Scholarships
Congratulations to Arjun Ramachandran and Keira Noonan for being selected for the 2023 GWCC Frankie Kennedy Memorial Scholarship. We await word of their experiences in Ireland this summer.
and Frankie Kennedy
Frankie Kennedy Memorial Scholarship
The Frankie Kennedy Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the memory of a wonderful Irish musician whose contributions to Irish culture were much appreciated by the members of GWCC. The music scholarship is intended to provide financial assistance to individuals who fall under one of two following options.
Option A: the individual has successfully competed and qualified in a Regional Fleadh in the United States and will travel to Ireland to participate in the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
Option B: the individual has successfully enrolled in a structured learning experience from a recognized program or instructor in Ireland.
The following rules apply to both options:
1) The application process is open to any individual under age 21 in the greater Baltimore-Washington area. Applicants must follow the Frankie Kennedy Memorial Scholarship application process set forth in paragraph 6 below, and submit their application and supporting documents by June 27. Applications may be submitted electronically to scholarship@gwcc-online.org or mailed to P.O. Box 1703, Silver Spring, MD 20915-1703.
2) The amount of the scholarship will be up to $500, depending on the availability of funds.
3) Upon return to the U.S., the scholarship recipient is expected to submit a short report about their competition or learning experience to the GWCC Board of Directors. This report may become an article in the GWCC newsletter In Step to be shared with our membership.
4) The scholarship recipient is also expected to perform for the GWCC community. This usually occurs as a short piece during our monthly ceili or at another club function. The date, time and length of the performance will be mutually agreed upon, but should be completed before the application deadline for the next year.
5) If multiple applications are received, preference is given to members and children of members. If necessary, the final selection may be made by a random drawing. All award decisions are made at the discretion of the GWCC Board of Directors. All Board decisions are final.
6) Specific rules for each option:
Option A: The applicant must write a letter to the GWCC Board, outlining his/her musical background and goals. The applicant must include their Fleadh competition results and the name of the competition in Ireland and dates.
Option B: The applicant must write a letter to the GWCC Board, outlining his/her musical background, and the reasons for selecting their chosen program/instructor. The applicant must identify the program or instructor in Ireland. and the dates of the program in Ireland. The applicant must also include a recommendation from his/her current instructor and evidence of acceptance from the Irish institute or instructor.
7) All applications must be received by June 27. Scholarship winner will be notified by July 2.
If you have any questions, please contact the GWCC Scholarship Committee at scholarship@gwcc-online.org.
(Updated March 2008, 2010, 2018 Revised 2014)
Photo Credit: Frederick Bancale
Frank McCarthy Memorial
Irish Cultrual Experience Travel Grant
The Greater Washington Ceili Club (GWCC) Frank McCarthy Memorial Irish Cultural Experience Grant has been established to award grants of up to $300 to active club members in good standing, who wish to travel to Ireland to participate in a structured learning experience from a recognized instructor or institution. The experience must encompass course, class, workshop or research activities related to Irish culture, society or history.
Preference will be given to GWCC members who are studying in Ireland for the first time. Club officers and board members are not eligible for travel grants while holding office. Announcements concerning the application process and awards will be published in the GWCC newsletter.
Recipients must be able to document their activities with receipts, letters acceptance notices or written material. Upon return, recipients will be expected to share their experience with club members at an appropriate venue to be agreed upon by the GWCC Scholarship Committee.
Awards will be given throughout the calendar year (January through December). Funds are subject to availability. Funds not distributed to an applicant will be returned to the GWCC Scholarship Fund.
Applicants must fill out a travel grant application form and submit it to the GWCC Board electronically, or to P.O. Box 1703, Silver Spring, MD 20915-1703, at least 45 days prior to planned departure date for Ireland. Applicants will be notified of the board’s decision by mail.
All award decisions will be made at the discretion of the GWCC Board of Directors and will be decided by a quorum vote at the board’s monthly meeting. All board decisions will be final.
For information, contact the GWCC Scholarship Committee at scholarship@gwcc-online.org.
— revised November 2010