The Third Annual Founders’ Scholarship Competition, taking place on Saturday, February 9, 2013, offers outstanding students the opportunity to earn an annually renewable merit scholarship to help make a West Sound Academy IB Diploma education affordable. The scholarships not only honor our founders, Dr. Edward Frodel and Dr. Gordon Parke, but also provide a wonderful opportunity for students who are interested in attending WSA.

Students entering grades 6 through 12 and not currently attending West Sound Academy compete for renewable annual scholarships of up to $6,000 during this annual event. Scholarships are awarded separately for Middle School and Upper School participants. Such a merit-based scholarship earned at entering the sixth grade next year can contribute up to $42,000 toward tuition during an academic career at WSA.

The Scholarship Competition begins at 9:00 AM and concludes at 11:15 AM and includes several components. Participants may compete in up to two of the following areas:

• Math
• Science
• Essay Writing
• Creative Writing
• Visual Arts
• Performing Arts

After the competition day, all the finalists are notified and may be asked to meet with a WSA representative. This is an opportunity for a finalist to share what she or he is good at, or excited about, or likes to do with free time. Finalists may bring examples of their work or demonstrate their skills.

The competition results, combined with an evaluation of the meeting and application package, form the basis for the final selection.  Scholarship recipients are notified by late February.

The Founders’ Scholarship Competition Pre-Registration Form and the Application Packet are available for download.

Founders' Scholarship Competition Schedule

9:00-9:20 AM:  Welcome and Room Assignments

9:25-10:10 AM:  Assessment 1:

10:10-10:25 AM:  Break - including a snack provided in the Commons

10:30-11:15 AM:  Assessment 2

11:15 Departure

Below are the items that we ask competitors to bring for the various categories:

• Math - pencils and erasers; no calculators
• Science - pens or pencils
• Essay writing - pen(s)
• Creative writing - pen(s)
• Visual arts - two examples of student-generated artwork completed by the competing student
• Performing Arts: Music – students should prepare a musical piece; competitors will demonstrate musical abilities by performing a prepared selection. A piano and drum set are available; otherwise please bring any needed instruments. In addition to performing, there are assessments for knowledge of music theory, scales, rhythmic skills, and sight-reading.
• Performing Arts: Voice - students should prepare a sung piece; competitors demonstrate vocal abilities by performing a prepared selection. Accompaniment, if desired, may be live or pre-recorded. Competitors are asked to sing scales and repeat simple melodies. They are also encouraged, but not required, to play other instruments as well as sing. In addition to performing, there is a short written assessment of music theory.
• Performing Arts: Drama – students should prepare a monologue of approximately 3 minutes in length; competitors may choose any preferred monologue.
• Performing Arts: Dance – students should prepare a dance selection of approximately 3 minutes in length that highlights the competitor’s dance skills and technique.