SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES

WHO CAN APPLY

Seniors at Webutuck High School in northeast Dutchess County.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Alice and Richard Henriquez were longtime residents of Millerton, N.Y., and, while living, maintained close relationships with that community's youth. The award was established by the late Richard Henriquez in memory of his wife, Alice, to encourage young people to use their writing and analytical skills to address contemporary issues.

ESSAY TOPIC

“ If you don't know the guy on the other side of the world, love him anyway because he's just like you. He has the same dreams, the same hopes and fears. It's one world, pal. We're all neighbors.” —Frank Sinatra

“You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.” ―Indira Gandhi

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” —Desmond Tutu

Given the political polarization in the United States and the world, peace seems to be an illusion, yet people still dare to hope that conflicts can be resolved and that everyone can be treated with justice and compassion. Do any of the quotes above resonate with your own experience? Describe a situation in which you either “did a little bit of good,” or someone did “a little bit of good” for you. What was the result? Did it change your attitude toward or acceptance of another person?

The maximum length for the essay is 500 words. While each essay must be the original work of its author, applicants are permitted to have their essays reviewed by a faculty member before submitting their applications.

ELIGIBILITY

Seniors at Webutuck High School who are entering their first year of a two-year or four-year nationally accredited college, university or trade-school.

AWARDS

The award is $1,000. Payments will be made directly to the college or university of the recipient.

REVIEW CRITERIA

Applications will be reviewed using the following criteria:

• Quality of the writing.
• Clarity of thinking and addressing the theme.
• Creativity of overall submission.

Applications will be reviewed by members of the Webutuck Quest for Excellence Fund (QUEST) Committee. Their recommendations will be reviewed by Berkshire Taconic’s board of directors. The prize will be awarded during the Awards Ceremony at the end of the year.