For DonorsFor Applicants

Clifton D. Willis Memorial Scholarship

$1,500
3 winners, $500 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
Feb 29, 2024
Winners Announced
Mar 30, 2024
Education Level
High School
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
State:
Mississippi
Background:
Has given back to the community

Sergeant Clifton D. Willis was born and raised in a small town in the Mississippi Delta. He was known for his kind spirit, generosity, exceptional artistic talent and unwavering commitment to service. He discovered his passion for military service after serving as a cadet in the JROTC program. He later enlisted in the US Army and bravely served as a medic. Unfortunately his life was tragically cut short while serving his second term in the military. His legacy and mission to serve will continue through this scholarship and inspiring future generations to give back.

This scholarship seeks to honor his memory and support students who exemplify the service and generosity of Clifton D. Willis.

Any high school senior in Mississippi who has given back to their local community may apply for this scholarship. Preference will be given to students from underprivileged backgrounds.

To apply, tell us about yourself and why you're deserving of this award and why you're pursuing higher education. Describe why it's important to give back to your community and the positive impact that your community service efforts have made on your community.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published October 2, 2023
Essay Topic

Please tell us a bit about yourself and why you are pursuing higher education. Why do you feel deserving of this award? Why is it important to you to give back to your community and what impact has your community service efforts had on your community?

400–600 words

Winning Applications

Anthony Chambers
Pearl High SchoolPEARL, MS
So to begin, I am a senior in high school and I someday want to become some sort of doctor working in the nursing field. Therefore I must to achieve this goal I must pursue a higher education. From reading about Mr. Willis life's story I understand that he tragically lost his life in the act of duty. He was a medic meaning he took care of the wounded soldiers and people who needed him. He was a help to many and though he died his legacy will continue. As stated earlier I plan on going into the nursing field, though I do not believe I will work in the military. At the moment I am not completely sure what category of nurse I'll fall under, but similar to Mr. Willis I just want to be able to help people. Concerning the topic of giving back to the community I take it very seriously. First, let me tell you my definition of a community. I consider a community as a group of people who share and live together as a family. The people in my community I hold dear to and honestly I thank God for each one of them. I know I would not be who I am today if it was not for them. Therefore I believe it's important to give back to your community to show your appreciation and that you care about the future of those who are in your community. To continue, I have not done anything extraordinary in my community, but I do help and if something needs to be done, if it's in my power I would gladly do it. Things like picking up trash, cutting yards for free, and washing and cleaning out cars for free are just simple things that help the community. And to answer the question concerning if what I do makes an impact I do not truly think so, but I do believe the people I help are appreciated of me. Finally, do I deserve this award? Honestly, I am not sure. The award would sincerely help me out, especially since next year I plan on heading to college, but I am not sure if I'm worthy of it. There are probably many others out there who need it more than I do, but truthfully I want to win it. So to recap the points I made, I am a senior in high school who plans on becoming some sort of doctor majoring in the nursing field. I believe and understand the importance of giving back to your community. And though right now I have not done anything extraordinary, I have done simple things that help the community out. Lastly, do I deserve this award? I say yes because honestly, it will help me out. Before I conclude this essay I thank God for allowing me to hear about Mr. Willis and his life's story. In which a point I did not make earlier is that Mr. Willis used to live in Mississippi, and he was also a fellow black brother. As a black male myself who lives in Mississippi, and who is also going into the nursing field I can relate to him. That is why I truly hope that I follow in his footsteps and help as many people as I can. I thank everyone who put together this scholarship and also for allowing me the opportunity to learn about an amazing brother.
Jimmerion Elliott
West Point High SchoolWEST POINT, MS
Hello, my name is Jimmerion Elliott. I am a PFC in the United States Army. I recently completed 10 weeks of Military training. After high school I return to Missouri to complete my AIT training. The military had always been an interest for me. I’m currently the Sgt. Major of my high school JROTC program. I would like to become a JROTC instructor one day. To attend college is very important for me. My mom is a single parent and she works hard to provide for ma and my brother. I was very proud when I was accepted as a Soldier in the military. I’ve encouraged my friends to join as well. This is was a life changing experience for me and my family. It wasn’t an easy 10 weeks, but it was worth all the sweat and tears. I think that every high school senior should go to a college or join the military. We know that college is not for everyone, but a trade of some sort would be helpful to land a career. We have all of these that visits our school during our senior year and I encourage my friends and classmates to find something that they’re interested in and find out what they need to do to get into that program. I’m very excited on where I’ve landed at this time in my life. I’m still working on college applications and scholarships so that I can figure out what works best for me. I’m an honors to see that you’re offering a scholarship in his name for his services in the military. I don’t know him, but he’s my brother and I thank him for his services. I’ve read over the article twice and it the story touched me because I’m so young and I’m serving my country. We as black Americans don’t realize the importance of doing something that makes us stand out from others. I stand tall in my uniform and proud to be an American Soldier. I with be all I can be. I won’t disappoint my ancestors and this like him that made a sacrifice for us. This means a lot to me. This is one of the first scholarships that I’ve applied for and it’s giving me motivation and encouragement to continue to apply. I would like to thank you advance for this opportunity and may God continue to bless you.
Shariah clark
South Delta High SchoolANGUILLA, MS
As a student, I know that I am suitable for this scholarship for variety of reasons. Above all, I have worked extremely hard to achieve and maintain a balanced GPA throughout my educational journey. Although school work has been hectic I’ve been responsible and motivated enough to endure in all of my extracurricular activities. Apart from this, I have made a major impact in dwelling into my community. From donating clothes, shoes, or money, I strongly believe that it is my job as well as my community job to give back to make the world a safer and healthier place. Contributing to my community not only helps them, but it also helps me make better and brighter choices. Being the oldest out of four other siblings , I have been able to realize that the importance of my actions were a powerful impact onto them. Whether it’s teaching them how to drive, do homework, ride bikes, fixing their hair in their own likings or even teaching them how to tie one’s shoe, each act of my service has had a significant effect upon my siblings. Participating in Track & Field and Basketball has had an outstanding impact on my life. Being apart of the Track & Field team has allowed me to develop leadership skills, collaborate with others, and display my talents through performances. These contributions lured me into personal growth, career opportunities, and also discipline. Indulging myself within this sport has helped me become a better person. Basketball, on the other hand, provided a different experience and perspective than Track & Field. There have been plenty of days where I wasn't in the best mood and would rely on basketball to keep me uplifted and focused on the purpose of my being. I have been able to build friendships, explore different places, and participate in many competitive events involving problem solving. My favorite basketball teams are LSU, Ohio State and Ole Miss. Both Track & Field and basketball can familiarize someone with creativity, enhance time management, and social skills. However, they can also have minor set backs when not balanced with other aspects of life and personal issues, such as loss of sleep and/or neglecting other responsibilities. In addition to this, Track & Field, basketball, and maintaining a high GPA taught me critical lessons about empathy, compassion and self worth. It has assist me with very essential skills I would need in the future, such as leadership, communication, confidence, teamwork, and etc. Undoubtedly, I feel deserving of this scholarship because of my dedication to my academic success and my passion for helping others and sports. I have witnessed the impact of my actions on my peers, helping others overcome challenges and fostering positive change. By receiving this scholarship, I would be able to continue making an huge difference and inspiring others to join in the pursuit of a better society.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Feb 29, 2024. Winners will be announced on Mar 30, 2024.

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