Amelia Michelle Sanford LGBTQIA+ Memorial Scholarship

Funded by
user profile avatar
Sanford family
$2,500
1 winner$2,500
Awarded
Application Deadline
Apr 10, 2023
Winners Announced
May 10, 2023
Education Level
High School
2
Contributions
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
Identity:
LGBTQIA+
Background:
Played a sport

Amelia Michelle Sanford was an LGBTQIA+ student-athlete who believed in supporting her community. 

Having dealt with discrimination herself in high school and bridging into college, Amelia wanted to uplift others who needed support in a socially volatile climate. In today’s society, many student-athletes with LGBTQIA+ identities face barriers in their sport and need to be encouraged to stick with their passions and overcome their obstacles. 

This scholarship seeks to support LGBTQIA+ student-athletes to assist them in the pursuit of higher education. 

Any LGBTQIA+ high school senior who plays a sport may apply for this scholarship. 

To apply, submit a short video or an essay telling what are some of your struggles as a LGBTQIA+ student and what are you hoping to accomplish?

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published November 29, 2022
Essay Topic

What are some of your struggles as an LGBTQIA+ student and what are you hoping to accomplish in the future?

0–600 words

Winning Application

Carmen Santamaria-Osorio
Everett Community CollegeMukilteo, WA
As an LGBTQIA+ student who was also raised in the Mormon Church, I can say that I have had my share of heartache. I have had family tell me that being queer is a disease and I am just confused, I've been told to stop talking about it with my friends, who also happen to be my safe space, otherwise, I wouldn't be allowed to talk to them again, and I constantly fear the rest of my family finding out. One of my greatest fears is reaching the end of my life only to find the God I had been told to worship, that I had been told had unconditional love, actually had a condition against being queer. I have played soccer my whole life, and in it, I have found people who relate to me, people I can confide in. Soccer has always been a way for me to escape the world and focus on winning. When I play, there is no fear of the future. No fear of who I am. I can be who I want without complaint. Soccer has always been so freeing for me in that way. It has taught me to be strong and to have courage, which has translated to all aspects of my life. Now, as I prepare to walk into the real world after high school, I look back at my struggles and fears, at everything I have learned about myself on the field with a soccer ball under my cleat. I have come to find beauty in my queerness. I have never before believed so strongly that God and Jesus Christ love me no matter what. I can be who I want, and as I continue playing the Beautiful Game, I will find freedom in knowing there will always be a place for me and people like me. In the future, I hope to share my story with other queer youth who might be going through something similar or who just need a safe space. I hope to be that safe space for them. In a world where people continuously shout their opinions, trying to hurt others who walk outside their vision of right and wrong, I hope to provide a sanctuary where queer youth can come to find some peace and quiet, especially if they have experienced any sort of religious trauma. I want to assure them that they are not alone, they are not confused or a mistake, and that they are loved.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Apr 10, 2023. Winners will be announced on May 10, 2023.