Arts & Appalachian Identity: A Reflective Essay
Appalachia is a place where creativity has always been more than expression — it has been survival, memory, and community. For this year’s scholarship cycle, we invite you to explore the diversity and depth of artistic traditions that define the region.
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Write a reflective essay that examines the rich artistic heritage of Appalachia.
Consider how forms such as:
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folk music and bluegrass,
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oral storytelling and community memory,
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craftsmanship (quilting, woodworking, metalwork, pottery),
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visual and folk arts, and
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modern or contemporary creative expression
capture the identity, values, resilience, and lived experiences of Appalachian people.
You may reflect on:
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How these traditions shaped the stories and culture you grew up with
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How Appalachian art has adapted, evolved, or been rediscovered by younger generations
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Ways in which Appalachian creativity influences broader American culture
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The relationship between heritage, community, and contemporary artistic voice
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What it means to carry forward (or reinterpret) these traditions in your chosen artistic field
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Your essay should connect personal insight with cultural reflection, demonstrating both your understanding of Appalachian heritage and your vision as an artist contributing to its future.
Health, Literacy, and Legacy in Appalachia: A Reflective Essay
Appalachia faces some of the most complex and persistent health challenges in the United States — challenges shaped not only by medical conditions, but by geography, access, history, and trust. One of the most critical barriers is health literacy, which influences how individuals understand information, make decisions, and interact with the healthcare system.
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Write a reflective essay exploring the state of health literacy in Appalachia and its impact on community wellbeing.
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In your essay, consider addressing:
• How socioeconomic conditions, geography, and educational barriers shape health literacy
• The ways in which limited access to care, rural hospital closures, or long travel distances affect a community’s ability to understand and act on health information
• How cultural values, family traditions, and community networks influence health decisions
• Real-life examples (personal, observed, or researched) that illustrate the challenges Appalachian residents face when navigating the healthcare system
• Practical strategies or community-based solutions that could strengthen health literacy, support prevention, and improve public health outcomes across the region
• How improving health literacy could transform long-term wellbeing in Appalachian communities
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Your essay should blend insight, compassion, and analysis — honoring the lived experiences of Appalachian families while demonstrating your vision as a future healthcare professional or public health leader.