Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic^®The 2009 Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Awards
For RFB&D^® Members who are College Seniors and Blind or Visually Impaired

DEADLINE: Applications must be postmarked no later than April 6, 2009

ABOUT THE AWARD

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D), a nonprofit volunteer organization, is the nation’s educational library serving people who cannot effectively read standard print because of visual impairment, dyslexia or other physical disability. Our mission is to create opportunities for individual success by providing, and promoting the effective use of, accessible educational materials.

Each year the Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Awards (SAAs) are presented to RFB&D members who are blind or visually impaired and have received, or will be receiving their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009. The awards are given in recognition of extraordinary leadership, scholarship, enterprise and service to others.

Mary P. Oenslager, was a friend of Anne Macdonald, our founder. She began contributing to RFB&D in 1953 and, in 1959, helped us establish the Scholastic Achievement Awards program, personally funding the awards each year. Mary P. Oenslager shaped the program and enjoyed getting to know the winners each year. In addition to her financial support, she was an active volunteer, serving on our Board of Directors and actively recruiting individual and corporate supporters.

These awards are given to a total of nine students who are chosen by a selection committee. RFB&D presents three top winners $6,000 each; three special honors winners $3,000 each; and three honors winners $1,000 each. The three top winners will be presented with their awards at an event to be announced.

Applicants should be aware that:

• As a top winner, you must be present at the celebratory event in order to receive your award.
• All winners may be asked to represent RFB&D as a spokesperson and advocate at various local and national events. Costs associated with these events will be covered by RFB&D.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Only fully completed applications will be considered for the awards. Please DO NOT include further information (such as news clippings, photos or additional references) other than that which has been specifically asked for. Such information will not be considered and will not be returned.

Documents should be paper-clipped (please do not staple) together in the following order:

• A fully completed and signed personal application (Form 1)
• Essay – with your name at the top of each page
• List of honors, achievements and community activities
• Two letters of recommendation on official school letterhead with two signed referral forms (Form 2)
• An official transcript

Any questions regarding the awards may be directed to RFB&D at 609-243-7051 or 866-732-3585 (toll free) or e-mail dnagy@rfbd.org.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED TO APPLY

Candidates that meet all of the eligibility criteria must submit the following documents:

1. A fully completed and signed personal application (Form 1)
   
   
2. One Essay:
   
   Provide us with an essay of 1,000 words or less that includes all of the following:
   • Tell us about yourself and your life, including what you consider important about your background and your future personal and professional aspirations.
   • How and when did you discover RFB&D?
   • What difference has RFB&D made in your life and what role will it play in your future?
   • What role could you play as an RFB&D spokesperson and advocate?
     
     
3. Honors, achievements and community activities:
   
   On a separate sheet of paper, list and describe the following:
   • Honors, awards and honorary society memberships.
   • Special achievements (scholarships and talents).
   • Extracurricular and community activities. Please provide timeframes and the extent and level of involvement.
     
     
4. Two letters of recommendation for this award from professors or college administrators who have known you personally and can evaluate classroom performance and extracurricular activities. Attached to each letter of recommendation must be a referral form (Form 2) signed by the professor/college administrator. Letters must be on official school letterhead.
   
   
5. An official transcript of your college grades, covering three-and-a-half or four years (from all colleges you have attended).

MAIL TO:

2009 SAA Awards
c/o: Diana Nagy
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
20 Roszel Road
Princeton, NJ 08540

Applications must be postmarked no later than April 6, 2009

Form 1 - Personal Application

Form 2 - Professor/College Administrator Referral Form