Joyce Carver Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is given in memory of Joyce Carver, a beloved friend and community leader. The recipient(s) will be a student holding at least a B average through the end of the 1st semester of senior year planning to attend a 2-4 year college, university, or vocational/technical school. The successful applicant(s) will be the ones who embody Joyce’s democratic values and ideals.
Students will be evaluated based on the criteria in the attached rubric. Give a short answer response to every question in order to get full credit. Answer each question with a response of 125-150 words. Feel free to research your answers, however no AI may be used when writing your response.
As a new voter, choose TWO ESSENTIAL qualities you believe a candidate must have. Explain each using a specific experience, person, or moment from your own life that shaped your view. Describe one behavior you’ve personally observed in your community, school, or public life that would immediately disqualify a candidate for you, and explain why.
There were many civil rights activists who have furthered causes supporting democratic values. Describe a specific time in your life when a civil rights activist has made a lasting impression on you. Explain where you were, who was involved, what you remember seeing or hearing, and how that moment influenced a choice you later made. Focus only on your personal experience, not general history.
The Declaration of Independence states “all men are created equal” and America is often called “the land of opportunity.” Do you believe America provides equal opportunity for everyone? If not, in what ways does our nation and/or community fall short of these values? Answer by describing a situation from your school, neighborhood, or community that directly influenced your view.
Bullying is a major problem today. Think of a time you personally witnessed someone being treated unfairly or excluded because of their race, appearance, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other reason. Describe exactly what happened, what you did or said in that moment, and how it affected you. Then explain what you learned about standing up for others and how it might guide your actions in the future. Focus only on your own experience, not hypothetical scenarios.