On September 15, 2008, I launched my fourth Arizona Is My Home scholarship program. It was to be innovative and something fun for the students. I guess I was wrong. To date, no one has applied or entered the program.

Maybe my concept was unclear, or too much work for the students. Still, no one asked any questions or complained about the process. They just choose not to participate.

The reason I went to the blog version of the scholarship program was the volume of past applications. Most years it was over 1500 essays. That is a lot of reading and reviewing for the review committee and myself. My hope was that by having the public become part of the process I could better manage the reviews and give everyone a part in the program.

It did not work. No one applied or became involved. I guess $2500 is not worth the effort.

As of today I am suspending the program until I can come up with program that interests students. If you have any ideas, please share them below.

Carl Chapman, Realtor

This year, I am doing something new for the “Arizona Is My Home” Scholarship. The winner will be the first student to be awarded a scholarship by participating in a Web 2.0 scholarship program. Applicants for the “Arizona Is My Home” will develop a Blog thread with his/her Arizona hometown being the central theme. This year’s recipient will be my fourth $2500 scholarship awarded.

Web 2.0 is a concept that has many meanings on the web. My interpretation of Web 2.0 is that web visitors have an opportunity to interact with those that write the content. So my focus this year is on using Blog’s to share ideas.

For the 2008-2009 “Arizona Is My Home” scholarship, students will create Blog entries. Then, visitors to the site will comment on the student’s thoughts. Each student participating will have an opportunity to develop his/her idea fully and establish a community of readers.

My goal is to help provide students a forum to learn and understand how to use the web to create and promote their own ideas. I also want readers to discover why Arizona is such a great place to call home.

There is still two additional changes to this year’s scholarship. This year’s scholarship Participants will have two choices for the writing prompt. One option is to create a piece that promotes his/her Arizona hometown and encourages others to consider making it their home also. The second choice is to write on the experience of losing a home. This second option was chosen to link faces to a tragedy that is destroying families and communities across Arizona.

The second change is that the scholarship is open for use at any accredited school in Arizona. This should help those that have chosen to attend proprietary schools like The University of Phoenix or the Arizona Culinary Institute.

The directions on how you can become a participant are below. Please be sure to read them carefully. If you have questions, you are always welcome to write me at chapman@westusa.com for additional help.

The “Arizona Is My Home” Rules and Regulations

1. The “Arizona Is My Home” Scholarship Writing Prompt (Two Options Available)

The first option is for individuals who already live in an Arizona town or city. The focus of the prompt is to develop an essay with his/her Arizona hometown being the focus. Students are encouraged to create a piece that promotes his/her Arizona hometown and encourages others to consider making it their home also.

The second option is in response to the increased number of families who have lost their home or may lose a home in the near future. Students will either Blog about what home means by explaining the loss of a home or the experience of moving into a home after not having a home of their own.

2. Initial foundation Blog posts should be long enough to establish premises that will enable readers to understand and comment.

3. Participants must add to their concept, reflect and respond to the comments of readers.

4. Blog entries must be written in English.

5. Language and concepts must be appropriate for a General or G Rated audience. Violation of this rule will result in immediate termination of the participant’s account.

6. All work submitted must be original, authored solely and completely by the applicant.

7. Each Blog thread will be judged based on the number of comments received, the structure of the concepts developed and the number of other Blog’s or websites that mention or comment on the participant’s concept or idea.

8. Each participant shall establish an account on the Arizonan.com. Then, follow these simple steps to become a participant in the “Arizona Is Home Scholarship” program.

Step 1: Go to http://www.arizonan.com/wp-login.php?action=register or by click on the login link at the bottom of the site. Enter a user name and email address. Remember that both the user name and password will be case sensitive.

Step 2: Go to your email account and complete the registration process.

Step 3: To http://www.arizonan.com/wp-admin/profile.php or click log in link at the bottom of the http://www.arizonan.com website. Then, click on the profile link in the upper right hand side of the page. The first link is much easier.

Step 4: Complete the profile information. For website, place your current school’s website or the website of the school you will be attending. Pay close attention to the biography portion of the profile. This will one of the elements reviewed in determining the winner.

Step 5: Blog your idea and develop a following. Blog about your ideas on other Blog’s and encourage others to visit your Blog on the Arizonan.com. Respond to comments and add to your concept on a regular basis.

The focus of this scholarship is to encourage students to learn how to use the power of the web to share their own ideas and motivate others. The “Arizona Is My Home” Scholarship was designed to be the first of its kind – Web 2.0 Scholarship.

9. Winners will be notified by phone and/or mail. Complete results will be posted at www.Arizonan.com. All submissions become the sole property of Carl Chapman and may be republished in whole or in part. Carl Chapman reserves the right not to award a prize or any prizes when submissions do not meet contest standards or criteria.

10. Scholarship monies become available to successful applicants who are full-time matriculated students. Participants must have completed 12 credit hours at the students Arizona school, college or university from which they seek to graduate

The “Arizona Is My Home” Scholarship may be applied for and awarded to a student prior to completing this above stated requirement. However, funds will be held until the final requirement is met.

11. The scholarship monies will be paid to the student’s college or university, after Carl Chapman receives notification from the college or university of the student’s qualifying standing. Payments will only be issued to Arizona colleges or universities. New this year, students of private and for profit schools are eligible to participate.

12. All requirements of the scholarship must be met within 12 months of the awards. Failure to meet these requirements will result in loss of the award.

13. Unused scholarship funds will be held for future scholarship programs.

14. The “Arizona Is My Home” Scholarship can be applied for and awarded to a student prior to completing required conditions, by students who have been accepted to a Arizona college or university and by students who are currently enrolled and attending an Arizona college or university.

15. “Arizona Is My Home” Scholarship Timetable:

May 22, 2009 - The scholarship winner will be notified.

16. Employees of Carl Chapman and their family members are not eligible to participate.

17. Carl Chapman shall be the sole judge of all entries and his decision shall be final.

All Participants agree to abide by the rules of the “Arizona Is My Home” Scholarship program. Participants attest that all of the information provided is true and complete and may be verified through any means necessary.

18. By participating in the “Arizona Is My Home” Scholarship, certify that all submissions and writings are original, authored solely by the participant, and are not plagiarized or otherwise infringed upon the rights of any third party. Participants authorize Carl Chapman to confirm any details in this application by contacting the appropriate person(s).

19. Acceptance of the scholarship constitutes permission to use the winner’s names and/or likenesses for advertising, trade, and publicity purposes without further compensation. Carl Chapman also reserves all rights, including the right to edit, publish, use, adapt or modify any entry, including any personal information about the scholarship recipient and/or applicant quote, picture, essay, school name or year in school, without further consideration or payment to the scholarship recipient and/or applicant. Participants grant permission to share this information for the purpose of news media releases and/or commerce and/or assignee’s.

Writings may be published in whole or in part by Carl Chapman or by other parties associated, with Carl Chapman’s written permission. Carl Chapman reserves the right not to publish any essay it deems inappropriate for any reason. Carl Chapman reserves the right not to award a prize or any prizes when submissions do not meet contest standards or criteria.

20. Release of Information for Scholarships:

By submitting content and participating in the Arizona Is Home Scholarship program, Participants authorize the School, College or University to deposit any co-payable checks without my endorsement in order to expedite my scholarship award. Furthermore, participants authorize the release of academic and financial information to scholarship donors.

This year will be a little different. Participants will use Web 2.0 processes to share their ideas and thoughts. The deadline will be in May, but in order to make it to the final review, students will need to start the process within the next few weeks.

Details on how this work will be announced in the next few days. Tell your friends.

Carl

College students from across the country applied at www.arizonan.com for the “Arizona Is My Home” scholarship.
Carrie was raised in Childs and Payson, Arizona. She attends the University of Arizona. She studies agriculture education and plans to become a teacher. Currently, Carrie lives in Marana, Arizona where she trains her horse and practices roping. She is also an active advisor for Future Farmers of America in Payson. This scholarship money will help further her education.

Carl Chapman of Glendale, Arizona presented each student with a check for $2,500. “Arizona Is My Home” scholarship was created to promote and preserve Arizona’s traditions, history, and rural lifestyle. Having grown up in Parker, Arizona, Carl has experienced the advantages of growing up in a small town. He believes that education is important. As a successful entrepreneur, Carl plans to offer scholarship money annually to any student attending a public Arizona college or university.

Roxanne grew up in Show Low, Arizona. She is studying finance and interior design at Northern Arizona University. She is an active member in the Tri Delta sorority on campus. Roxanne spent the previous summer working on development of a computerized bookkeeping system for her family’s business. This scholarship money will help further her education.

Students were asked to write an essay about what is special and unique about their Arizona hometown. The winning essays revealed personal thoughts and feelings about living in their hometown. Applicants out of state were given the option of choosing an Arizona town and to explain the benefits of living there.

Winning essays of “Arizona Is My Home”
2006 “Arizona Is My Home” Scholarship Winning Essays
 
  “Arizona is My Home”
by Carrie Johnson

Once the air had cooled and the chores were done, on any typical summer night you could find my family fishing on the banks of the Verde River. My name is Carrie Johnson and I grew up at Childs Power Plant, close to where Fossil Creek and the Verde River meet.

My father worked for Arizona Public Service. This provided my family the privilege of spending 25 years, a full quarter (the last quarter) living among the uniqueness and rich history of the place I call home.

I learned at a young age that my family was my best friends in our tiny settlement (in the boom as I knew it), population 13. The entirety of our “hometown” was six small houses, the hydroelectric plant, an office and one small room that served as the post office, library and medical supply nestled among the huge cottonwoods on the Verde.

I learned very quickly that school was a privilege. The drive to town was long and difficult. Grade school was a full hour away! A journalist once described the journey as “an arduous trek not to be taken lightly”. This put education to a much higher importance to me knowing the effort it took to get there. I also had greater respect for my teachers and began early bringing them our garden’s harvests and the wildflowers along the way. Lucky for me, they were very understanding when mud slides and snowfall prohibited our travel.

As I got older I began to learn and appreciate the history of my home. In 1907, construction of Childs Power Plant began lead by a woman engineer, Iva Tuft. Utilizing 250 men and 450 mules for mule trains, supplies were brought from as far away as Germany. Despite the great topographical difficulties, her work was a success. The plant went online June 18, 1909 and transmitted power for the first time over a long distance in Arizona. These facts were easy for me to remember even as a young child because she was one of the first women engineers and June 18th is my birthday. This historic marvel is believed to be greatly responsible for the progress and growth of Arizona. Childs supplied electricity to Jerome and other small mining towns. In 1993, my home was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This was an event that I will not soon forget. I was ten years old to the day and many important people came for a great celebration. If there were ever a town known for rural life and Arizona traditions I believe we were in it.

Agriculture has always played a major role in my life. The vision I have of my home was swallowed by large fruit trees, grapevines and grass. We grew and canned our own vegetables from the garden, made our own bread and even butchered our own beef and fish. My sisters and I were all involved in 4-H and FFA. The location of our home made it possible for us to experience the responsibility of raising market animals. Our best friends were a ranching couple that lived just on the other side of the river. They were as pioneering as the settlers in 1909 and taught me about life and true happiness. I always felt special when kids at school asked me where I lived. I loved taking my new friends from town down to my home to have a sleep over, and every girl in my class was invited to my birthday parties. There are really no words I can use to describe the pride and love I have of my “home town.” I learned so much just about life, taking responsibility and how to believe in my abilities. The beauty of the desert is captivating, and hidden in the canyons are some of the most unforgettable riparian areas. If I had not seen it my self I would believe such a place existed.

My motivation to continue my education comes from the experience of living in rural Arizona. I am currently studying animal science at the University of Arizona. The technology available today in agriculture has opened a new era in possibilities. I am extremely interested in animal reproduction and the advancements in genetics. By artificial insemination and embryo transfers we have the ability to advance herd production and bring the animal industry, one of our state’s longest standing traditions, to new heights. Education is still one of the greatest privileges I am enjoying and am thankful for the background that growing up in Childs has provided.

Just as time changes all things, and going home is never quite the same, Childs now is only a memory. My home has been removed and the lush green of great trees and grapevines is gone. In my mind on summer nights once the air has cooled and the work is done I still feel the urge to be on the banks of the Verde.
“Arizona Is My Home”
by Roxanne Roud

Raised in Pinetop-Lakeside, no matter how far I travel, I always know that it is my home. Pinetop-Lakeside is a small town in Arizona where many people come to visit and enjoy the scenery, but only for a short time, then they must pack up and go back to the hustle and bustle of the large city. I, on the other hand, am fortunate enough to call this beautiful town home. From the Friday night football games to the Fall Festival held every year, Pinetop-Lakeside is the typical cliché of a small town.

I was born in Phoenix and lived there until the summer after my fourth grade year. For a 9 year old, the excitement of moving was overwhelming. Sure I would be leaving all of my friends, but I understood that I would soon make new ones. I was counting down the days until we moved, but my older brother and sister were dreading it. My sister, 6 years my elder, and my brother 5 years my elder, were being forced to leave the friends they had grown up with all of their lives. Arriving in Pinetop, it was clear to our entire family that we would be starting over. It has been quoted that “to take one step up, you have to take two steps back,” and that was the story of our family for the first year and a half that we moved here. Having both of my parents sell their businesses in the city to share a partnership in our new town sounded like a wonderful opportunity, until we had to give up everything we had to start this wonderful life. Our first home was our 5th wheel camper, which we ironically stayed in just 2 years prior to our move to the mountains for a family vacation. Now, the same recreational vehicle that gave us so many wonderful memories was giving us a place to call home. Struggling does not quite cover what my family and I went through before we were back on our own two feet, or should I say ten feet. For my parents, establishing a business in a small town was not what they had expected. The businesses that are in this area have history and family ties. People had shopped at these stores for years. Their grandparents shopped there, their parents the same, and now they too would be faithful to the businesses that had been there for years. So how did my parents do it? With hard work and determination. My parents are a true inspiration to me and they have always taught me to strive for what want and dream of what will be. They provided a wonderful small town life for me and I would not trade any of my time here for the rushed city life that I hear is so great.

From fifth grade until graduation day when I stood in front of my class awaiting to give them the cue to turn their tassels, I could name anyone of my classmates first and last names and probably what their parent’s did for a living. I could tell if they had an older brother or sister, or if they were a member of any of the clubs on campus. Some may say that so “small town” to know everybody’s business, and it is and that is why it is so great. It is not about knowing the bad about everybody in Pinetop, but rather it is about announcing the good in people’s lives. Getting congratulated on a new baby, recent engagement, or a college graduation. In my town, if you have to go to the grocery store, you know that it will not be a simple trip to the store. You will always see a familiar face at our local Safeway.

Blue Ridge High School, known state-wide for our numerous 3A State Football Championships was where I went to high school. And trust me, when it was football season on a Friday night, there was not another care in the world. The community comes together for our boys on the field and gives them tremendous support, but it is not only about the game. It is also about seeing everybody. During a football game, Pinetop-Lakeside, for the most part, shuts down. And if you miss a home game, it is for a good reason. If you have a son playing or not, Blue Ridge Football is in your heart. But, in the “off-season”, we have plenty of other wonderful athletes to watch, and the Blue Ridge Yellow Jackets are always a strong contender making every state tournament for every sport. Our talent is well beyond the field though, we also participated in academics with State Championships in Academic Decathlon and Speech and Debate. Blue Ridge “raises” fine individuals. Not redneck country boys and girls, but cultured, well rounded men and women. In high school I was involved in Volleyball, Softball, Spanish Club, Bible Club, Ski Club, Mock Trial, Physics Club, and Student Council where I held the office of Class President for my sophomore, junior, and senior years. I had a lot of wonderful experiences in high school and I truly believe in my heart that I would not be the same person that I am today if I would have grown up in the city. I have met many people in college and when they ask where I’m from and I tell them Pinetop, they just laugh and call me a small town girl, but that’s ok because that is who I am. The city kids that I have met in college do not understand the importance of community like I do. I grew up in a true community and with true friends. Not just a group of friends like many have, but a class of friends, all 200 of them.

After graduation, it’s always the same story: everybody cannot wait to leave for college. I was no different, but unlike many of my classmates, I did not go to the city, I instead went to Flagstaff because it reminded me of home. I still love coming back to Pinetop for the weekends, and making a “quick trip” to the grocery store for my mom. I love seeing my friend’s parents and hearing about how they also miss home. We all become butterflies once we graduate. We are given wings, and we do what we have dreamed to do, but we always come back because it’s our town, it’s our family, it’s our home.
  

College students from across the country applied at

Carl Chapman of Glendale, Arizona presented each student with a check for $2,500. “Arizona Is My Home” scholarship was created to promote and preserve Arizona’s traditions, history, and rural lifestyle. Having grown up in Parker, Arizona, Carl has experienced the advantages of growing up in a small town. He believes that education is important. As a successful entrepreneur, Carl plans to offer scholarship money annually to any student attending a public Arizona college or university.

Roxanne grew up in Show Low, Arizona. She is studying finance and interior design at Northern Arizona University. She is an active member in the Tri Delta sorority on campus. Roxanne spent the previous summer working on development of a computerized bookkeeping system for her family’s business. This scholarship money will help further her education.

Students were asked to write an essay about what is special and unique about their Arizona hometown. The winning essays revealed personal thoughts and feelings about living in their hometown. Applicants out of state were given the option of choosing an Arizona town and to explain the benefits of living there.

David is a student at Chandler-Gilbert Community College and his hometown is Globe, Arizona. David’s essay about growing up in Globe was one of 600 applications received.

We spent most of our Christmas vacation in Alaska reading about what is was like growing up in different Arizona towns. We learned why each student still calls their town, home. It was very difficult to select just one winner, but David’s story stood out and he now joins our two past winners, Carrie Johnson and Roxanne Roud as recipients of the Arizona Is My Home scholarshipprogram.

The Arizona Is My Home scholarship is a $2500 award. We wish David great success with his college career. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please check in with the Arizonan again in a month. I expect to have come up with a new program to help Arizona students meet some of the financial burden associated with attending one of our fine colleges or universities.

Carl Chapman
Associate Broker
West USA Realty

David Merrell’s Essay

Arizona Is My Home

Splashed with an array of color, Globe Arizona is distinguished as a
mining and tourist community. Deeply rooted with a historic past, Globe
preserves its legacy. Seated in the center of the Tonto National Forest,
Globe is poke-a-doted with natural splendor and reservoirs. Various textures
and shades will be utilized in order to adequately paint a picture of her
beauty and authenticity.  By so doing, an image of Globe will be reflected
through the eyes of the beholder. It is considered a privilege to introduce
Globe as my hometown.

Globe was founded in 1875 as a mining camp. Shortly thereafter, mining
for silver and gold transitioned to mining copper. Copper quickly became the
blood-line of the newly developed town. Interestingly, Globes economy
continues to thrive on the extraction and production of copper. This had a
direct affect on me as a boy, because my father was an employee of the mine.

I remember tracing my dad’s footsteps as he preformed his daily tasks.
His large steel- toed-boots, hard hat, and white laboratory jacket were easy
to follow. He carried a talking radio on his hip in order to communicate
with the men. The multi million dollar machinery pounded, grinded, and
screamed as it moved earth to the landfills. I was intrigued to observe the
men working in the smelter. They dressed in clothing which resembled
something an astronaut would wear in order to protect them from the intense
heat. Even from a distance I could feel the heat of the smelter causing
sweat to drip off my face. Twelve hour shifts made for long days, but my
father and the other men worked hard to provide for their families, and to
continue Globe’s mining tradition.

Steady tourism enables my hometown to flourish. Globe is notorious for
art museums and quaint shops which consistently draw vacationers. The Gila
County Historical museum provides travelers with a history of Globe,
including mining and pioneer heritage. Various paintings and artifacts are
cased and displayed. Downtown shopping areas contain a variety of family
owned stores assisting tourists in purchasing mementos.

Another primary tourist attraction is a celebration known as Apache
days. As a child I was bewildered at the amount of people flooding into
Globe to celebrate Apache Days. I recall pushing through crowds to witness
for myself the uniqueness of the San Carlos Apache tribe.  Each beat of the
Indian drum drew me closer to a lively culture. I watched intently as Indian
men and women preformed ritual dances dressed in peculiar attire.
Oftentimes, their costumes included vibrant colors and accent paint in order
to catch the spectator’s eye. These festive days also included Native
American artisan booths, demonstrating fine skills in crafts, art, and
jewelry. I can still smell the native aroma of Indian fry bread, and taste
the flaked pastry drizzled with golden brown honey. This annual celebration
became a tradition for my family, and a heritage for Globe.

Speaking of delicious food, Globe is famous for impeccable Mexican
cuisine! In high school my buddies and I would race across the street to
Chalo’s Mexican restaurant, and for three dollars and a dime we could
purchase homemade burritos and a coke –with unlimited chips and salsa! We
spent countless lunch breaks at Chalo’s.  It is still my favorite Mexican
restaurant. However, depending on which Globe native you ask, there are
other highly favored Mexican restaurants in town. This is something that
must be tested and determined by any person claiming to have a love for
Mexican food.

Perhaps the most distinctive attribute of Globe Arizona is her natural
habitat. Globe is set against a background of the Apache Mountains, with the
Pinal Mountains running south and west. My hometown sits in a steep canyon
at the heart of the Tonto National Forest. As a boy scout of America, I
spent numerous nights under a star filled sky. We planned fifty mile hikes,
and were convinced we walked every trail known to man. We enjoyed observing
wild life including rabbits, snakes, squirrels, deer, and bear. The
vegetation was also admirable.  Ponderosa pine trees and alligator juniper
provided shade as we guzzled water from our canteens. We climbed rugged
boulders, mountains, and canyons.  As we approached the top each of us took
turns shouting our names across the canyon in efforts to hear an echo.
Various bodies of water dazzle Globe with crystal clear streams, creeks, and
rivers.  These reservoirs supply not only hydration for surrounding
vegetation, but also provided entertainment for eager boy scouts. With jeans
rolled up to our knees and t-shirts off our backs we managed to work our way
through the water. Eventually, the fun filled day would come to a close. Our
appreciation for nature intensified as we watched a Globe sun set against
rustic mountain sides.

The splendor of Globe has been portrayed to the best of my ability.
However, it has been described through the eyes of a boy, who today values
Globe as a man. The passion I have acquired for my hometown has not always
existed. Just like me, it is something that has developed with time.  The
economy of Globe continues to prosper, and its legacy and traditions remain
alive. For these reasons I have matured into the man I am today. For this
reason, I consider it a privilege to call Globe my hometown.

From David Merrell

Dear Carl Chapman,

It was a pleasure meeting both you and your father. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation for the scholarship funds provided to me. I am a full time student and working a part time job in order to pay for my education. Your financial aid will assist me greatly in my academic endeavors and help to ease my financial burden.

It was enjoyable reminiscing and writing about my hometown. Thank you for that opportunity as well, and for your generosity. These scholarship funds will not go to waste. Please be reassured that your assistance in my education is an investment in the future.

Sincerely,

David Merrell

I will announce this years winners on January 14th. More about our past scholarship winners