Essay Theme: Pursuing A Dream
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay-Scholarship Contest began in 2004, sponsored by
George Ow, Jr. in honor of the commemoration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. sculpture
by Barrington McLean. Dr. King espoused social justice, non-violence, and human
rights. He dreamed of an equitable society wherein all people are treated with dignity
and respect. His philosophy that individuals should not be judged by the color of their
skin, sex, and sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or class but be judged by the content
of their character is still relevant today. All students are encouraged to apply for this
scholarship.
Essay Criteria: Each applicant must produce a clear and organized essay of 5-8
pages. The essay must illustrate how Dr. King’s philosophy, as stated above, helped to
shape you as a person and the ways you have incorporated Dr. King’s ideals in your
daily life, educational goals, and future aspirations. You may want to discuss difficult
circumstances that have impacted your ability to pursue a postsecondary education and
how you overcame such obstacles. The committee is interested in experiences that
have motivated you to work on behalf of human rights as well as your efforts in this
area.
The Tony Hill Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010 to support
Cabrillo College students of color. Tony Hill was a prominent community
activist and treasured mentor who died in 2007. He was an inspirational
leader, gifted mediator, and bridge-builder in our community. Tony worked
tirelessly for social and economic justice, education, housing, and jobs for
African Americans. He dedicated his life to championing the plight of the
poor and often marginalized in Santa Cruz County. Cabrillo students of
color who submit an application and essay for the MLK Scholarship will
also be eligible for the $500 Tony Hill Memorial Scholarship.
Scholarship Amounts to be Awarded: Students with the top scoring essays will be
awarded a scholarship between $100 and $500 for the MLK Jr. Scholarship. The Tony
Hill Memorial Scholarship recipient will be awarded $500.
O:\Behavior\MLK Jr. Event File\MLK Jr. 2011-12 File
Revised 9/23/11
Cabrillo College
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay-Scholarship Contest
APPLICATION PACKET
Applicants are encouraged to review the following scoring rubric as a guide to
obtain the highest possible score.
MLK Jr. Essay
2011-12 Scoring Rubric
THESIS
FOCUS
RHETORICAL DEVELOPMENT
Clearly states viewpoint about
Every topic, idea, description,
Presents a logically
each criteria listed:
sentence or word directly
sequential train of thought
1) overcoming barriers
refers to the thesis as
so the reader can "see"
2) intellectual
elaboration
and follow the writer's
curiosity
thinking.
maturity
Develops argument in depth.
initiative
3) interest in non-violent
social movements
and change
EXPRESSIVE WRITING
INSIGHTFUL/ ANALYTICAL
REFERENCES
Uses rich descriptive vocabulary
Brings reader to a new
Refers to wide variety
to show reader what is meant;
awareness of issue; uncovers
of sources: personal life,
uses images and incidents that
deeper layers and hidden
personal observations,
paint a picture in the reader's
implications;
interviews, media
mind and elicits emotional
brings reader to a new
(TV, newspapers, magazine
response.
compassion and understanding,
articles).
both rationally and emotionally.
Does not state the obvious or
repeat well-known information.
Please note:
 Each of the six (6) areas above will be rated for a maximum of 10 points.
 The total possible points your essay can receive is 60.
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION and ESSAY by 4:00 PM on DECEMBER 16, 2011
at one of the following locations:
The Student Affairs Office
SAC East 216, Aptos Campus
The Student Resource Center
Room 4320, Watsonville Center
Cabrillo College
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay-Scholarship Contest
APPLICATION PACKET
2011-12 Essay-Scholarship Application
Last Name
Date:
First Name
Ethnic Origin*:
Cabrillo College ID#
*Please list your ethnic origin to be considered for the Tony Hill Memorial Scholarship
Address:
City:
Phone: (
Zipcode:
)
Email Address:
Current # of Units:
Proposed Major:
Number of Units planned for 2012 spring semester
(must be at least 9).
Applicants must:
 complete all sections of this application
 be enrolled in at least 9 units at Cabrillo College for the 2012 spring semester
Applicants who do not meet these requirements will be disqualified.
Scholarship recipients must be willing, if chosen by the committee, to read their
essay at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration event scheduled for
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 in the Quad at Cabrillo College. The event is
scheduled to begin at 11 am and concludes at 1 pm.
Deadline: Your application and essay must be received by Friday, December 16,
2011 at 4:00 p.m. in the Student Affairs Office, SAC East Room 216 or the Cabrillo
College Watsonville Center, Student Resource Center Room 4320
This Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration event is sponsored by The Cabrillo
College Black Student Union (BSU), Cabrillo College Foundation, EOPS, the Student
Affairs Office and the ASCC Student Senate. Thank you for your interest and
participation.
Attach Your Essay to this Application.