Catholic College Scholarship Contest Invites Applications
The Cardinal Newman Society is pleased to announce its fourth annual Essay Scholarship Contest. The winning essay writer will be awarded $5,000 toward the cost of attending a college recommended in The Newman Guide in the fall of 2020.
In addition, several Newman Guide colleges have agreed to supplement the Newman Society’s scholarship with additional $5,000 grants to the winner over three additional years.
All of the details about the Contest can be found at this link: https://newmansoc.org/EssayContest
The $5,000 scholarship is made possible thanks to the generosity of Joe and Ann Guiffre, strong advocates of faithful Catholic education.
“We are grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Guiffre for enabling this scholarship,” said Cardinal Newman Society President Patrick Reilly. “They understand the unique value of a truly Catholic education, and they are thrilled to help students experience all that a Newman Guide-recommended college can provide.”
The contest is open to high school seniors in the United States who sign up for the Newman Society’s Recruit Me program, explore the Newman Society’s tips for navigating the college search, and check out the recommended colleges in The Newman Guide during their college search.
The topic for this year’s contest is to reflect, in 500-700 words, on the following question: “A recent Pew Research study found that only 26% of self-professed Catholics under the age of 40 believe in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. In light of this finding, why do you think that it is important to attend a faithful Catholic college?”
Essays will be judged by how well they demonstrate appreciation for faithful Catholic education, as well as the quality of the writing.
Last year, the Newman Society announced Landis Lehman, a homeschooled student from Lucas, Texas, as the winner of the Society’s third annual Essay Scholarship Contest. She received a $5,000 scholarship toward her education at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan. She may also be eligible for additional $5,000 grants from Benedictine College.
In her winning essay, Lehman related how she he searched for a college that “will prepare me not only for a career, but also for a life as a faithful follower of Christ.” And rejecting the moral laxity that is typical of campus life, Lehman looked for a college that “helps me, not hinders me, towards my ultimate goal of Heaven.”
Lehman described how a faithful Catholic education will form her in mind, body and soul. She wrote:
The education I will receive will cultivate in me a love of truth that will stay with me long after graduation. Likewise, the godly relationships that I will forge with the inspiring students around me will become an integral part of my adult life. Most importantly, at a college where every aspect of life is pervaded by a devoutly Catholic culture, I will be provided with a foundation that will inspire me to strive for holiness every day.
Ultimately, Lehman believed that “choosing to attend a faithful Catholic college is a decision that will affect more than my next four years—it will influence me for life.”
Lehman’s entire essay can be read here.
Last year, essays were submitted from students in 44 states, who together have applied to every U.S. residential college that is recommended in The Newman Guide.
Questions about this year’s Essay Scholarship Contest can be directed to Programs@CardinalNewmanSociety.org.