Congratulations to our 2010 Character First! Scholarship Contest winner Mr. Dryden Neilson from Tuscaloosa County High School!  Click here to read the winning essay.

2010 CHARACTER FIRST SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST
Sponsored by:  The Tuscaloosa Character Council

Background:  The purpose of the Tuscaloosa Character Council is to strengthen our citizens, their families, and the community at large by promoting excellence in character.  The work of this organization is coordinated by an Executive Director and a Board of Directors which represent various sectors of the community:  business, faith, education, government, law enforcement, family, and media.  A vibrant network of community leaders and volunteers have participated in Character First trainings conducted by the nationally known Character Training Institute in association with the Tuscaloosa Character Council in an effort to promote good character in all facets of community life:  the individual citizen, the workplace, the family unit, the educational system, the neighborhood, and the vast array of services and programs associated with each of these. Also, the Character First, Education! curriculum is currently implemented in almost every elementary school in the Tuscaloosa City and County systems, with some high schools involving students in character education through opportunities to serve as mentors and character coaches for younger students.  In 2007, the Character First, Education! middle school curriculum was piloted with plans for future expansion. And, this year has seen the curriculum extend into our high schools.

In 2007, the Tuscaloosa Character Council established the first Character First Scholarship Contest which targets the Character First Program’s 49 character qualities for success.  For reference, the official website at www.characterfirst.com  lists these character qualities. Each school will select an "Outstanding Senior of Character" nominee. Each nominee will write an essay and participate in an interview process during which questions regarding their essay theme of "How Character Has Shaped My Life" will be discussed. The interview panel, composed of representatives from the community, will make the final decision as to the scholarship recipient.

Postmark Deadline:  Monday, April 4, 2011 4:00 p.m.

Award:  $500.00 cash

Judging Criteria:     1)  Overall impact
                               2)  Effectiveness in conveying theme 
                               3)  Originality  
                               4)  Grammar/sentence structure 
                               5)  Written/submitted according to essay guidelines listed
                                    below 
                               6)  The decision of the three official judges is final.

Guidelines:  1)  Entries must reflect the theme of at least one of the 49
                             character qualities listed on the website (select
                            "free downloads") and have the theme of "How Character 

                             Has Shaped My Life."   Essays may address
                             personal experiences such as how one was impacted
                             by the selecte quality(ies), the importance of the selected
                             quality (ies) in daily life, etc.

                        2)  Submissions must be in English.

                        3)  Submissions must be the original work of only one entrant.

                        4)  Entrants are limited to the submission of only one essay.

                        5)  Essays must be 3 pages, type-written (12 pt. font), MLA
                             format, and double-spaced.

                        6)  References used in composing the essays must be cited if 
                             information comes from sources other than the previously
                             mentioned website. 

                       7)  Each entrant must send three (3) copies of his/her essay 
                            with a cover sheet listing the following information:  Name,
                            Home Address,  School, and Contact Numbers (Phone & e-
                            mail, if applicable)

                            Names are not to appear on the three essays, only on the 
                            cover sheet.  The contest will be judged anonymously.

                       8)  Essays will not be returned; please do not send your only
                            copies.

                       9)  Submissions must be postmarked or hand-delivered no later
                            than 4:00 P.M. on Monday, April 4, 2011.  E-mailed or faxed  
                            submissions will not be accepted.

                      10) Interviews will take place during the week of April 11-15. 

                      11) The winner will be contacted and announced on April 15.

                      12) Essays should be mailed/delivered to:     
                                                  Mr.  Kenny Burns                                     
                                                  Executive Director 
                                                  Tuscaloosa Character Council 
                                                  3200 Rice Mine Road, N.E. 
                                                  Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

                      13)  The decision of the judges is final.