Father Bill Atkinson Scholarship

Geographic Scope: Pennsylvania, US (specifically serving students in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia area)

Purpose: Provide scholarships to students desiring an education at Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast High Schools who by their own means cannot commit to the financial responsibilities.

Eligibility

• New and current students to Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast High Schools
• Students demonstrating financial need
• No specific GPA requirement stated, though recipients have maintained steady GPAs

Award Details

• Renewable: Yes, annually, provided certain criteria are met
• Application: Applied to tuition and fees balance remaining after deduction for all other grants/scholarships
• Family Contribution: Family will continue to have 20% contribution
• Amount Limit: Award shall not exceed tuition guidelines as established by Monsignor Bonner or Archbishop Prendergast High Schools or the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Selection Criteria

Awardees selected based on reflection of Father Atkinson's characteristics:

• Courage
• Integrity
• Sensitivity
• Patience
• Spirit

Also assessed on academic and extra-curricular efforts.

Background

• Father Atkinson was a graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School and taught at the school for thirty years
• Known for his courage, integrity, sensitivity, patience and spirit

Contact

• Email: info@fatherbillatkinson.org
• Mailing Address: The Father Bill Atkinson Foundation, P.O. Box 1322, West Chester, PA 19380

Application Process

1. Download Application: Download the application document from the website
2. Print: Print the application (single-sided only)
3. Complete: Fill out all required sections
4. Mail: Mail the completed application (NO STAPLES) via regular US Mail to:
   • The Father Bill Atkinson Foundation
   • P.O. Box 1322
   • West Chester, PA 19380
5. Postmark Deadline: Application must be postmarked no later than March 1

Required Materials

• Completed application form (printed and mailed)
• Copy of most recent school-administered standardized test score reports for the past two years
• Most recent three years of academic transcripts, including current year
• Academic Recommendation: Letter from a teacher in a sealed envelope signed by the teacher
• Professional Recommendation: Letter from an extracurricular teacher, coach, clergy member, administrator, community leader, or psychologist in a sealed envelope signed by the recommender
• Signed Applicant and Parent or Guardian Statement (contained within application)

Application Form Sections

Student Information:

• First and last name
• Gender
• Month/year of birth
• Home address, city, state, zip
• Current school and grade
• Email address

Parent(s) or Guardian(s) Information:

• Name, address, contact information, relationship, occupation, and employer for each parent/guardian
• How applicant found out about the scholarship
• List of siblings and their ages

School Information:

• Current school name, address, phone
• List of schools attended with dates

Activities Section:

• List academic, extracurricular, personal, and community activities from past three years in order of importance
• Include dates, positions held, and school relation

Academic Honors and Awards:

• List academic distinctions, honors, and awards earned in past three years
• Note: Do not attach actual awards or honors

Short Answer Questions (answer on lines provided):

1. Research Fr. Atkinson's character traits. Explain some of your traits that you think would be similar to his.
2. You meet someone that tells you, "Catholic school isn't for everyone." Explain how you might respond.
3. Cite one instance where you have struggled. How did you deal with it? Looking back, would you have changed anything?

Essay Question (choose ONE of three options):

• Type one sheet of paper
• Clearly identify which question you are answering
• Question 1: If you could meet someone in heaven, who would it be and what would you ask them?
• Question 2: Name a celebrity or popular figure that you think has had an impact on how you live your life? What about them do you find yourself emulating and what about them do you wish they would change?
• Question 3: Imagine yourself twenty years from now, what have you accomplished? What do you still intend to accomplish?

Additional Information (Optional):

• Space to describe additional information the applicant thinks is important for the Selection Committee

Signatures:

• Applicant signature and date (certifying accuracy and that content is applicant's own work)
• Parent/Guardian signature and date (certifying accuracy and that content is applicant's own work)

Important Notes

• No staples; single-sided submission only
• Mail via regular US Mail (not email)
• Complete application must be postmarked by March 1 to be considered
• All non-optional sections must be included
• Recommendations must be sealed and signed over the seal by the recommender
• Do not submit copies of honors or awards