Vicki Soto Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Victoria Soto Memorial Scholarship

Introduction
The Vicki Soto Memorial Scholarship, administered from Stratford, CT, offers a prestigious four-year renewable award totaling $12,000 to students committed to a career in education. Each year the committee names four recipients who demonstrate strong academics, leadership, and a heartfelt dedication to teaching.

How the Awards Are Distributed
- Two of the annual scholarships are reserved for students from Stratford-area high schools, keeping Vicki Soto’s memory tied to her hometown.
- To broaden the program’s reach, the committee also selects one recipient from elsewhere in Connecticut and one from outside the state each year. These out-of-town selections receive a renewable scholarship of up to $12,000.

Program Impact
Since its founding, the Vicki Soto Memorial Scholarship has assisted 40 talented students pursuing education degrees. Recipients have attended a variety of accredited colleges and universities, many have already entered the education profession, and they continue to reflect the scholarship’s hallmarks: academic commitment, leadership, and a desire to positively affect others—qualities that honored Vicki Soto’s life and work.

Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, applicants must:
- Be a full-time senior enrolled in an accredited four-year high school and graduating in the spring of 2026.
- Plan to pursue an education degree at an accredited college or university.
- Reflect the spirit and character of Vicki Soto as an educator—demonstrating enthusiasm for teaching, positive energy, and a love of learning.

Required Application Materials
Submit a complete application packet (see address and deadline below) that includes:
- An official high school transcript showing grades through the most recent reporting period.
- A letter of recommendation from a current teacher.
- Responses to the committee’s essay prompt (see Essay Guidelines).
Note: All required signatures must be on the application for it to be considered complete.

How Applications Are Evaluated
The Scholarship Committee will weigh several elements when making selections, including:
- Academic achievement as reflected by GPA and class rank.
- Breadth and depth of involvement in community service and extracurricular activities.
- The clarity, creativity, grammar, and adherence to MLA formatting in the applicant’s written responses.
- If necessary, applicants may be asked to participate in an interview by phone or video (Skype/FaceTime) at a mutually scheduled time.

Submission Instructions and Deadline
Completed applications must be postmarked or received by April 1, 2026, and mailed to:
The Vicki Soto Memorial Fund, Inc.
158 Knowlton St.
Stratford, CT 06615

Essay Guidelines (MLA Format)
Write a 1–2 page essay, formatted in MLA style, that thoroughly answers the following question:
“Explain what being a scholarship recipient would mean to you and how you would represent Vicki’s legacy inside and outside the classroom.”
Your essay should give the committee a clear sense of who you are—your motivations, values, and how you would honor Vicki’s legacy as an educator.

Additional Notes
Applicants are expected to understand who Vicki Soto was and what the scholarship represents. Winners should embody her zest for life, her sense of humor, and her genuine love for teaching and students. For more about Vicki’s story and the Foundation’s work, visit www.teamvickisoto.com.