Four Tips for Writing (and Winning) Scholarship Essay Contests

Four Tips for Writing (and Winning) Scholarship Essay Contests

Four Tips for Writing (and Winning) Scholarship Essay Contests

Four Tips for Writing (and Winning) Scholarship Essay Contests

IAM141.org

You don’t need to be the best writer in the world to win a scholarship. You just need to follow a few smart rules, speak from the heart, and—this part is important—show up.

Here are four ways to give yourself the best chance at winning.

 

Know the Rule Book Better Than the Competition

 

Did the contest ask for proof of enrollment? Did you include all your contact info? These might sound like small details—but in scholarship contests, small things matter.

Think of it like college football: the team that knows the rulebook inside and out walks onto the field with an advantage.

Every year, there are great essays that miss out because of a missing signature, an extra word, or a tiny rule slip. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about staying sharp. Double-check everything, and you’ll already be ahead of the game before the judges even read your first sentence.

Double Check the Official Rules for the Adolph Stutz Memorial Essay Contest Here > 

 

Write Like a Real Person

 

 

Most scholarship essays sound the same: stiff, overly formal, and just plain boring..

Want to stand out? Be real.

Tell a true story about yourself. Talk about something you care about. Explain how you’ve grown, what you’ve learned, or what you hope to change. Write the way you talk—just cleaner. If it sounds like you, that’s a good thing. You want the judges to remember your essay… and you want them to remember you.

Great writing isn’t about big words—it’s about honest ones.

 

Ediit… Ed it… Edit!

 

Even the best essay in the world can lose points if it’s full of spelling mistakes or clunky sentences. That’s why editing is so important.

After you finish writing your first draft, step away from it for a bit—then come back with fresh eyes. Read it out loud. Check for grammar, flow, and tone. Ask yourself: “Does this sound like me?” A clean, confident, and clearly written essay will always stand out.

Tools like spellcheck and even AI writing assistants can help you find grammar mistakes or suggest better wording. AI can even help you brainstorm ideas. Just don’t let it take over. Scholarship judges want to hear your story, in your voice. Use AI to sharpen what you’ve already written—not to speak for you.

Better yet, ask a friend, teacher, or family member to read your essay before you submit it. A second opinion can catch little mistakes you might miss.

Bottom line: Good writing is rewriting. So take your time. Edit, polish, and then edit again.

 

 

Just Show Up… In Case Nobody Else Does.

 

Here’s a little-known secret about essay contests: sometimes… not that many people enter.

That’s right. There are years when amazing scholarships go unclaimed simply because too few people turned something in. So while others might talk themselves out of it, you just have to show up.

Don’t psych yourself out thinking the competition will be too intense. You might be the only one who actually follows the rules, finishes the essay, and hits “submit.” And if that happens?

Money.

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Four Tips for Writing (and Winning) Scholarship Essay Contests

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Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the District 141 of the Machinists Union

Four Tips for Writing (and Winning) Scholarship Essay Contests

IAM141.org

You don’t need to be the best writer in the world to win a scholarship. You just need to follow a few smart rules, speak from the heart, and—this part is important—show up.

Here are four ways to give yourself the best chance at winning.

 

Know the Rules Better than the Competition

Did the contest ask for proof of enrollment? Did you include all your contact info? These might sound like small details—but in scholarship contests, small things matter.

Think of it like college football: the team that knows the rulebook inside and out walks onto the field with an advantage.

Every year, there are great essays that miss out because of a missing signature, an extra word, or a tiny rule slip. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about staying sharp. Double-check everything, and you’ll already be ahead of the game before the judges even read your first sentence.

Double Check the Official Rules for the Adolph Stutz Memorial Essay Contest Here > 

 

Write Like a Real Person

Most scholarship essays sound the same: stiff, overly formal, and just plain boring..

Want to stand out? Be real.

Tell a true story about yourself. Talk about something you care about. Explain how you’ve grown, what you’ve learned, or what you hope to change. Write the way you talk—just cleaner. If it sounds like you, that’s a good thing. You want the judges to remember your essay… and you want them to remember you.

Great writing isn’t about big words—it’s about honest ones.

 

Ediit… Ed it… Edit!

Even the best essay in the world can lose points if it’s full of spelling mistakes or clunky sentences. That’s why editing is so important.

After you finish writing your first draft, step away from it for a bit—then come back with fresh eyes. Read it out loud. Check for grammar, flow, and tone. Ask yourself: “Does this sound like me?” A clean, confident, and clearly written essay will always stand out.

Tools like spellcheck and even AI writing assistants can help you find grammar mistakes or suggest better wording. AI can even help you brainstorm ideas. Just don’t let it take over. Scholarship judges want to hear your story, in your voice. Use AI to sharpen what you’ve already written—not to speak for you.

Better yet, ask a friend, teacher, or family member to read your essay before you submit it. A second opinion can catch little mistakes you might miss.

Bottom line: Good writing is rewriting. So take your time. Edit, polish, and then edit again.

 

 

Just Show Up… Just In Case Nobody Else Does.

Here’s a little-known secret about essay contests: sometimes… not that many people enter.

That’s right. There are years when amazing scholarships go unclaimed simply because too few people turned something in. So while others might talk themselves out of it, you just have to show up.

Don’t psych yourself out thinking the competition will be too intense. You might be the only one who actually follows the rules, finishes the essay, and hits “submit.” And if that happens?

Money.

Related

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Four Tips for Writing (and Winning) Scholarship Essay Contests

Four Tips for Writing (and Winning) Scholarship Essay Contests

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United Negotiations Update for May 13, 2025

United Contract Negotiations Update

13 May 2025

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

This past week in Chicago, your negotiating team and United Airlines management continued discussions for the seven collective bargaining agreements at United Airlines. We were also joined by the subcommittee for the Storekeeper contract, who actively worked on their specific proposals.

We are making steady progress on the Storekeeper contract proposals put forth by our membership. We held productive conversations on key areas such as increasing the use of 10-hour shifts—especially on midnight shifts—clarifying core work descriptions, and improving how assignments within the “bubble” are made to better respect seniority. Although we have not yet reached tentative agreements on these key issues, we are continuing constructive dialogue to ensure your priorities are clearly understood.

Negotiations for the Passenger Service and Fleet contracts also continued, with a focus on Article Four issues. A top priority, based on your feedback through proposals and surveys, remains shift bidding and the Company’s application of outage relief. We understand how important it is to establish a fair system that respects seniority and addresses the Company’s misuse of outage relief. While our last session reached a standstill due to disagreements over scheduling practices, this week’s discussions have helped foster a better understanding of your concerns. Although we have not yet reached a tentative agreement on this vital article, we believe we are making progress. Rest assured, we remain fully committed to fighting for the improvements our members want and deserve.

Your continued support and engagement are essential as we work toward securing a strong contract. We are scheduled to return to the negotiating table the week of June 9, 2025. Those meetings will include the subcommittees for the Fleet Technical Instructor and Security Officer contracts.

In solidarity,

Your Negotiating Committee
Olu Ajetomobi
Joe Bartz
Jill Hazamy
Victor Hernandez
Barb Martin
Terry Stansbury
Faysal Silwany
Erik Stenberg
Sue Weisner

Michael G Klemm
President and Directing General Chair,
District 141,
International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers

Recording Secretaries: Please print and post on all IAMAW bulletin Boards.

United Airlines Negotiations Update 17 June

United Airlines Negotiations Update

United Contract Negotiations Update

15 April 2025

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Your IAM District 141 negotiating team and United Airlines management met last week in Chicago to continue contract negotiations for seven different contracts.

Our primary focus was discussing Article Four issues in the Passenger Service and Fleet contracts. Unfortunately, there continues to be a significant gap in the discussion over improving quality of life issues that are very important to our members, such as shift bidding and relief scheduling. In fact, in some cases, we can’t even agree on the interpretation of the current language, which makes it very clear to your negotiating team why this was such an important aspect of your contract proposals and surveys.

Please know that we will continue to pursue this matter on your behalf.
On a more positive note, we reached a tentative agreement which will significantly improve the meal period language for all our members, especially our part-time members.

We will continue to fight for what our members want. Your continued support and engagement are critical to securing the contract improvements you deserve.

We will return to the negotiating table the week of May 5, 2025, where our Storekeeper subcommittee will join us to focus on proposals related to that particular contract.

In Solidarity,

Your Negotiating Committee
Olu Ajetomobi
Joe Bartz
Jill Hazamy
Victor Hernandez
Barb Martin
Terry Stansbury
Faysal Silwany
Erik Stenberg
Sue Weisner

Michael G Klemm
President and Directing General Chair,
District 141,
International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers

Recording Secretaries: Please print and post on all IAMAW bulletin Boards.

Jill Hazamy Named Vice President at Large for IAM District 141

Jill Hazamy Named Vice President at Large for IAM District 141

Jill Hazamy Named Vice President at Large for IAM District 141

IAM141.org
1 March 2025

Jill Hazamy Brings Experience and Dedication to New IAM Role

Jill Hazamy, a dedicated union leader at United Airlines, has been appointed IAM District 141 Vice President at Large by President Mike Klemm, effective March 1, 2025. In this new role, Hazamy will take on a range of responsibilities assigned by the PDGC and visit stations as needed to ensure strong union representation across the district.

“Jill has shown a deep commitment to her fellow members and to strengthening our union,” said Klemm. “Her leadership experience and dedication to advocating for workers make her a valuable addition to our team.”

Hazamy began her career at United Airlines in 1998 as a Reservations Agent and quickly became involved in the union.

 

Over the years, she has taken on several leadership roles within Local Lodge 141, including:

  • Shop Steward (2005)
  • Trustee (2016)
  • Recording Secretary (2019)
  • Committee Member (2020)
  • Local Lodge President (2025)

 

Hazamy is driven by a passion for unity and collective progress, believing that the strength of the union comes from working together to achieve meaningful change.

“I am motivated by the sense of unity that the union fosters,” said Hazamy. “Together, we can achieve goals that benefit everyone—whether it’s negotiating better benefits or ensuring job security. Being able to contribute to the future of our workplace and support new members is what drives me.”

She credits Tony Gibson as a key mentor in her journey, expressing deep appreciation for his guidance and unwavering commitment to advocating for workers’ rights.

“Tony has inspired me every step of the way,” said Hazamy. “He’s taught me the importance of standing up for what is right and the power of solidarity. I am incredibly grateful for everything he has shared and taught me.”

Looking ahead, Hazamy is eager to take on greater responsibility and work more closely with members to strengthen their collective voice.

“I’m excited for this next chapter and the opportunity to support even more of our members,” said Hazamy. “Together, we’ll continue building a stronger, more united future.”

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Four Tips for Writing (and Winning) Scholarship Essay Contests

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IAM District 141 Appoints Sue Weisner as Vice President, West

IAM District 141 Appoints Sue Weisner as Vice President, West

Sue Weisner Appointed Vice President, West

IAM141.org
1 March 2025

Sue Weisner Steps Up to Support IAM Members in the West

IAM District 141 President Mike Klemm has appointed longtime United Airlines leader Sue Weisner as Vice President, West, effective March 1, 2025. Weisner will provide essential support to the President and serve as a backfill for the AGCs in the Western Region when needed.

“Sue has demonstrated unwavering dedication to our members throughout her career,” said Klemm. “Her extensive experience and commitment to advocating for workers’ rights will make her a strong asset to our leadership team.”

Weisner initiated into Local Lodge 1886 in 1989 after joining United Airlines as a Reservations Agent. She later advanced to Lead Customer Service Representative, a role she continues to hold.

 

IAM District 141 President Mike Klemm has appointed longtime United Airlines leader Sue Weisner as Vice President, West, effective March 1, 2025. Weisner will provide essential support to the President and serve as a backfill for the AGCs in the Western Region when needed.

“Sue has demonstrated unwavering dedication to our members throughout her career,” said Klemm. “Her extensive experience and commitment to advocating for workers’ rights will make her a strong asset to our leadership team.”

Weisner initiated into Local Lodge 1886 in 1989 after joining United Airlines as a Reservations Agent. She later advanced to Lead Customer Service Representative, a role she continues to hold. Over the years, Weisner has been a committed union leader, serving in various roles, including:

 

Over the years, Weisner has been a committed union leader, serving in various roles, including:

– Local Lodge 1886 Trustee (2015-2018)
– Shop Steward (2005-2018)
– DEN Assistant Customer Service Committee Person (2018-2020)
– DEN Customer Service Committee Person (2020-present)
– IAM District 141 (United) Negotiating Committee Member (2021-present)
– IAM District 141 Auditor (2024-2025)

 

Weisner takes great pride in educating new hires about the importance of union representation, frequently attending New Hire classes to explain the benefits of working under a contract, including guaranteed wages, vacation, work rules, job security, and seniority.

“I always tell new hires that being in a union isn’t about me—it’s about we,” said Weisner. “Anytime I can help a member or advocate for them, it’s a rewarding experience, and I continue to learn from every opportunity.”

She credits her mentor, John Staton, former DEN Grievance Committee Chairperson, for encouraging her to run for Customer Service Committee Person and for teaching her valuable lessons in union leadership.

As she steps into her new role, Weisner plans to continue learning from President Klemm and the AGCs while ensuring that IAM members in the Western Region receive the representation and support they deserve.

 

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Four Tips for Writing (and Winning) Scholarship Essay Contests

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United Contract Negotiations Update

3 March 2025

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Your IAM District 141 negotiating team and United Airlines management continued contract negotiations last week in Orlando, Florida, for seven different contracts. The Fleet Technical Instructor and Related (FTI) sub-committee joined us to work on their contract proposals.

During discussions regarding FTI issues, we made progress on Article 4 proposals submitted by our members from that classification. The issues we addressed included limits on working past midnight before vacation, reserve release time, rest period notification, AUTO, overtime, and monthly and daily scheduling. We also discussed and worked on EPI/FTI scheduling issues at the DENFTC.

The session also focused on Article 4 language for the Passenger Service and Fleet contracts. While we continued making progress on key issues for our members – such as shift bidding, part-time meal periods, and increasing flexibility in trade language to align with industry standards – we have not yet reached agreements that we feel meet the needs of our membership.

It is crucial for all our members to understand that there is no definitive meal period window for part-time employees in these two classifications. More importantly, there is no penalty when these employees – who make up 45-50% of our membership – are not provided a meal break at all. In 2025, failing to guarantee a defined meal period or compensation when one is not provided is unacceptable, especially when the company we work for continues to generate billions of dollars in profit year after year.

We will return to the negotiating table the week of March 10, 2025, when the subcommittees from the Maintenance Instructors and Central Load Planner contracts will join us.

In Solidarity,

Your Negotiating Committee
Olu Ajetomobi
Joe Bartz
Jill Hazamy
Victor Hernandez
Barb Martin
Terry Stansbury
Faysal Silwany
Erik Stenberg
Sue Weisner

Michael G Klemm
President and Directing General Chair,
District 141,
International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers

Recording Secretaries: Please print and post on all IAMAW bulletin Boards.