The Excellence in Community Leadership Scholarship
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.
In 1971 Doctor Suess used the Lorax’s voice to express his feelings towards the environmental movement. It’s a simple phrase meant to stir emotions into actions. For only being a children’s book, the message carried tremendous weight and shaped thousands of lives. If you took that same message and applied it to any civic idea, and really committed your life to it, you would be amazed at the impact that you will have on those around you.
While we know that Cyndy certainly had a fondness for the literature of the good doctor, we don’t know that she ever equated her life’s work to this quote. Meanwhile, those around her couldn’t help but see how much she cared. She was a strong and determined leader who spent her lifetime utilizing the structure and framework provided by the national 4-H organization, to create opportunities for young minds to develop to their full potential. 4-H was a lifestyle that allowed her to continue embracing something from her childhood in a way that allowed her to give back to the community around her. Like those who came before her, and those who will follow in her footsteps, Cyndy truly aimed to bring out the best in those she cared for. Or in more familiar terms, she just wanted to make the best better.
Scholarship Terms
Each year the Board of the Cyndy Hetzell Dream Foundation will award a scholarship(s) to those who apply for and best meet the criteria outlined in this application. The scholarships can be used toward collegiate pursuits, trade schools, or new business startups. The award amount and number of awards may vary based on the available funding. Applicants should be actively enrolled in a 4-H program and be in their final eligible year. The selection committee will judge the applicants on their program participation history, their essay, and their goals for the future. The selection committee reserves the right to verify submitted participation history.
Cyndy saw involvement as the key to steering a child toward a bright and successful future. We believe that to be true and hope to encourage the highest level of participation through our scholarship awards. At the end of your youth participation journey, you should be embracing one of Doctor Suess’ other famous quotes: Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.
Application Criteria
1. Application – The application must be completed in full. To request a PDF copy of the application, please email cyndyhetzelldreamfoundation@gmail.com
2. Essay – The applicant must complete an essay that details the following:
a. The applicant’s entire career in 4-H, FFA, NJPHA, GSPHC, NJPtHA and/or other youth organizations, including any special awards, competitions, or events participated in.
b. The applicant’s goal for using the scholarship to further their career. Provide specific details for how you intend on meeting your goals.
c. The applicant’s hopes for continuing the tradition of giving back to the next generation. Provide specific details for how you plan to impact the youth that will come behind you.
- The essay should be a minimum of 500 words and a maximum of 2,500 words.
3. Two reference letters from the applicant’s youth program leaders.
4. The application, essay, and reference letters must be submitted electronically to cyndyhetzelldreamfoundation@gmail.com by June 14th at 11:59 pm.