How to Craft Your Martin and Lucille Stohr Scholarship Essay

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material for your essay by exploring the four key buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your values and goals. Consider how your connection to the Kiwanis Club may have influenced you.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic, extracurricular, or community service activities. Use specific metrics and outcomes to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack in your education or experiences that this scholarship could help fill. Be honest about your aspirations and how further study will bridge this gap.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your character, values, and motivations. This is your chance to humanize your application and connect with the committee.

Outline Your Essay Structure

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. A typical structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey or motivation.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets, ensuring you maintain a clear focus on how each section contributes to your overall narrative.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your commitment to making an impact in your community and beyond, tying back to the scholarship's purpose.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, aim for an active voice and clear, concise language. Avoid clichés and vague expressions. Instead of stating your passion, demonstrate it through specific examples and reflections. Use transitions to guide the reader through your narrative, ensuring each paragraph flows logically to the next.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back to revise. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point you make. Ensure that every section of your essay reflects not just what you have done, but why it matters. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain outside perspectives on clarity and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Clichés: Avoid overused phrases and generalizations that do not add value to your narrative.
• Lack of Specificity: Provide concrete details, such as numbers or specific events, to back up your claims.
• Passive Voice: Use active voice to make your writing more engaging and dynamic.
• Invention of Facts: Stick to verifiable experiences and achievements; do not fabricate details.