Lakes Athletics Association Umpire Leadership Scholarship
The (Lakes Athletics Association) believes in the power of early leadership. Officiating offers something unique—leadership experience that truly matters. As an umpire, you make real-time decisions, manage adults, and maintain composure under pressure. You earn respect, build confidence, and learn to lead—not by title, but through action.
To recognize students who have embraced this challenge, the (Lakes Athletics Association) awards two scholarships of $1,500 each to individuals who demonstrate leadership skills gained through umpire experience.
Application Deadline: August 1, 2026
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Submit personal information (name, contact details, academic info).
- Have played baseball within the (Lakes Athletics Association)for at least 2 years.
- Be an active umpire within the (Lakes Athletics Association).
- Be a high school senior or a college freshman, sophomore, or junior.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Complete the official application form on the (Lakes Athletics Association) website.
- Provide an original essay (500–750 words) on the topic provided.
- Agree (or have a parent agree if under 18) to allow the (Lakes Athletics Association) to use images, essays, and names for recognition on social media.
Essay Topic
“How has being a youth baseball umpire helped shape you into a leader, and how will those leadership skills guide you in the future?”
Your essay should include:
- An introduction about yourself.
- A specific story or moment where you demonstrated leadership as an umpire (e.g., handling a challenging situation, mentoring another umpire, or leading through fairness and integrity).
- A reflection on the personal and leadership skills you’ve developed—such as confidence, communication, resilience, or emotional intelligence—and how you plan to apply them in your education, career, or community life.
Important: The use of AI to generate essays will result in disqualification.
Selection Process
- Selection is based solely on merit; age, race, religion, gender, national origin, familial status, or other protected classes will not influence decisions.
- The (Lakes Athletics Association) may schedule a brief panel interview if needed.
- Winners will be notified within three months of the application deadline. Please do not contact the (Lakes Athletics Association) for updates during this period.
- Non-winners will not receive notification.
- Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the winning student.