The Blair Ellis Teacher Impact Award 

We invite current Bartlesville High School seniors to reflect on an educator who most profoundly influenced his or her academic trajectory or personal development.  This essay is an opportunity to publicly recognize and express gratitude for the impact of a current member of our teaching staff.  The award contains a student scholarship component and a teacher grant. The Foundation’s Board named the award in honor of Blair Ellis, the first full-time Executive Director of the Foundation. Her vision for a strong partnership between the community and the classroom is reflected in this scholarship, rewarding the student’s academic excellence and honoring the teacher’s dedication

Award Amount: $500 to the student and a $500 classroom grant to the teacher who is the subject of the winning essay.

Requirements: 

  • Applicants must be currently enrolled as a BPS high school senior
  • The essay must focus on one teacher who is currently teaching within Bartlesville Public Schools
  • Application must be submitted in full by March 27.

Essay Prompt: 

Choose one current BPS teacher who has made a significant impact on your academic path, personal growth, or outlook on life during your time in Bartlesville Public Schools.  Describe the nature of the impact, providing specific anecdotes, lessons, or moments that illustrate how this educator fostered a lasting change in your understanding, skill set, or character.  

Formatting Guidelines: 

  • Word count: The essay must be between 500-800 words.  
  • Structure: Standard essay structure (introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion)
  • Spacing: double-spaced 
  • Font: 12pt, Times New Roman or Arial

Recommendations for Success: 

  • Focus on the how and why of the impact.  
  • Be specific; include examples. 

ONLINE APPLICATION 

The BPS Foundation Awards Committee will evaluate the application based on a student’s academic performance, extracurricular activities, and the sincerity, content, and grammatical accuracy of the essay.  Winners will be notified at the Bartlesville High School Senior Awards Assembly.