Class of 2023 Compassion Award

Class+of+2023+Compassion+Award

As seniors prepare for graduation, many seniors are applying for scholarships to help with the financial burden of college, vocational and technical programs, and other certifications for employment. There is a scholarship available to the class of 2023 that does not have a gpa requirement, or require any outstanding athletic achievements. The scholarship does not require an applicant to be an outstanding scholar, athlete or artist. The only prerequisite for the scholarship is exuding compassion and kindness to others.

Compassion is the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another’s suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering. Qualities of compassion are patience and wisdom; kindness and perseverance; warmth and resolve. Compassion is about taking action to make someone’s day better.  It can be as simple as a smile or a high five, engaging in conversation (even with a non-verbal person) or taking additional steps to really get to know someone.

Scott and Amy Adamson, parents of senior Eli Adamson, created a scholarship four years ago with having compassion as the only requirement for acceptance. The goal in creating the scholarship is to encourage inclusion in high school but with an even greater focus on life beyond high school.  To break down barriers, to build genuine relationships, to acknowledge that it costs nothing to have good character, that being considerate of others is worthy of recognition. 

The “Bulldogs for Eli” Compassion Award recognizes students in the Baldwin High School class of 2023 who demonstrate compassion and kindness towards other students. Recipients will be recognized at the end of the 2020-2023 school years.  All recipients will be considered for a monetary award at the end of the 2023 school year. This is a $1500 scholarship that can be divided between those nominated/selected for recognition.  However, it’s on the teachers, staff, peers and community members to nominate students from the class of 2023. A form and brief description has been created and it is located on the Baldwin Education Foundation website.  https://www.usd348.com/community/bef/class-of-2023-compassion-award/