The application deadline for the 16th annual General Patton Honorary Scholarship is March 1, 2027

The application deadline for the 16th annual General Patton Honorary Scholarship is March 1, 2027.

Since 2024, the scholarship has been awarded to one student from a school in the Plzeň Region who is in their penultimate year or senior year of high school, or in the final year of a vocational program, and who has decided to serve in the military, in law enforcement, or in another public service capacity. This may include, for example, service in the police, fire department, emergency medical services, healthcare, education, social services, humanitarian work, church ministry, or other public service.

Scholarship applicants are selected by a school or nonprofit organization, which submits the application in consultation with the applicant. The applicant then independently prepares and submits the required application attachments, including an essay.

The selected scholarship recipient will receive $2,000 to use at their discretion and the General George S. Patton Honorary Scholarship medal.

The first step is to submit an application by March 1 at the latest, following the instructions provided on the scholarship website. Applicants must then email the application attachments—copies of their report cards for the last four or, if applicable, three years, and an essay—to sohpilsen@gmail.com by March 17, 2027, at the latest.

Information about the scholarship and the application form are available at:  https://laviolettefoundation.org/scholarships-of-honor/czech-application

Although academic performance is an important prerequisite for receiving the Honorary Scholarship, there are other values that play at least as important a role in the selection process.  These include selfless service to others, a commitment to making the world a better place, dedication, a determination to devote oneself fully to a good cause, and integrity.

In an essay of no more than 760 words, applicants should address the following questions:

    Which of the values mentioned above best describe you, and why?

    Why is service to society important to you?

    Have you been involved in any activities, do you have any experience, or have you experienced a specific event that relates to these values?

    What are your hopes and plans for the future in relation to the values mentioned above?

The scholarship award ceremony will take place with the participation of its founder, Doug LaViolett; Mr. George Pat Waters, grandson of General Patton; the son of the US WWII veteran Jim Duncan Tom and his spouse Leslie, families of American veterans; and Pilsen city officials as part of the Pilsen Freedom Festival, May 5–9, marking the 82nd anniversary of the city’s liberation.