High school Seniors from the Columbus area are invited to apply for any of the following three awards: David and Irene Cole Essay Contest Award, David and Janet W. Goldsmith Teen Kavod Gadol Award, and the Don Erkis & Lou Berliner High School Jewish Scholar/Athlete Award.
SUBMISSIONS ARE CLOSED FOR 2025!
Don Erkis & Lou Berliner High School Jewish Scholar/Athlete Award
This award remembers two outstanding community leaders who had a love and respect for young people and a vision about the importance of becoming the leaders of the future.
Their vision: that scholastically strong and athletically gifted young people would use their skills, proven in competition and in the classroom, to become the leaders of their generation. They carry our hopes for a better tomorrow.
Based on that standard, each year the JCC recognizes local high school Jewish athletes who have excelled in the classroom and in the athletic arena. The nominees are honored at an annual ceremony, open to the community and featuring the announcement of each year’s winners. The outstanding male and female applicants each receive a scholarship award in the amount of $1,000.
Every applicant receives:
• A one year JCC membership
• A $100 gift certificate
• A fitness evaluation by a JCC Personal Trainer
• Recognition in the Columbus Jewish News
Each winner receives:
• $1000 Scholarship
• Everything listed above
The following criteria for candidates has been established by the JCC’s High School Scholar Athlete Committee:
• Central Ohio residence
• Jewish high school student, attending college after graduation
• Participation in a high school sport, club level sport, or another recognized amateur sport
• Record of a 3.0 (B) GPA after seven (7) semesters
David and Irene Cole Essay Contest
David and Janet W. Goldsmith Teen Kavod Gadol Award
ESSAY PROMPT: Demonstrate how your commitment to community service, leadership, and compassion for others will strengthen and improve the Jewish community both locally and globally. What specific steps have you taken to accomplish these goals?
Prize: $500