The Trustee Scholarship Competition!

Yesterday, the 23rd was the annual Trustree's Scholarship Competition. Every year, the brightest students applying to Hiram College compete for the chance of winning some very nice scholarships. The competition includes three parts: a group discussion on an article, an impromptu essay, and individual student interviews. Based on these three challenges, the powers that be determine how scholarships are distributed to the applicants. Scholarships range from $1000 to 50% to 75% to full tuition (unless it has changed since last year, I believe that 3 students recieve full scholarships, a few receive 50 and 75% scholarships, and everyone else receives $1000 scholarships).

I was involved in the competition last year, so I was invited to help with the student interviews. Each of the trustee scholars meet with a Hiram staff member and student for individual interviews. These interviews help determine which students show good leadership qualities and general well-rounded personalities. I was with Professor Mark Taylor, who teaches physics. I actually met him back in the fall on Campus Day -- we dug post holes together for Habitat for Humanity! Anyway, we interviewed four students throughout the day. It was really great to talk with prospective students. I really enjoyed talking with them, listening to their responses, and answering any questions they had for me as a first-year student. All four students I met with had great personalities, and I can't wait to see them here next fall!

After we finished evaluating the students we interviewed, Mark and I went to go eat an excellent lunch with the Trustee Scholars. We sat with a prospective student and his father and had a nice conversation. I really enjoyed answering all of their questions! If you ever want to really get to know a college, I recommend talking with the students who go there. I had very little idea of where I wanted to go to college one year ago, but I knew I wanted to come to Hiram as soon as I spent a night here.

Good luck to all of the Trustee Scholars, and to all seniors making those college decisions -- you're nearly there!