Jamie Bax Memorial Scholarship

Jamie was sometimes referred to as an “Old Soul Trapped in a Young Person’s Body”.  "The old soul doesn't see the purpose of pursuing things that can be easily taken away from them. Additionally, old souls have little time and interest for the short-lived things in life, as they bring little meaning or long-lasting fulfillment for them." This description was taken from TheOdysseyOnline.com and really does describe what Jamie was like.  

Scholarship Award:

• Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, one $5,000, one $3,000, and one $2,000 scholarship will be awarded annually. (The number and amount of the scholarships available will be dependent on annual funding.)
• The scholarships awarded are to be used for attending a college, university, or trade school while having Cystic Fibrosis.
• The funds are to be used for tuition, fees, books, school supplies, meal plans, or housing costs.
• No award will be paid to the recipient.  All awards will be paid directly to the college, university, or trade school of choice.
• There is no limit on the number of years a person may apply, but the scholarships must be reapplied for on an annual basis to be considered.
• An individual can only be awarded a maximum of four scholarships.
• No special consideration will be given to previous recipients.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Applicants must have Cystic Fibrosis.  You must submit a doctor's note on the doctor’s letterhead stationery indicating confirmation of your CF diagnosis and have the doctor sign it.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens.  Examples of acceptable documentation include an official birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, a U.S. government-issued certified birth certificate, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport, or a U.S. certificate of birth abroad.
• Applicants must be a resident of the Central United States.  You must reside in one of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, or Wisconsin.
• Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited junior college, college, university, or trade school.  You must submit proof of admission, acceptance, or enrollment.  (Incoming college freshmen must supply an official high school transcript and a copy of their acceptance letter or confirmation of enrollment from their college, university, or trade school.  Current college or university students must supply an official transcript and confirmation of enrollment from their college, university, or trade school.)
• Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.70 on a 4.00 scale and must be in good academic standing and not currently on academic warning or probation.
• Applicants must submit a recent photo, in JPG format, of themselves for identification purposes.

Letters of Recommendation:

Applicant must provide THREE letters of recommendation:

• One from a Healthcare Team Member. (Any physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or any certified practitioner directly involved in treating your CF.)
• One from a School Official. (Any employee of the school in which you are enrolled. This includes, but is not limited to, teachers, special-interest group leaders, or coaches.)
• One from a Community Member. (Someone whom you know well - such as an athletic instructor, coach, pastor, or any other person you know from your community involvement such as your Boy Scout/Girl Scout leader.)

In their letters, they should let the Selection Committee know what personal qualities, examples of achievements, or scenarios support their endorsement. What would make you a good candidate for this scholarship?  They should base it on the time they have spent with you as your teacher,  healthcare provider, or through whatever relationship they've had with you.

Applicant Essay:

Applicant to write an essay telling us about yourself.

• What are your future goals and aspirations?
• What are your educational goals?
• How has your medical condition and treatments affected your life?  
• How you have accomplished something despite your Cystic Fibrosis?  Something where CF should have or could have been the obstacle to your success.
• How continuing your education will benefit your future?
• Please provide any additional information you may want the committee to consider in evaluating your application.
• The essay helps the Selection Committee learn more about the applicant in a broader, more informal way.

Selection Criteria:

• Scholarship winners are determined solely by the Selection Committee and all decisions of the Selection Committee are final.
• In selecting the applicant, the selection committee will take into consideration each applicant’s scholastic record, school activities, leadership, and community service.
• Awards are primarily merit-based, but financial needs will be considered as well.
• The applicant is encouraged to include a copy of their current FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or other statements of need with their application package.
• In the absence of a statement of need, the Selection Committee will assume that the applicant does not wish to have their financial situation considered in the award process.