^{_{Misty Mondok Myers Courage Academic Scholarship}} 

_{^{The English Setter Association of America is pleased to offer the Misty Mondok Myers Courage Scholarship to members who have overcome significant challenges in their lives.  This academic scholarship is dedicated to the memory of member Misty Mondok Myers, who faced her cancer diagnosis with strength and courage.}}

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, for up to two current members, a Courage 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 all scholarship applications,  are available on the ESAA website (www.esaa.com in the Junior Handler section) or by contacting Amy Duncan, talbotkennel@gmail.com.  Courage Scholarship requirements and selection criteria are listed below:

1. current member of ESAA (either junior, family or individual)
2. between the ages of 17 and 25 years of age
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 members who have participated as a junior in multiple AKC events)
4. documented plans to attend or proof of attending a 1 year certificate program or a 2 or 4 year post-secondary institute of higher education (includes junior/community colleges and trade schools as well as 4 year colleges)
5. have received or will receive a high school diploma or GED equivalent prior to attending the educational program this scholarship would be applied to. 
6. exhibit school/community/dog club leadership and involvement
7. one letter of recommendation from a current ESAA member (letters from relatives will not be accepted)
8. applicant essay of no more than 500 words explaining a special challenge you faced, how you overcame that challenge and what strength this brings to you as you pursue additional education and your intended career goal. All information is kept confidential. 

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.