Kathy Fennessey Kindness Scholarship

UPDATED 2025/2026

This scholarship was established in honor of Ms. Fennessey, who retired from Mesa after years of dedicated service to students, to support those who serve their community with kindness and a heart full of care.

To be considered for this scholarship you:

  • Must demonstrate service to others
Applicants may submit one of the following formats:
  • Short video (spoken word, storytelling, documentary-style)
  • Essay or poem (personal growth, challenges, aspirations)
  • Song or audio piece (original or remix with meaning)
  • Visual art (with explanation)
  • Resume
  • Portfolio of academic, job-related, or creative work that you are especially proud of

 

Award funds will be disbursed:
Immediate release of full award (May)
Opportunity to renew this award in 2026-2027, contingent on funding and continued enrollment.

Award
$250
Deadline
02/17/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. 2025: APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS - This is an open application, which means that you are given the scoring rubric that reviewers use to make award decisions. From there, you are encouraged to submit any information you feel best shines a light on you. For more information, view this short video: [URL HERE]
  2. 2025: RUBRIC REVIEW - Please review the scoring rubric. This is the exact tool that will be used for reviewers to score and rank applicants. View the rubric here: [PDF HERE]. View a brief video of the rubric here: [URL LINK]
  3. 2025: APPLICATION SUBMISSION: Given the scoring rubric, please use this section to submit any materials you would like reviewers to see. This is your chance to tell your story in any way that you think speaks to your strengths. We encourage you to consider submitting items that you have already created or are currently working on (to protect your time!) Think of places that you are already sharing your voice and perspective (social media, assignments, work activities, or creative projects). Please refer to the application instructions video or the description of this opportunity for submission examples. PDF files and URL links are accepted.
    • You may upload a PDF here
    • You may upload a URL link here