Pearl Family Inspirational Scholarship

The Pearl Family Inspirational Scholarship was created to reward students who have stood firm in the face of adversity; who have demonstrated the necessary grit and determination to overcome obstacles of all kinds while doggedly pursuing a teaching credential. That is the path the scholarship’s namesake followed and is the standard by which all aspirants will be evaluated. An applicant’s persistence, resilience, good humor and steadfastness will be emphasized as much as his/her academic performance if not more so during the selection process. Students must be in good standing at Salisbury University and accepted into the Teacher Education program, Must be a high school graduate of either Worcester or Somerset County, Maryland. If there are no qualified applicants from either Worcester or Somerset County, applicants may be selected from either Cecil or Wicomico County, Maryland; Education major; Junior or Senior status; 2.75 grade point average or better; Must have financial need from the FAFSA; Each applicant must prepare a 400-500 word essay describing the challenge(s) he/she has experienced and how working through these challenges impacted his/her academic performance and decision to enter the teaching profession. The essay should highlight inspirational experiences and events. Applicants are encouraged to discuss in their essays those seminal moments in their lives when they faced major turning points; what inspired them to keep going or pursue a different path? In particular, how did overcoming the challenges they faced impact their lives and how might they use their own experiences to inspire their own students once they start teaching.