Española Valley High School seniors who plan to become teachers or social workers are eligible for the Evelyn D. Maruska Scholarship.
Students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher can apply for the $1,000 scholarship. Selection is based on leadership, experience, academic ability and interests in education or social work.
Interested applicants must write an essay of no more than 1,500 words, and no fewer than 500 words, which outlines why they want to be a teacher or social worker. The essay should describe what resources are needed by students to succeed in high school and compete in college or the workforce after high school.
For example: Is access to a higher education preparatory program early in a student's time in high school beneficial? Would a tutoring program be helpful and would students take advantage of it? Is there a benefit to Española Valley High School implementing a business-leader mentoring program, or internships?
Applicants are encouraged to think through the content of their essay, sharing what they might do as a teacher or social worker to make learning more effective for future students. Applicants should be realistic and practice and, where possible, cite examples of successful programs that could benefit Española Valley High School students.
Applicants should submit the essay, along with a copy of their Española Valley High School transcript showing their current GPA, and three letters of recommendation from people not related to the student, to jackie@marushkamedia.com.
Letters of recommendation may be written by teachers, employers or volunteer-work supervisors. They must be dated and signed by the author, and on company or organization letterhead with the author's contact information.
The email with the application should include the student's full legal name and mailing address, and the name of the college or university to which the student has applied or been accepted.
Applications are due April 15 at 5 p.m. Central Standard Time, or 4 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
The winner will be notified the week of May 20.
The scholarship will be paid directly to the winner's college or university.
The scholarship is being awarded by Marsuhka Media, owned by Jackie Marushka, the daughter of Evelyn Maruska.