When you apply yourself you’re always a winner . . .
Program Overview
Celebrating diversity in Kentuckiana is the foundation of the McDonald’s Black History Makers of
Tomorrow Program. Kentuckiana has become a diverse community with a multitude of cultures
blending together to create a vibrant community. Tell us who or what inspires you…
The McDonald’s Black History Makers of Tomorrow Program honors outstanding high school
seniors who demonstrate exceptional leadership, character, scholarship and community service.
Since its inception, hundreds of local high school students have been honored by local
McDonald’s Owner/Operators for their participation.
The top students whose applications are selected as winners will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
Additionally, the winners and their families will be invited to attend a private reception with
representatives of the local McDonald’s Owner/Operator community and the McDonald’s
Corporation during the month of February.
Eligibility
This program is open to students with at least one parent of African American or Black Caribbean
descent. Successful high school seniors will demonstrate the following attributes:
Leadership: Tell us about your success as a leader in school, church or community
organizations.
Scholarship: If you have maintained a minimum 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, you are eligible to apply.
Character: Tell us how you motivate your peers by maintaining a positive attitude and exhibiting
qualities of good citizenship.
Community Service: Tell us how you spend your spare time to help those in need.
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Requirements
A completed Black History Makers of Tomorrow application, signed by the student and a
parent/guardian.
A 500-word typed essay. Follow the essay guidelines to prepare your essay celebrating your
local community and your interaction with cultures outside of your own.
Applicant must have at least one parent of African American or Black Caribbean descent.
An official high school transcript.
A letter of recommendation.
All materials must be submitted together in an envelope postmarked no later than
January 31, 2012.
Essay Guidelines
One of the criteria for selecting McDonald’s Black History Makers of Tomorrow is diversity. To
provide the selection committee with your thoughts on what will shape the Kentuckiana
community, submit an essay entitled “Inspiration Makes Me…Who or What Inspires You?”
Maximum essay length is 500 words. Essays will not be returned. Your essay is your personal
view of how you can have a positive community impact in the future. It should not be a research
paper. The essay must have relevance to diversity, but you may focus on a topic of particular
interest to you.
Your essay will be judged on creative content, idea development and writing style.
McDonald’s Black History Makers of Tomorrow
Essay Competition Application
Directions
Responses to questions on this form must be printed in black ink or typed.
Submit applications to Bandy Carroll Hellige, 307 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. Louisville, KY 40202.
Application and essay must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2012.
Candidate Information
Name _________________________________________________________________
Home Address __________________________________________________________
City _________________State ________ Zip _________Telephone ________________
Date of Birth ______________________ Social Security Number __________________
School ________________________ School Address ___________________________
City _________________State ________ Zip ____
Telephone _______________
Counselor’s Name ___________________ Principal’s Name ______________________
Is your school:
_____ public
_____ private
_____ parochial
What is your GPA ________________
Where did you hear about the program? ______________________________________
Activities
Please list below your school activities, making note of all leadership positions, as well as awards
and honors you have received. Community service includes volunteerism with your church,
community or civic organizations (continue on another sheet if necessary).
School Activities
Grade 12
Hours per week/Job Title
Honors/Awards (Please indicate year received)
Work Experience
Employer
Community Service/Organizations
Position
Dates of Employment
Duties
Dates
Survey Questions
Please answer the following questions. If necessary, you may use additional 8
1/2” x 11” pages to complete your answers.
1. There are many African Americans that have paved the way for other
generations. How do you plan to make a difference in your community?
2. At McDonald's®, we believe that African-American culture and
achievement should be celebrated 365 days a year — not just during
Black History Month. How do you celebrate your culture 365 days a year?
3. Inspiration can be found anywhere; from lyrics to your favorite song to a
special photo. Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life? What
lessons did they teach you?
4. Share any personal experiences you have had related to African American
roots and heritage?
I do hereby certify that the information provided is correct to the best of my
knowledge.
_________________________
Student’s Signature
__________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
_____________
Date
______________
Date