ACLU seeks Utah scholarship applicants

The American Civil Liberties Union of Utah will continue to recognize youth activists with its annual scholarship contest. A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to three Utah high-school seniors for demonstrating a commitment to civil liberties through activism.

Karen McCreary, executive director of the ACLU of Utah, said, "We are very excited to continue recognizing outstanding Utah high-school youth who have taken some action to protect or promote civil liberties in their school or community."

To qualify for the scholarship, students must be entering an accredited college or university as a full-time student during the next academic year and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Applicants must also write an essay describing their actions to protect and promote civil liberties and submit a letter of recommendation.

Last year's Utah winners included Moab resident James Jorgen. He was editor of the Grand County High School newspaper and wrote columns on controversial topics such as sex education and abortion. He also worked to educate his peers about racial diversity and tolerance.

"Young people are in fact the driving vehicle of change and progress in our society, and it is important that the ACLU continue to foster the need of activism by young people," Jorgen said.

West Valley High student Kristin Dobbin also received a scholarship last year for being an advocate for the rights of the disabled. She also spoke out in defense of free speech, education reform and gay-straight alliances as president of the West High School Young Democrats.

Another scholarship recipient, Mariam Meite, started a multicultural club at Logan High School, believing that one person can make a difference in combating racism.

Applicants will be evaluated by a committee that will consider the strength and depth of the candidate's contributions to civil liberties, demonstrated leadership, the likelihood of the applicant's continuing commitment to civil liberties in the future and their commitment to academic excellence, along with their financial need.

Local scholarship recipients will be entered to win one of 15 $7,000 scholarships from the ACLU's national office. The national winners will then become part of a special group of youth activists whose talents and passion will be fostered by the ACLU national office.

Applications to the Youth Activist Scholarship Program are due to the ACLU of Utah Office on Tuesday, Nov. 10.

For additional information, visit www.acluutah.org.

e-mail: frobinson@desnews.com