Leadership Scholarship

At CWA, Leadership Takes Many Forms

The Charles Wright Academy Leadership Scholarship is designed to identify and support capable students who will contribute meaningfully to the life of our school. At CWA, we believe leadership takes many forms. We seek students who demonstrate promise and character in academics, athletics, community engagement, and the arts, and whose actions reflect our Portrait of a Tarrier. 

We will award six $15,000 scholarships to outstanding new ninth-grade applicants who show the potential to lead with purpose, collaborate with others, and make a meaningful impact in our community. 

How will you lead as a Tarrier? 

• Thinkers – Ask the questions no one else is asking, go deeper, and push your understanding further than what’s required.

• Innovators – Try something new, take creative risks, and see possibilities where others see obstacles.

• Collaborators – Lift others up, Listen first, and Build something stronger together than you could alone. 

• Communicators – Speak with clarity and confidence, share your ideas thoughtfully, and create dialogue that connects rather than divides. 

• Explorers – Step outside their comfort zone, embrace challenges, and grow through effort and perseverance.

• Stewards – Act with integrity, care for their community, and use their strengths to make a meaningful difference.

Leadership at CWA does not fit one mold. It’s how you show up – in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, and in service to others.

Scholarship Requirements

To be considered for the Leadership Scholarship, ninth-grade applicants must: 

1. Apply for admission to Charles Wright Academy for the 2026-27 school year.

2. Complete the “How Will You Lead as a Tarrier?” scholarship essay (see information below). 

3. Participate in an interview with members of the Admission committee.

4. Submit one additional recommendation (coach, mentor, teacher, or community leader) who can speak to the applicant’s leadership and character.

All materials for this scholarship are due by Tuesday, March 31.  Any applications received after that will be reviewed on Monday, April 13. 

Leadership Scholarship Essay

To be considered for the Leadership Scholarship, ninth-grade applicants must complete the following essay. Please submit your essay within the checklist in the CWA Admission portal under “Additional/Other Files”.

Essay Prompt: How will you lead as a Tarrier?

Which of the Tarrier Traits listed above (Thinker, Innovator, Collaborator, Communicator, Explorer, Steward) best reflects who you are right now, and how will you use that strength to lead and contribute to the Charles Wright community?

Essay Guidelines:

• 500-700 words

• Share specific examples from your life, school, or community

• Reflect on how you will grow as a leader at Charles Wright Academy

Admitted students in the incoming ninth-grade class will be selected for this scholarship based on: 

• Strength of application and academic readiness

• Thoughtfulness and authenticity of the essay

• Demonstrated leadership potential

• Alignment with the Portrait of a Tarrier

• Interview and recommendation insights from the application process