Vicki Soto Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Victoria Soto Memorial Scholarship

Introduction
The Vicki Soto Memorial Scholarship, headquartered in Stratford, awards four students each year with a renewable, four-year scholarship totaling $12,000 to support those preparing for careers in education. Recipients are selected for academic distinction, leadership, and a strong commitment to teaching—qualities that reflect Vicki Soto’s legacy.

Who may apply
- Must be a full-time senior enrolled in an accredited four-year high school and graduating in spring 2026.
- Must plan to pursue an education degree at an accredited college or university.
- Should personify the traits Vicki Soto demonstrated as an educator: enthusiasm for learning, warmth, and a dedication to students.

Award details
- Four winners are chosen annually.
- The scholarship covers four years and totals $12,000 per recipient (renewable each year under the foundation’s terms).

Required application materials (postmarked or received by April 1, 2026)
Send the complete application packet to:
The Vicki Soto Memorial Fund, Inc.
158 Knowlton St.
Stratford, CT 06615

Include:
- An official high school transcript showing grades through the most recent reporting period.
- A letter of recommendation from a current teacher.
- A 1–2 page MLA-formatted essay (see prompt below).
- All required signatures — your application will be considered incomplete without them.

Essay requirement (MLA format)
Write a 1–2 page essay, formatted in MLA style, that thoroughly answers:
“Explain what being a scholarship recipient would mean to you and how you would represent Vicki’s legacy inside and outside the classroom.”
Your response should be thoughtful, detailed, and provide insight into who you are as a future educator.

Selection and review process
The Scholarship Committee will evaluate applicants using several criteria, including:
- Academic record (GPA and class rank).
- Range and depth of involvement in community service and extracurricular activities.
- The quality, clarity, creativity, and grammatical correctness of the essay, as well as adherence to MLA formatting.
- If necessary, applicants may be asked to participate in an interview by phone or via Skype/FaceTime at a time arranged by the committee.
- Applications missing required signatures or materials will not be considered complete.

Expectations
Applicants should be familiar with Vicki Soto’s story and the purpose of this scholarship. Winners are expected to embody her joy for life, sense of humor, and devotion to teaching in both their professional and personal lives.

Learn more
For background on Vicki Soto and the foundation’s mission, visit: www.teamvickisoto.com

Questions about submission or eligibility can be addressed to the Vicki Soto Memorial Fund, Inc. at the mailing address above.