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2026 Colleen E. Ritzer Inspire Kindness Scholarship Application

Thank you for your interest in the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship Award! To apply, please complete the online application below, by March 30, 2026, and email the following documents to info@colleenritzer.org or mail to: Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 1269, Andover, MA 01810 or attach with this form: 1. A completed and signed application form. 2. A copy of your high school transcript.* 3. A copy of your school's profile.* 4. One letter of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor.* *Ask your guidance department and/or teacher to provide items #2, #3 and #4 to you in a sealed envelope, mail them directly to the address below or they can send them electronically to info@colleenritzer.org (electronically is preferred). Give your Guidance department 1-2 weeks to process your request. Thank you for applying!

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Please list school, athletic, community or family activities in order of their importance to you, responsibilities or positions held, and the years participated (9,10,11,12). For example, Student Government, Math Club, Hockey, Caring for Family Members, etc. Include summer and employment activities.
Please describe in the space below which of these activities was most meaningful you and why.
Please describe any awards or special recognition for academic achievement or community service. Include scholarship awards here.
Please describe in the space below (or on an attached sheet) in no more than 200 words your plans for college, as best as you know them now, and answer the following question: “How do you expect the next four years of college to prepare you for life, career, or both?”
“Service to others has its own arithmetic. Combine two or more good-hearted people in the pursuit of a common cause, and suddenly one-plus-one is more than two. It’s called synergy. We can all do a little something, but together we can do something truly amazing.” Author Unknown 2.“Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.” Harold Kushner 3.“One song can spark a moment. One flower can wake the dream. One tree can start a forest. One bird can herald a spring. One smile begins a friendship. One handclasp lifts a soul. One star can guide a ship at sea. One word can frame the goal. One vote can change a nation. One sunbeam lights a room. One candle wipes out darkness. One laugh will conquer gloom. One step must start each journey. One word must start a prayer. One hope will raise our spirits. One touch can show you care. One voice can speak with wisdom. One heart can know what’s true. One life can make can make a difference. You see, it’s up to you!” Author Unknown 4.“All of us are born for a reason, but all of us don’t discover why. Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others.” Danny Thomas 5.“One great, strong, unselfish soul in every community could actually redeem the world.” Elbert Hubbard In a typed essay of no more than 500 words, please describe how you have promoted kindness through community service or non-profit activities throughout your high school career. Discuss how this has impacted your life and how you plan to continue spreading kindness and helping those in need.
If you feel there is something else, we should know about you, which could influence our decision in awarding this scholarship, please share such information in the space below.
Upload any documents including answers to the above, your essay, transcripts, etc.
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