling deadline; however, the earlier you apply, the better. So, web up your memories, dive deep into the Spider-Verse, and share your favorite Peter Parker portrayal.

(Note: This scholarship is an independent scholarship created by bold.org and is not endorsed by or affiliated with Marvel, Sony Pictures, or any associated entities.)

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published August 24, 2023
Essay Topic

Over the years, different actors have brought Spider-Man to life on the big screen. Which actor is your favorite Spider-Man and why?

200–600 words

Winning Application

Jaden Astoria
University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusKILLEEN, TX
My favorite Spider-Man is Tobey Maguire, as he showcases the struggles of being a superhero, having to manage and juggle his identity, relationships, and responsibilities, all while being the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. My favorite part of the movie is when he acquires the symbiote suit, truly showcasing his struggle between his dark impulses and his responsibility as a hero. The suit made Peter more aggressive, arrogant, and confrontational. As a result, his relationship with Mary Jane and Aunt May were both altered. With MJ, his newly established arrogance caused misunderstandings and led to the two needing some distance from each other. Aunt May knew something was off with Peter, but wasn't sure what the issue was. Even with crime-fighting, the symbiote harmed his relationship with civilians, and also his logical processes, leading to Peter making more rash and impulsive decisions. When fighting criminals, he was more aggressive and willing to use excessive force on them, endangering both them and bystanders. This use of force made him a more intimidating person, with civilians becoming frightened and uneasy around Spider-Man. The suit also made him less empathetic and patient, making conversations with him seem hostile, blunt, and harsh. Once Peter finally learns that the suit is driving him towards a dark path, altering his ways and his personality, he takes action and removes it from himself with the help of the church bell, creating of the many iconic scenes from the movie, with Pete removing the symbiote from himself, and creating what people call "Bully Maguire", which I find hilarious every time I come across it on YouTube, as people have cleverly made it seem like he's interacting with other characters from different shows and universes.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Aug 1, 2024. Winners will be announced on Aug 25, 2024.