Scholarship Application

Essay Prompt: "Leading Through Uncertainty"

Leadership isn’t limited to official titles — it often emerges in unexpected moments. In football, as in life, true leaders step up when the stakes are high and direction is unclear.

Scenario:

Your football team is in a championship game. The starting quarterback is injured, and the backup is struggling. Frustration builds, and the team’s focus is slipping. Coaches are on the sidelines, leaving the team to figure things out on the field.

Your Task:

In a 500-750 word essay, explain how you would respond in this moment:

• Take Action: How would you step up as a leader, even without an official role? What actions would you take to unite the team and restore focus?
• Lead with Purpose: What leadership qualities would you rely on to keep the team motivated and working together?
• Beyond the Game: How could the leadership lessons from this scenario help you positively impact your community in real life?

Evaluation Criteria:

The board of directors will vote on a winner based on:

• Creative and thoughtful response
• Clear leadership actions and qualities
• Connection to real-life community impact
• Personal insight and reflection