Misty Mondok Myers Memorial Academic Scholarship 

_{^{The English Setter Association of America is pleased to announce that beginning in 2016 the ESAA Academic Scholarship is dedicated to the memory of member Misty Mondok Myers, a former junior handler.}}

Misty Mondok Myers (1969-2015) “found” her English Setters around 1980.  Her first English Setter, “Missy”, Ch. Foxtract Miss Kitty Marksman, was her junior’s dog.  Misty took to handling right off the bat, showing in junior showmanship and conformation.  She worked for different handlers and absorbed every bit of information she could in grooming and handling English setters, as well as other breeds.  Over the years Misty honed her handling abilities and loved every minute of it.  In 1985 she was awarded the ESAA Annual Award for Best Open Senior and Best Junior Handler Overall.  Misty went on to handle additional English Setters to their championships and helped others learn how to groom and handle English Setters.  Misty was in her element at a dog show…rain or shine, always smiling and laughing and ready to help anyone.  

ESAA offers annually, up to two current high school seniors or freshmen in college an academic scholarship of $1000.00 for post-secondary educational expenses. All payments are made directly to the educational institution in the name of the recipient. Recipients must complete an application and submit documentation to support their meeting of the selection criteria.  Further information, including scholarship application are available on the ESAA website (www.esaa.com in the Junior Handler section) or by contacting Amy Duncan, talbotkennel@gmail.com.  Scholarship requirements and selection criteria are listed below:

1. current member of ESAA (either junior, family or individual)
2. current high school senior or equivalent home school level, or a freshman in a 2 or 4 year post-secondary education program
3. participation in AKC events with an English setter and/or loving and living with an English setter for a minimum of three years (this may include breed, conformation, junior showmanship, and all performance/companion events as well as assisting with the raising and breeding of English setters in the home; priority is given to those juniors who have participated in multiple AKC events over the past three years or more)
4. documented plans to attend or proof of attending a 2 or 4 year post-secondary institute of higher education (includes junior/community colleges and 2 year trade schools as well as 4 year colleges)
5. academic achievement of a grade point average of 3.0 or higher (if an applicant is home schooled or a grading system is not being utilized, then test results or other information describing the student’s work may be submitted)
6. school/community leadership and involvement, including any participation in dog-related organizations
7. two letters of recommendation, of which at least one is from a current ESAA member (letters from relatives will not be accepted)
8. applicant essay of no more than 750 words describing the applicant’s interests, experiences and accomplishments in the sport of purebred dogs, with an English setter, and how the individual perceived his/her future role in the fancy.  Essays will be evaluated by the Committee based on originality, merit of content and writing proficiency.

Please note:
1. A junior who qualifies may apply for both Academic and Courage scholarships but can receive only one in any given year.

2. A junior who qualifies may apply for either scholarship in subsequent years but no more than two scholarships will be awarded to any member.