Win $250 toward your education by sharing your story! Combs Waterkotte is excited to announce our latest scholarship essay contest. Check out the contest terms and details below.
In the real world, the lines between right and wrong aren’t always clear. Life presents us with complex decisions, difficult circumstances, and moments that challenge our values. Justice often lives in the grey areas—and the hardest choices can reveal the most about our character.
Think back to a time when you faced a morally complex situation. Maybe it wasn’t obvious what the “right” path was. Maybe you were pulled in conflicting directions—between loyalty and truth, rules and compassion, or consequences and conscience. What did you do? Why? And what did you learn from the experience?
We want to hear your honest, thoughtful, and personal reflections on navigating a moral dilemma.
Learn more about the contest rules or submit your essay for the Combs Waterkotte Q2 2025 scholarship below.
Contest Information
Essay Topic and Submission Guidelines
A 500-1,000 word essay on “The Gray Area: When Right and Wrong Isn’t So Clear”
Reflect on a real-life situation where the morally “right” choice wasn’t obvious. Describe the dilemma, the factors you weighed, and how you ultimately made your decision. What did the experience teach you about ethics, judgment, and human complexity?
For your submission, please:
- Include your full name and an essay title
- Write between 500 – 1,000 words (quality over quantity!)
- Attach your essay as a PDF, txt, doc, or docx file
- Submit by Monday, July 21, 2025
One winner will be selected based on the essay’s quality, originality, grammar, and relevance to the topic. Essays may follow any accepted writing style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
Scholarship Eligibility
To apply for the Combs Waterkotte Q3 2025 scholarship, please send the following to combswaterkottescholarship@gmail.com by July 21, 2025 at 11:59 pm Central Time:
- A college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or enrollment letter
- Your essay
- Your contact information
- Your student number *this will be used to verify your enrollment*
- Your school’s financial aid office information, including address and phone number
- A resume or brief biography
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including non-traditional and underrepresented students. Since scholarship funds are sent directly to the school, proof of enrollment is required. Students not yet enrolled are encouraged to watch for future opportunities.
Award Details
The winner will be contacted via email on July 23, 2025. If the selected winner does not respond within 7 days or cannot be reached after two attempts, a runner-up will be chosen.
The $250 scholarship will be sent directly to the winner’s school.
We look forward to reading your stories and appreciate your willingness to share them!
