DOLLY PARTON SCHOLARSHIP

Presented by Citizens National Bank

Dolly Parton graduated from Sevier County High School in the Class of 1964. For Dolly, who came from a large family, working hard to just make ends meet, this was a major achievement. Although high school could be challenging at times with many classmates thinking she was “a little different”, her dreams were too big to let this hold her back. She was blessed with close friends, a loving family, a generous heart, and a great big dream to become a country music star.

The day after she graduated from high school, she boarded a bus to Nashville to pursue her dream. Since that day in 1964, she has become one of most well-known, and loved, celebrities in the world. Sometimes lost in the glamour of stardom is her enormous talent as a singer, writer, and actress. Along with this natural talent, she has developed and nurtured an incredible work ethic that even today, few can match.

Dolly has always tried to give back to her beloved Sevier County - whom she frequently refers to as 'my people'. In August, 2000 SCHSAA and Dolly announced the creation of The Dolly Parton Scholarship for Sevier County High School. Now, with the support of Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Citizens National Bank and Swaggerty's, the lucrative and prestigious Dolly Parton Scholarship is also awarded to students at Pigeon Forge High School, Seymour High School, Gatlinburg-Pittman High School and Northview Academy.

The fortunate recipient of the scholarship will embody much of the character and drive displayed by Dolly when she graduated from SCHS. Careful selection of the recipient will be based on financial need, character, community service, and his/her vision of their future. In short, the recipient shall be the person who, like Dolly, holds great promise to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More.™

I've chased after rainbows; I have captured one or two.
I have reached for the stars; and I've even held a few.
I've walked that lonesome valley, topped the mountains, soared the sky.
I've laughed and I have cried; but I have always tried.

I've always been a dreamer and dreams are special things.
But dreams are of no value if they're not equipped with wings.
Secure yourself for climbing, make ready for the sky.
Don't let your chance go by; you'll make it if you try.

Try to be the first one up the mountain
The highest flying dreamer in the sky.
Try your best to be an inspiration
For others that are still afraid and shy.
Try to make the most of every moment
If you fail, get up and try again.
Try each day a little harder
If you never try you never win.

Nothing is impossible if you can just believe.
Don't live your life in shackles when faith can be your key.
The winner's one who keeps determination in his eyes.
Who's not afraid to fly and not afraid to try.

Try to be the first one up the mountain.
Try to be the first to touch the sky.
Don't let somebody tell you can't do it.
If they do, then show them it's a lie.
If you fail at first, just keep on trying
You are not a failure in God's eyes.
The path you're taking now can make a difference
It all depends on just how hard you try.

The first step is the one that's always hardest.
But nothing's gonna change if you don't try.

So spread your wings and let the magic happen.
You'll never really know unless you try.

Submission Deadline: 11:59pm 03/28/2024

Scholarship Amount: $15,000

Selection Criteria:

• The recipient must have a dream he/she wishes to fulfill and a plan to make that dream come true.
• The recipient shall have demonstrated successful, but not necessarily superior, academic performance.
• Financial need shall be a consideration.
• The recipient shall have an excellent work ethic and a genuine interest in helping others.
• Candidates for the scholarship shall have attended Sevier County Public Schools for twelve years.
• The recipient must sign the scholarship agreement and abide by its provisions.