by SullivanRose

Created on: January 21, 2010

The Raleigh Parade Committee will host an Irish Heritage essay contest as a part of the 2010 Raleigh, North Carolina Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. The Rose of Raleigh Scholarship Contest is open to Irish maidens and young Irish ladies ages 17 to 23.

If you are age 17 to 23, of Irish ancestry and live in the counties of Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Nash, Orange, Wake or Wilson, you are eligible to enter the 2010 Rose of Raleigh Scholarship Contest.

Contestants who wish to enter in this generous Irish ancestry competition will be asked to write an Irish Heritage essay. The essay must be 500 to 700 words in length and on one of two topics. The topics for the essay are “What Irish Traditions Are You Most Proud of and How do You Keep Them Alive in Your Life” or “What Does Your Irish Ancestry and Heritage Mean to You”. The essay challenge is sponsored by the 2010 Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.

The winning contestant will be crowned the 2010 Miss Rose of Raleigh. The first place winner will receive a $500.00 scholarship prize. The second place winner will receive a $250.00 scholarship prize.

Contestants must be high school seniors or attending college and may not now have or ever had children. Finalists must be able to attend a brief personal interview on Sunday, February 13, 2010 at 1:00 PM.

Contest Finalists must be present at the Grand Irish Ceili on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 3:00 PM at Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub located at 126 N. West Street, Raleigh and the winner must be present at the 2010 St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 13th at Noon in downtown Raleigh and at select Irish events throughout the year.

The 2010 Rose of Raleigh Scholarship Contest application deadline is February 1, 2010. Applications are available at this website. If you need additional information or assistance, please contact Kelly Mellage at the following email address: kmellage@yahoo.com.  Applications and essays will also be accepted via email to Kelly O’Doherty,  bluerooster35@msn.com or by United States mail. The mailing address is: Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, PO Box 80391, Raleigh, NC 27623.

The 2009 Rose of Raleigh Scholarship Contest first place winner was Jessica Corley. Congratulations Jessica Corley and may the luck of the Irish be with all those entering the 2010 Rose of Raleigh Scholarship Contest.

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