Nevada Joint Union
High School District

 

Student Writing Responses

These writing responses are to be copied and pasted into each scholarship application. Each scholarship application has four questions, which are the four written responses.  

 

Student Statement (500 words or less)

Consider your audience. The real question is, why should our organization give you
scholarship money? Tell us a story about yourself to share who you really are. Brag! Remember, the readers have your transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.

What don’t we already know about you? It can be anything beyond or related to school, most often beyond the classroom, that you have done: student leadership, sports, clubs, theater, band, 4H, church, volunteer, or work experience.

The key is to take this activity and make it into a story about YOU. Is there an event or a time when you learned a life lesson, changed your mind about something, or even overcame a challenge that SHOWS YOUR CHARACTER?

Some students have faced hardship in life. A hardship story can be compelling if students can

show how they faced those obstacles, such as by linking the challenges to a career goal. Or tell how
they found the strength to succeed as a student despite the hardship.

 

Tell about something you did in your school career that was meaningful. Community
service is great here. You can write about something you did over time or focus on one specific
event. Be sure to tell how this event impacted you.

 

Purpose: To explain why you need financial assistance for your education.

Readers will have your financial information already. So, this part focuses on your family’s
situation. What kind of work do your parents do? How many people are in your family? Are there
other people going to college? Are there hardships such as illness or disability? What college
are you planning to attend? What is the cost of that school? How does your family plan to pay?
Remember, this is confidential. And you are asking for money.

 

Where do you hope to see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, or 20 years? What excites you most about life after high school? Is there anything you're nervous about for life beyond high school?

• 5-Year Vision:
• Education/Career Path: Describe your immediate goals, such as pursuing higher education, starting a career, or gaining specific experiences.
• Personal Growth: Mention any personal milestones you aim to achieve, like becoming more independent or developing new skills.
• 10-Year Vision:
• Career Advancement: Discuss where you hope to be professionally, such as having advanced in your field, starting your own business, or having gained significant experience.
• Life Milestones: Include other important life goals, like relationships, family, or personal achievements.
• 20-Year Vision:
• Long-Term Goals: Outline where you see yourself in the long run—settling into your career, contributing to your community, or achieving lifelong dreams.
• Legacy: Consider what kind of impact you want to have on the world or how you envision your contributions being remembered.
• Excitement & Nerves:
• Excitement: Share what you’re looking forward to, like newfound freedom, new experiences, or pursuing your passions.
• Nervousness: Acknowledge any concerns or uncertainties, such as the challenges of adult responsibilities or navigating a new environment.

Letter of Recommendations

• One from a staff member-counselor, teacher, office staff, or anyone who is a current staff member

• One from a community member- Anybody other than family

These forms will help people write a quality personalized LOR. I suggest you use this when asking people to write you a letter of recommendation.

Teacher Letter of Recommendation Form:

Counselor Letter of Recommendation Form:

 

 

💬 1. Ask Early

• Timing is key. Ask at least 3-4 weeks before the deadline (earlier if possible).
  
  
• This gives the recommender time to write a thoughtful letter and shows you respect their schedule.
  
  

🧑‍🏫 2. Choose the Right Person

• Pick someone who knows you well, especially in an academic or leadership context.
  
  
• Ideal choices are teachers in subjects related to your goals, or counselors who know your story and growth.
  
  

✍️ 3. Make the Request Personal

• If possible, ask in person. If not, a respectful and personalized email works.
  Example: "Hi Ms. Nguyen, I really enjoyed your class and learned a lot last year. I'm applying for our local scholarships, and I was wondering if you’d feel comfortable writing a strong letter of recommendation for me?"

📄 4. Provide Helpful Materials

• Make it easy for them by giving:
  
  
• A brag sheet or list of accomplishments
  
  
• Your resume (if available)
  
  
• Details about what you’re applying for
  
  
• The deadline and how to submit it (online portal, email, etc.)
  
  

🙏 5. Be Polite and Grateful

• Always say thank you, whether they accept or not.
  
  
• After they submit the letter, follow up with a thank-you note (handwritten or via email).
  
  

✅ Extra Tips

• If you're nervous, write a script or outline what you want to say.
  
  
• Give gentle reminders as the deadline approaches (at least a week before).
  
  
• Keep track of who you've asked and when each letter is due.

 

 

 

Please note that the two scholarships listed below require additional documentation. If you are applying for either of these scholarships, be sure to:

1. Complete the required forms associated with each scholarship.
2. Upload the completed forms to your Documents section in Going Merry
3. Attach the documents to the appropriate scholarship applications before submitting.