A popular story adapted from Loren Eiseley’s essay, “The Star Thrower,” highlights the power one person’s efforts can make. The story tells of a young girl who was walking along a beach, throwing beached starfish back into the ocean. A man comes up to the girl and says she is wasting her time, as she couldn’t possibly help all of the starfish that found themselves beached. After a short moment, the girl picks up and throws another starfish back into the sea and says “I made a difference to that one.” The man is inspired to join the girl in her efforts, which ultimately has a ripple effect on others nearby who help save every last starfish on the beach. This story is a metaphor for the power one person’s actions can have in affecting significant change in the world. It is easy to think that one person can’t make a difference, so why even try? Our team at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, LLC understands the message behind the starfish’s tale, and that is why we are offering The Starfish Scholarship. The Starfish Scholarship will be available to high school seniors and current college students who best answer the question: What does social justice mean to them? We want to inspire students to consider social justice and how their actions affect the world. The student who shares the most thoughtful and well-written response will receive a $1,000 scholarship to help pay for their continued education. To learn what is required of applicants when applying for this scholarship opportunity, please review the eligibility and application requirements below.
Application Deadline: October 31, 2026
Award Amount: $1,000
Eligibility
- The scholarship is open to any current high school senior, vocational student, college student, or graduate student who is a legal resident of the United States residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and who is enrolled in a vocational program or two to four year post-secondary institution.
- Employees of Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, LLC, their immediate families (parent, child, sibling, and spouse), and persons living in the same households of such individuals (whether related or not), are not eligible to participate in the competition.
- Candidates for this scholarship should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good overall academic standing.
Application Requirements
- The candidate must fill out the form below with all necessary information
- The candidate must submit a 750-1,000-word essay response to the prompt: Inspired by “The Star Thrower,” describe a time when one person made a positive impact. What did you learn, and how will you create change in your community?.
- Please note that all essays will be checked for AI writing. If AI writing is deemed present in the essay, the application will be denied.
- The candidate must submit a professional resumé that lists their experience, both professional and academic.
- The candidate must submit a transcript from their current school. First-year college students, graduate students, or individuals who have recently transferred schools may submit an unofficial transcript from their current school, as well as the most recent official transcript from their prior school. High school students can submit proof of acceptance to their college or university.
- Preference will be given to students either from or attending secondary school in the state.
