Positively Sharon Memorial Scholarship

$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jul 7, 2025
Winners Announced
Aug 7, 2025
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
State:
Kentucky or Ohio
Background:
Nonprofit or volunteering experience
Education Level:
High school senior or current undergraduate
Field of Study:
Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education

Sharon’s incredible journey of selflessness and commitment to helping others was like no other. Her dedication was inspiring. She pursued her degree while raising her young children, showing that education is valuable at any age.

Sharon was a dedicated educator who inspired families and children every day with her positivity, resilience, and kindness. Educators like Sharon play a monumental role in the lives of young students. Impactful and encouraging teachers can make all the difference in getting students excited about learning, which can set them up for a lifetime of success in education.

This scholarship seeks to honor the memory and legacy of Sharon by supporting students who share her passion for teaching.

Any high school senior or current undergraduate in Ohio or Kentucky with a 3.0+ GPA who is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education and has non-profit or volunteer experience may apply. 

Applicants also:

  • Demonstrate a passion for nurturing the growth and development of young children.
  • Exhibit a positive and uplifting attitude that inspires those around them.
  • Show resilience in overcoming personal, academic, or life challenges.
  • Commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families.

To apply, share your journey toward pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education. Also upload a letter of recommendation; either from a teacher, mentor, or academic advisor who can speak to your character and academic potential, or from someone who has witnessed your dedication to helping others, such as a community leader, employer, or volunteer coordinator.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published March 7, 2025
Essay Topic

Share your journey toward pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education. Highlight:

  • How you have demonstrated positivity and resilience in your personal or academic life.
  • Specific examples of how your positive attitude has impacted others, especially children or peers.
  • Your vision for helping young children thrive through your education and future career.
  • A brief description of your involvement in community activities that demonstrate your commitment to helping others.
500–750 words

Winning Application

Mason Flicker
Heidelberg UniversityClyde, OH
My name is Mason Flicker and I will be an incoming freshman at Heidelberg University this fall. The university is located in Tiffin, Ohio. I will also be a member of the football team. The plan is to earn a bachelor degree in Early Inclusive Childhood Education. Over the past year I have had an opportunity to job shadow in several schools and really enjoyed my time in the elementary. I also was a peer mentor to a second grader this year. We met every Friday and he opened my eyes to how much some children are struggling outside of the classroom. The time spent with him we just focused on the relationship and by building that I was able to help him complete his work on time as well as work on his behavior. Not all days were easy as a matter of fact 60% of it was a challenge, I learned ways to guide him and help him be the best version of himself. Spending time with this student as well as an Intervention Specialist I was really drawn into that area of eductation. Challenges will be there with every student, however watching them complete goals was very rewarding. I myself can be an excellent student, however during and after COVID I became very compacent. As a High School Freshman by overall gpa was a 2.7 and that was not who I was. I worked very hard the next three years and graduated with a 3.314 gpa and yes I have regrets it could of been so much higher, however I worked very hard and even earned most improved Senior High student. The experience that I can bring from my own struggle and achievements will be beneficial in the classroom. Working with students and understanding their individual needs as well as there backgrounds will help me provide them with a safe educational environment. During my high school years I was an athlete participating in Football, Basketball, and Track. All of these events allowed me to work as part of a team, use my leadership skills to help others, and challenge myself to always work hard. I also invovled myself in the Chimes group that our high school has. Not only is it a class but a group that performed at various area nursing homes as well as community shows. The group is a heavily male populated group which I found interesting maybe because we don't in general like to sing and like loud noise. During high school I also completed 47 credit hours of college classes that will help reduce my total time to complete my bachelors degree. I hope to use my fourth year to work on an autism or behavior certificate. As a member of the football team in college I will be met with challenges with time managment as well as performing to my best ability. The last year I started working with a therapist to manage some of my insecurity and anxiety I will be continuning that in college as I feel this will give me the best possible outcime. Heidelberg has numerious opportunities available other that sports as well I will be part of the leadership program and looking into volunteering as a tutor. Thank you for your time and look forward to hearing from you.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jul 7, 2025. Winners will be announced on Aug 7, 2025.