Dear Parents:

Your child recently received the first quarter report card.  Please review the report card to see if he/she has qualified for consideration in our search for the Carson Scholar Nominee from Lake Elkhorn Middle School based on their GPA for the first quarter of the 2015-2016 school year.  The Carson Scholars Fund is a nonprofit 501© (3) public charity founded in 1994 by world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon and 2008 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Dr. Benjamin S. Carson and his wife, Candy.  The Fund “recognizes and rewards students grades 4-11 who earn the highest level of academic achievement and also display strong humanitarian qualities.  Winners are designated as ‘Carson Scholars’ and receive $1,000 scholarship awards that are invested for college.”

The following are the qualifications necessary for nomination:

• GPA of 3.75 or above for first quarter in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and World Language. (The GPA is weighted for GT/Honors classes.  Please contact the school counselor if you need assistance in calculating your child’s GPA)
• Demonstration of humanitarian qualities in school and community through school programs and/or community service above and beyond what is required.  (Please remember—community service is unpaid, volunteer work that benefits individuals, groups, or nonprofit organizations and the volunteer work must demonstrate unique accomplishments.)
• Typed essay on one of the following topics (500-word limit for either essay):

1. “A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.” – Nelson Mandela
   How has having a good head, heart, and education helped to shape who you are today?  How may it help you in the future?
2. What do you think an older generation could learn from you? What skills, attitudes or habits does your generation have that you think older people could benefit from adopting? Why?

Student’s essays and their listing of community service activities are due back to Mrs. OliverMcCain by Friday, December 16, 2016.  No submissions will be accepted after this date.  A staff committee will then blindly select one nominee from the essays/activities (i.e., your child’s document will be de-identified during the review).  Please ensure that your child’s name is only listed on the cover sheet provided.  If your child is selected, we will contact you to complete the application process.

More information can be found on the reverse side of this letter and at the following website:

http://carsonsscholars.org/scholarships/faqs.

Sincerely,

Bettina OliverMcCain

School Counselor

Attachment: Application Papers