Archibald Rutledge Scholarship Program

The Archibald Rutledge Scholarship program, named for South CarolinaÔÇÖs first poet laureate, offers twelfth grade students (enrolled in a public school in South Carolina) the opportunity to compete for a scholarship in creative writing, dance, music, theatre, or visual arts as well as encourages and recognizes academic and artistic excellence among South Carolina students. Students will mail or deliver original compositions, process folios, and other required documentation in one of the five arts disciplines (creative writing, dance, music, theatre, or visual arts) to the South Carolina Department of Education. Applications will be available online in November 2020. The deadline to submit an entry is Monday, February 22, 2021, delivered to the South Carolina Department of Education by 5:00 p.m. or postmarked on or before Monday, February 22, 2021. Entries will not be accepted after the deadline. Entries should have been created during the 2020-21 school year. Five scholarships (approximately $2,000 each) will be awarded in May 2021. The South Carolina Department of Education will make the necessary arrangements to transfer the scholarship funds directly to the South Carolina college or university of the studentÔÇÖs choice. Students planning to attend an out-of-state college or university are ineligible to apply. The recipients may also be recognized by their local schools/school districts. Students must currently be enrolled in twelfth grade in a public school in South Carolina. Students must plan to attend a South Carolina college or university. Students must be a U.S. citizen and have attended public school in South Carolina for the past two years. Students may only apply for one scholarship. General composition criteria include: Creative WritingÔÇöAn entry is defined as an original composition in the form of a sonnet, lyric, or narrative poem. The composition should not exceed two, double-spaced pages in length, originated by the applicant. DanceÔÇöAn entry is defined as an original, short dance composition of three to ten minutes composed for solo or ensemble dancers in any appropriate movement style, originated by the applicant. MusicÔÇöAn entry is defined as an original composition of three to ten minutes for solo or small ensemble (recommended no more than five parts), vocal, or instrumental in any appropriate style, originated by the applicant. TheatreÔÇöAn entry is defined as an original, one-act play with a performing time of eight to fifteen minutes, originated by the applicant. Visual ArtsÔÇöAn entry is defined as an original artwork that must be a completed, rendered visual composition originated by the applicant. Art is limited to two-dimensional work such as drawing, painting, mixed media, printmaking, and collage. Entries produced in collaboration with others are not eligible for this competition. A panel of professionals in each of the five arts areas will select a recipient in each of the disciplines. The decision of the judges is final. Students may compete in one arts area only. Compositions/artworks and process folios each count 50 percent towards the total score. Do not place your name or other identifying information on the original work, copies, including process folio, and reflection statement. Additional criteria that each applicant/composition must meet are included on the individual entry forms. Eligible and interested students apply through their guidance department between December 2020, and February 22, 2021. For more information, contact your schoolÔÇÖs guidance department or L. Monique Curry at lmcurry@ed.sc.gov.