The Markland Homes Association Scholarship Awards Committee

 

Markland Wood Scholarships Award

It’s time once again, to launch our yearly scholarship award. Before I outline the criteria for the Markland Homes Scholarship, I’d like to briefly describe the process the Board goes through each year to select the two scholarship winners.

First, this article is published giving notice of the scholarships and the deadline for the applications. The Board Members then form a sub committee usually consisting of 5 directors who will review and evaluate the submissions over the summer. A sixth board member is nominated to be the “blinder” for the process. The blinder’s primary job is to ensure the objectivity of the process. Consequently, that board member is not part of the committee.

The blinder will review each submission and blackout all personal identifiers from the essay, references and acceptance letters. The blinder will then code, copy and distribute the anonymous submissions to the committee members for their consideration. Only the blinder knows who the applicants are. Directors who have a family member or friend applying for the scholarship are asked not to participate on the committee.

Directors will review and rate each submission according to the published criteria after all the documents have been submitted at the end of July. The sub committee meets in August. A consensus is usually arrived at after a single meeting.

Notice of the outcome is provided to each of the applicants in September. An article identifying the winners is published in the October Marklander, just in time for convocation.

Now that you know all that there is to know about the process, let me outline the program.

The Markland Homes Association is proud to offer and award two $1,000 scholarships to two young residents of Markland who are graduating from high school. These are students from the Markland community who:

a) demonstrate outstanding and consistent outreach to their community; and,
b) have been accepted for entrance to, and enrolled in, an accredited Canadian University or Community College in the coming year. 

Expressions of interest are to be submitted to the Blinder of the Markland Wood Award Committee by the 31st of May. At that time, the applicant should provide to the Award Committee:

a) An essay, written by the student (up to two typed pages), describing his/her community leadership involvement which should include: insight into personal motivation to undertake the activity; what has been accomplished; what meaningful contribution has been made to the community, and what he or she has learned from the experience.
b) Two letters of support or confirmation from the community group(s), or individuals who have been the focus of the student’s involvement.

By July 31st, each applicant must provide a copy of his or her letter of acceptance and enrolment in an accredited Canadian University or Community College.

For further information please call one of your Markland Homes Association Board of Directors.

All completed submissions should be forwarded to:

The Markland Homes Association,
PO Box 11, Station "A"
Etobicoke, Ontario
M9C 4V2
Attention: The Scholarship Blinder