Download the application
Available as a PDF or an editable Word document. Both contain the same eight sections.
How to Apply
Submitting your application
Download the form, complete all eight sections, attach one letter of recommendation, and email everything to the scholarship board before April 1.
Step by step
Four steps to submit
Complete all eight sections
Personal, academic, athletic, extracurricular, community involvement, short answers, the long answer, and the signature page.
Attach your documents
One letter of recommendation, plus your short and long answer responses on additional sheets if needed.
Email your submission
Send to honorpaulchildress@outlook.com. You'll hear back by August 1.
What's inside
The eight sections
1 · Personal Information
Full name, date of birth, phone, email, home address, and parent/guardian names and contact information.
2 · Academic Information
Current high school, expected graduation date, GPA, class rank if available, SAT/ACT scores if known, intended college or trade, and intended major.
3 · Athletic Information
Primary sports, positions played, years participated, club or AAU teams, athletic honors and achievements, and your coach's name and contact information.
4 · Extracurricular & Leadership
School or community leadership roles such as captain or student council, and other activities including clubs and music.
5 · Community Involvement
Volunteer work or service projects, and your approximate volunteer hours over the past year.
6 · Short Answer Questions
Three questions on character, how athletics shaped your goals, and why you're a strong candidate.
7 · Long Answer Question
One extended response on witnessing different levels of dedication and commitment. See below.
8 · Required Attachments
Letter of recommendation, and your short and long answer responses. Then sign and date — with a parent or guardian signature if you're under 18.
Section 6
The short answer questions
- What has being a student-athlete taught you about character and commitment?
- How has your athletic experience shaped your academic or career goals?
- Why do you believe you are a strong candidate for this scholarship?
Section 7
The long answer question
As a student-athlete, you have likely encountered teammates, opponents, or personal experiences that demonstrated different levels of dedication and commitment — on and off the field.
Describe a time when you witnessed or experienced varying levels of dedication and commitment in a team or individual setting. How did it impact you, your performance, or your perspective on leadership, teamwork, or personal growth?
In your response, be specific about what you learned and how it has influenced your own standards for commitment in athletics, academics, or life in general.
This question carries the heart of the award. “Different levels of dedication and commitment” is the phrase Paul used most, and the selection board reads these answers closely. Attach additional sheets if you need the room.
Required attachments
Before you send
- Completed application, all eight sections
- Letter of recommendation from a coach, teacher, or mentor
- Short answer responses (additional sheets if needed)
- Long answer response (additional sheets if needed)
- Applicant signature and date
- Parent/guardian signature and date, if under 18
Certification
Signing the application certifies that all information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
Questions
Common questions
When is the deadline?
Applications must be emailed to honorpaulchildress@outlook.com by April 1. Recipients are notified by August 1.
Who is eligible?
Senior high school student-athletes at Grand Island Senior High School and Tonawanda Senior High School who demonstrate excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and community involvement.
Do I have to be the best athlete in my school?
No. The award honors dedication, perseverance, and heart — explicitly “regardless of ability.” The rubric rewards commitment and character alongside athletic achievement.
Can I use the award for trade school?
Yes. The scholarship supports students pursuing college or trade careers.
How many letters of recommendation do I need?
One, from a coach, teacher, or mentor. The rubric allots 10 points for the strength of endorsements and the insight they give into your character, work ethic, and growth potential.
What if I need more space for the written answers?
Attach additional sheets. The application explicitly allows this for both the short answer and long answer sections.
Who do I contact with questions?
Email honorpaulchildress@outlook.com — the same address you send your application to.
Send your application
Email your completed application and attachments to the scholarship board.