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The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary 2021 Scholarship
Helping high school seniors who are interested in pursuing an institution of higher education.
MON-FRI 8AM-5PM
English or Spanish
Helping high school seniors who are interested in pursuing an institution of higher education.
Our 2020 Scholarship Winner - Betty T. - University of Miami - Read Essay »
Many people, teenagers especially, believe that the number one reason they should not drink and drive is because it is illegal. In fact, the number one reason anyone should not drink and drive is because they can hurt themselves or someone else. I am likely older than most applicants for this scholarship, but here are my personal experience and thoughts about drinking and driving. About 16 years ago, I got off of my school bus at my high school.
My best friend and I commented on how odd it was that there were so many administrators standing out front. The counselor and vice principal immediately intercepted us and pulled us into a corner. Across the way we could see a counselor for the junior class talking to some girls and those girls broke out in tears. Our counselor then told us that four students from our school had been killed over the weekend by a drunk driver. The driver of another vehicle crossed the line and hit their vehicle, four teenage lives lost. One of the teenagers killed was a friend of ours.
A friend that my best friend was particularly close to. We took the news hard and the school was in turmoil for weeks. Fast forward to almost 20 years later, and I now have a 15 year-old son. He will be driving next year, and all I can hope is that he makes the right decisions. Even if my son makes the right decisions, his life behind the wheel depends on others making the right decisions. When someone chooses to drink and drive, they are putting their life at the greatest risk, but they are also risking the lives of those around them. The response time while under the influence of alcohol is greatly reduced. Combining that with the inexperienced driving skills of a teenager is dreadful. I will continue to reinforce to my son, many times, the importance of calling for a ride if he finds himself in a situation where he nor his friends are in the state of mind to drive. The legal connotations of drinking and driving should honestly be a reason at the bottom of the list. The number one reason any individual should not drink and drive is out of respect for not only their own lives, but the lives of those on the road alongside them.
Betty T. - University of Arizona
The scholarship is online-only, please apply online and DO NOT CALL and DO NOT EMAIL US, all applications are received online through the form below.
Our $1,000 scholarship is intended to support one student who will help raise awareness on the deadly effects of teen DUI. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students in their pursuit of higher education. If you or someone you care about has had their life impacted by DUI, we want to hear your story.
In 2018, for every 100,000 Americans, 3.3 people were killed in DUI accidents. For every 100,000 Americans under the age of 21, 1.1 teens died in DUI crashes. The numbers are higher for Florida. The number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities per 100k population was 3.3. (responsibility.org)
If a teen survives his or her first DUI and is arrested, the financial cost is staggering:
A high school or college student charged with DUI will lose the driving license for a period, be on probation, and serve mandatory jail time. He or she may also face a disciplinary hearing at his/her high school or college.
We encourage you to apply to our scholarship program, online applications will be considered. Inspired by a personal story, tell us Why You Shouldn't Drink & Drive.
Submit your story in essay form (100–300 words). The scholarship is online-only, please apply online and DO NOT CALL and DO NOT EMAIL US, all applications are received online through the form below. We look forward to reading the essays and bestowing this scholarship.
Deadline to apply: August 31, 2021.
Once the deadline passes, all entries will be reviewed by the team at the Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary.
We are searching for students that need this scholarship to complete their education.
The essays will be reviewed and noted according to the student's passion, creativity, and correct use of language.
We will notify the winner of the judges' decision by the end of September 2021.
We will publish the winning entry on our scholarship page.
Scholarships will be sent directly to the institution the student will attend. Funds may be used for tuition, fees, supplies, books, and room and board.
The form will be available for applications through August 31, 2021. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
The applicant's personal information is required to check the essay submission and provide the Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary with the means to contact the winner. This information is used only for our internal records and will not be shared with any third parties.