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. 

 

Now accepting applications for our 2023 awards! Deadline is March 31, 2023

Awards Ceremony will be held on May 7, 2023 @ 2p

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.

Each winner receives:

• $1000 Scholarship
• A one year JCC membership
• A $100 gift certificate
• A fitness evaluation by a JCC Personal Trainer
• Recognition in the Columbus Jewish News

Every applicant receives:
• A $100 gift certificate

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

PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:
  1. Completed Application (CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION). ​Please save your application as YOUR FULL NAME – SCHOLARSHIP APPLYING FOR – Application. (Example: Joe Smith – David & Irene Cole Essay Contest – Application) 
  2. Brief, typed biography; 100 words or less
  3. Current Headshot
  4. Applicants are asked to submit a typed achievement transcript. Must list out the follow categories: Scholastic Achievements and Awards, Community Involvement, Athletic Achievements and Awards, Additional Activities. SEE EXAMPLE HERE
MUST BE EMAILED TOGETHER TO TEENAWARDS@COLUMBUSJCC.ORG BY MARCH 31, 2023. Failure to submit all materials together may effect your eligibility.

David and Irene Cole Essay Contest

ESSAY PROMPT: Explore the evolution of your Jewish Identity as a soon to be college student in light of rising antisemitism on campuses and throughout the world. How will your Jewish identity affect your involvement on campus? What, if anything, will distinguish you from other students? Why is your Jewish Identity part of your story and how will you express it on campus?

Prizes:

1st Place – $1000

2nd Place – $500

3rd Place – $250

PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:
  1. Completed Application (CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION). ​Please save your application as YOUR FULL NAME – SCHOLARSHIP APPLYING FOR – Application. (Example: Joe Smith – David & Irene Cole Essay Contest – Application) 
  2. 900-1200 words, typed, double spaced response to the essay prompts
  3. Brief, typed biography; 100 words or less
  4. Current Headshot
  5. A resume which includes academic achievements, community service and involvement, clubs, athletics jobs and internships. EXAMPLE RESUME
  6. MUST BE EMAILED TOGETHER TO TEENAWARDS@COLUMBUSJCC.ORG BY MARCH 31, 2023. Failure to submit all materials together may effect your eligibility.

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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

PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:
  1. Completed Application (CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION). ​Please save your application as YOUR FULL NAME – SCHOLARSHIP APPLYING FOR – Application. (Example: Joe Smith – David & Irene Cole Essay Contest – Application) 
  2. 900-1200 words, typed, double spaced response to the essay prompts
  3. Brief, typed biography; 100 words or less
  4. Current Headshot
  5. A resume which includes academic achievements, community service and involvement, clubs, athletics jobs and internships. EXAMPLE RESUME
  6. MUST BE EMAILED TOGETHER TO TEENAWARDS@COLUMBUSJCC.ORG BY MARCH 31, 2023. Failure to submit all materials together may effect your eligibility.

Questions? Contact us at teenawards@columbusjcc.org