- 2006
The KMSA Scholarship Program was established to annually recognize up to 16
worthy eighth grade middle school students across the Commonwealth who
exemplify the following criteria:
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Academic excellence
Outstanding citizenship
Commendable attitude
Demonstrated leadership
Appropriate middle school “College and Career Readiness”
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KMSA regional directors will use the above established criteria to select two
students from the pool of applicants from their region. In case of a tie, the
quality of the student essay will be used to determine scholarship winners.
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The student essay should address how the student exemplifies the above
traits advocated by KMSA. Along with the essay, the student may submit a
multimedia presentation highlighting their characteristics, accomplishments
and goals for high school and beyond.
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Each selected student will receive a certificate of recognition, cash award of
$50, and official congratulatory letter.
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Certificates of recognition will be sent to the schools for presentation to the
scholarship winners at appropriate school programs.
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Students will be recognized on the KMSA website and in the electronic
newsletter. Photos, essays and multimedia presentations of the selected
students may be used on the KMSA web site and in the newsletter.
Submit completed applications to your KMSA Regional Director at
Kem.cothran@marshall.kyschools.us by May 5, 2014
Questions: e-mail your regional director or fran@ure.net
I. Information for application cover sheet:
Name of student
School
School address (including city and zip code)
School phone number
Name of parents/caregivers
Mailing address (including city and zip code)
II. To be included in application packet:
1. An essay (350 word maximum) written by the student explaining how he/she exemplifies
the traits advocated by KMSA. The essay should be typed, double-spaced, and in 12
Times font.
2. Letter of recommendation from one of the student’s current teachers describing
student’s outstanding characteristics.
3. Letter of recommendation from the principal of the school supporting the student’s
nomination.
4. School transcript that must include the student’s grades, attendance record, and conduct
information for grades 6, 7, and 8.
5. Evidence of College and Career Readiness. (EXPLORE benchmark accomplishments and
ILP information that will demonstrate the students future plans and educational
directions)
6. Photograph of reproducible quality of the nominated student (head shot that is 4 x 6
maximum) for use in KMSA publications and web site.
7. Signed release form for use of photograph and essay
8. Cover sheet with requested information
9. Optional: The student may submit a multimedia presentation to enhance the readers
understanding of their accomplishments and dreams for the future.
KMSA Scholarship Scoring Guide
20
points
Student essay
20
points
Student exemplifies the traits of academic
excellence, outstanding citizenship,
commendable attitude, leadership and
college and career readiness advocated by
KMSA.
3 points
Letter of recommendation from teacher
3 points
Letter of recommendation from principal
2 points Student is enrolled at a middle level
school that has a KMSA school
membership.
2 points Application submitted on time and is
complete including picture.
No student will be penalized for not
submitting a multimedia presentation.
The multimedia presentation should only
be used if it will enhance the scorers
understanding of the student essay.
Release Form and Application Checklist
RELEASE FORM
The Kentucky Middle School Association has my permission to
use the photograph of my child, ______________________
_____________________________________, in its publications
and on its web site.
Signature of parent/caregiver
______________________________
Date
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
 Student essay—typed, Times 12, 350 word maximum
 Letter of recommendation from current teacher
 Letter of recommendation from principal
 School transcript/records
 Reproducible photograph
 Release form
 Cover sheet with requested information
 Optional multimedia presentation