Overcoming Adversity Scholarship 2021

Sophie was diagnosed with a brain tumor in February 2011 and turned 8 on the operating table. She received proton beam radiation in Indiana and received chemotherapy treatment at Upstate Golisano Hospital in Syracuse, NY.

Sophie was the youngest of three girls who attended Stonehedge Elementary school. She loved to read, cook, watch iCarly and Wizards of Waverly Place. She liked listen to Justin Bieber and Sugarland. She showed cows with her 4-H group – The Moo Crew, she played ice hockey, had a great sense of humor. She was a girly girl who loved to paint her nails and play dress up. Sophie loved life and lived every minute to the fullest. Sophie had a remarkable amount of faith that was demonstrated through her ability to accept the new path her life had taken when she was diagnosed with her brain tumor. She was truly inspirational, not only to those who knew her in person, but also to those who knew her through her story.

Unfortunately, Sophie passed away surrounded by her family at home in January of 2012 two weeks shy of her 9^th birthday.

We understand that obstacles can often get in the way of pursuing one’s dreams, which is why we would like to give back to an individual (s) who has been able to overcome a serious obstacle in his or her life and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. This can be any obstacle that greatly impacted your life. For example, being in a serious accident, overcoming an illness, struggling with a parent or close family member illness etc. Whatever the obstacle may have been, we are proud of you for overcoming such a challenge.

Sophie’s Giving Tree will provide financial assistance to a to deserving West Genesee High School graduating senior(s) who has demonstrated integrity and perseverance to overcome adversity in their life, how they overcame that challenge, the impact it had on them, how they have or will use what they learned throughout the process to help others, who aspires to pursue higher education either at a college/university or trade school. Sophie would have been a part of the West Genesee 2021 graduating class, this scholarship was created in her memory.

Deadline for scholarship applications is April 6, 2021

If you have any questions about the application, please email skate4sophie@gmail.com

Scholarship Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the Sophie’s Giving Tree Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Must have demonstrated integrity and perseverance to overcome adversity in their life
Be enrolled full time as a high school senior at West Genesee High School, progressing normally toward graduation, and planning to enter a college, university, or trade school no later than the fall following graduation
Be involved in extra-curricular and/or community activities
Demonstrate academic achievement (minimum grade point average of 2.0)

Requirements to Receive Scholarship Money:

Student will inform Sophie’s Giving Tree of the college, university, or trade school they chose to enroll in by August 1, 2021
Student will provide an unofficial transcript from the college, university, or trade school they chose to attend no later than December 1, 2021

Application:

Applicant must submit the following items:

Completed application form
Personal Essay
Names and contact information for two letters of recommendation from someone outside of immediate family such as a coach, employer or individual with significant knowledge of applicant’s experience with dealing with adversity. Sophie’s Giving Tree will contact on applicants behalf.
Most recent unofficial high school transcript with cumulative grade point average

Scholarship Application

First Name*
Last Name*
Mailing Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code
Your Telephone Number*
Your Email Address*
Elementary School Attended*
Current High School GPA*
School Affiliated Activities*
Community Activities*
Recommendation 1 Name*
Recommendation 1 Email Address*
Recommendation 2 Name*
Recommendation 2 Email Address*
Anticipated program to attend in the Fall 2021*
Personal Essay*
Submit an essay response to the prompt: Describe a major challenge you faced and what you did to overcome it. Explain the impact this had on you, how it shaped you into who you are today, and how you will use this experience to help others. There is no minimum length requirement for the essay.
Most recent unofficial high school transcript with cumulative grade point average*
Statement of Accuracy*
I hereby affirm all the above stated information provided by me is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I also consent that my picture may be taken and used for any purpose deemed necessary to promote the scholarship program. I understand that if chosen as a scholarship winner, I must provide evidence of enrollment/registrations at the post-secondary institution or trade school, by providing Sophie’s Giving Tree an unofficial college transcript, before scholarship funds will be awarded.
Email
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About Sophie's Giving Tree