SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PACKET

WELCOME SCHOLARSHIP CANDIDATE

Congratulations on taking the steps to apply for the Sons of SMA Memorial Scholarships.  These scholarships are being presented In Memoria of two iconic deceased teachers of SMA, Mr. Cuthbert Elwin and Mr. Adrian Durand, who both exemplified the ideals of the school’s motto 'Ora et Labora' or ‘Prayer and Work’ to the highest standards.

Your application to this scholarship encumbers upon you the requirement to uphold and raise these ideals of Saint Mary's Academy and carry yourself with integrity of church, character, academic excellence, and public service.  If selected to receive these scholarships, you will be provided with the resources to launch a successful academic career and be included in a worldwide brotherhood of SMA alumni. Welcome to the Journey!

Included in this packet are all the necessary instructions and documents to apply for this prestigious scholarship.  Scholarship application documents shall be submitted electronically via the following email:  [email protected].  In addition to the application form, the following documents must be included in your application:

§ Recommendation letter from your Primary School Principal (See Note 2).

§ Recommendation letter from a Priest or Pastor (See Note 2).

§ Copy of Grade Six report cards (Term 1, Term 2, and Term 3).

§ 500 word essay (double-spaced) on the following topic:

o Describe your future career goals and why you should be selected for this scholarship.

Notes:

1. See Appendix A of this packet for scholarship application and renewal requirements.

2. See Appendix B of this packet for scholarship recommendation and reference forms.

3. See Appendix C of this packet for scholarship applicant’s affirmation requirements.

APPLICANT INFORMATION

Name:
Date of birth:		Email:			Phone:
Current address:
City/Village:		Parish:			Dominica
Grade Six Academic Averages:	Term 1:_______%		Term 2:_______%				Term 3:_______%
Accepted to Saint Mary’s Academy for the 2017-2018 Academic Year:    YES  ☐        NO  ☐
Name of Parent(s): )JJ:
Annual Total Household Income:  $
Are you a recipient of a governmental scholarship or bursary for the 2017-2018 academic year (check one)?				Scholarship  ☐				Bursary           ☐
				Pass             ☐		Not Applicable  ☐

reference INFORMATION

Name of Primary School:
Primary School Principal:	Name:	Phone:
Name of Church:
Priest / Pastor:	Name:	Phone:

LIST OF ACTIVITIES

List activities (student government, sports, publications, church, governmental, or school-sponsored community service programs, student-teacher committees, arts, music, etc.) that you would like to be considered in your selection for this scholarship.  Include a name/number of a reference person for each activity. 

Note: Non-participation in these activities may not necessarily exclude you from consideration but is strongly recommended.

School / Governmental Activity	Dates	Name / Number of Reference Person
		$

LIST OF AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

List awards, scholarships, or special recognitions you have received, if any, that you would like to be considered in your selection for this scholarship.  Include a name/number of a reference person for each item. 

Name of Award / Scholarship / Special Recognition	Date Received	Name / Phone Number of Reference Person
		$

exemplary leadership

Describe one specific and extraordinary example where you showcased leadership characteristics.  Provide a reference of this item.

Note: Non-inclusion of this item may not necessarily exclude you from consideration but is strongly recommended.

Write exemplary leadership description here:

OTHER INFORMATION

What other additional information do you wish to share with the Sons of SMA Foundation to be considered in your scholarship application?

APPENDIX a – general scholarship information and requirements

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION and requirements

Each scholarship applicant shall receive up to $2,000 XCD per academic year to be applied towards approved academic related expense categories such as school fees, books, stationary supplies, uniforms, etc.

Approved Expense Categories and Disbursement Limits are as follows:

Expense Category	Disbursement Limit (XCD)^Note 1
School Fees	$525
Text Books	$750
Stationary and miscellaneous school supplies	$150
School uniform (shirt jacks, school crest)	$100
School uniform (khaki pants, black pants)	$150
School uniform (dress shoes)	$150
School Uniform (sports clothing)	$50
School Uniform (sports shoes)	$125

Note 1:  Sons of SMA scholarship awardees will only be reimbursement up to the allocated limits for each expense category.  These limits have been set by the executive committee for the fiduciary integrity of the foundation’s scholarship funds.

All incoming First Form scholarship applicants will need to be recommended by their Primary School principal, based on the following criteria:

§ Need-based requirement. Annual household income of the scholarship applicant's parent(s) shall not exceed:

o $25,000 EC (single parent)

o $45,000 EC (two parents)

§ Active church involvement (to be verified in reference letter submitted by applicant’s priest or pastor)

§ Community activism and/or sports exceptionalism (verified in application packet)

§ Minimum academic performance: 75% cumulative grade average (Terms 1, 2, and 3)

All scholarship application documents will need to be submitted via email to [email protected] by August 18, 2017.

Note:  Applicants who receive a governmental scholarship or bursary shall receive the token amount of the Sons of SMA scholarship minus the governmental scholarship award value.

SCHOLARSHIP renewal INFORMATION

Sons of SMA scholars will be eligible to renew the scholarships from Second Form to Fifth Form only if the following criteria are met:

§ Academic Performance: 75% minimum cumulative grade average

§ Ethical behavior:  Applicant cannot be engaged in illegal or illicit activities that may undermine the integrity of the Sons of SMA foundation or Saint Mary's Academy (as determined by SOSMA Committee and SMA principal on a case-by-case basis)

§ Active church involvement (to be verified by church priest or pastor)

§ Demonstration of community service and/or sports activism

§ Student cannot double any academic year        

The following scholarship renewal documents will need to be submitted for consideration by the Sons of SMA Scholarship Selection Committee:

§ Scholarship Renewal Recommendation Form to be completed by SMA principal

§ Letter from Religious Leader stating ongoing active participation in church related activities

All scholarship renewal documents will need to be submitted via email to [email protected] by July 15 of each academic year.

APPENDIX b – RECOMMENDATION reference forms

letter of recommendation form (primary school principal)

This form shall be filled out by the primary school principal of the scholarship applicant:

Name of Primary School:
Primary School Principal:	Name:	Phone:
	Email:
Name of Student

Based on the scholarship requirements provided in Appendix A, please indicate why this student qualifies to receive a Sons of SMA memorial scholarship.  Include information on the student’s character, academic performance, involvement in school and community activities, and any awards or recognitions received by the student.  Please use an additional sheet of paper, if needed.

letter of recommendation form (PRIEST OR PASTOR)

This form shall be filled out by the priest or pastor of the scholarship applicant:

Name of Church:
Priest or Pastor:	Name:	Phone:
	Email:
Name of Student

Based on the scholarship requirements provided in Appendix A, please indicate why this student qualifies to receive a Sons of SMA memorial scholarship.  Include information on the applicant’s character and involvement in church-based activities.  Please use an additional sheet of paper, if needed.

APPENDIX C – APPLICANT’S AFFIRMATION OF SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

AFFIRMATION OF SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

To be filled out by the scholarship applicant.

I have read and understood the terms and conditions of the Sons of SMA Memorial Scholarship detailed in Appendix A and throughout this application packet.  I affirm that I will adhere to the goals, requirements, principles, and policies of this scholarship and if selected, will attend Saint Mary’s Academy for my secondary school education.  I give permission to officials of my primary school and Saint Mary’s Academy to release transcripts of my academic record and other information requested for consideration in the Sons of SMA Scholarship program. I understand that this application is need-based, has ongoing renewal requirements, and that selection of the final scholarship applicant is at the sole discretion of the Sons of SMA Scholarship Selection Committee.  I further agree, if selected as a Sons of SMA Scholar, to attend the Sons of SMA Scholarship Announcement Press Events and participate in all Sons of SMA mentorship as well as other programs/events.  I affirm that this application and the scholarship essay is my own work, formally cited from other sources as applicable and the information contained herein is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Name of Scholarship Applicant: 

Signature:

Date: