HS Hiram Sturm High School Academic Excellence Scholarship

DermElevate Scholarship Initiative

The Hiram Sturm High School Academic Excellence Scholarship
The Hiram Sturm High School Academic Excellence Scholarship, established by the DermElevate Scholarship Initiative, honors the legacy of internationally recognized dermatologist Dr. Hiram Maxwell Sturm. A pioneer in dermatologic surgery, a national leader in medical education, and a devoted mentor and clinician, Dr. Sturm’s life exemplified academic excellence, service, and perseverance.

Born in the Appalachian towns of Kentucky and Tennessee, Dr. Sturm's journey began with humble roots and was shaped by the values of resilience, family, and community. He accelerated through his undergraduate and medical education, becoming a country doctor by the age of 21 and later serving as a Navy flight surgeon during the Korean War. Following his dermatology training under world-renowned mentors at NYU, he and his wife Ruth settled in Atlanta, where he practiced for nearly five decades and served as a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Emory University School of Medicine. His commitment to patient care, mentorship, and lifelong learning remains an inspiration to future generations.

This scholarship supports outstanding high school students interested in careers in medicine and dermatology, particularly those who embody Dr. Sturm’s dedication to academic excellence, service, and compassionate care. By reducing financial barriers to early educational and experiential opportunities, the scholarship empowers students to pursue their passion for healing and discovery.

Through this award, we honor Dr. Sturm’s memory and aim to inspire the next generation of leaders in dermatology and medicine—young minds who, like Dr. Sturm, carry forward a commitment to curiosity, community, and care.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be a permanent resident of the United States.
- Applicants must be a full-time student at a high school for the upcoming academic semester and have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  Note: If there are extenuating circumstances affecting your GPA, please explain in the space provided.
Timeline
- Application deadline:
- Award notifications sent by:
- Final scholarship recipients notified by:
Applicants Requirements:
- A completed application form
- Current Academic Transcript
- ACT/SAT score, if taken
- Professional Headshot (or one clearly upper chest and above, front facing to camera with full face in shot)
- Two letters of recommendation, including one from a volunteer or community service experience.
- Three essays (maximum 150 words each), responding to:
  - What area of medicine interests you most and why?
  - What is a unique dermatology condition or treatment that interests you, and why?
  - What do you hope to do after high school, and what are your goals for the next 5–10 years?
Scholarship Awards
- Award notifications will be sent by *.

Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.

EDUCATION:
High School Name
High School Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
High School Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Will you be enrolled as a full-time student this upcoming semester (minimum of 12 credit hours)?

YesNo
Current GPA (on a 4-point scale)
Please explain any extenuating circumstances that may have impacted your GPA.
Anticipated High School Graduation Date

MonthDayYear
Date

Current Academic Transcript

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ACT/SAT Score, if taken

Cancelof
Professional Headshot (or one clearly upper chest and above, front facing to camera with full face in shot)

Cancelof

Contacts
Parent/Guardian 1 Name

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian 2 Name (if applicable)

First NameLast Name
Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s) Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

What area of medicine interests you most and why? (Max 150 words)
What is a unique dermatology condition or treatment that interests you, and why? (Max 150 words)
What do you hope to do after high school, and what are your goals for the next 5–10 years? (Max 150 words)

SCHOOL EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

Please list school extra-curricular activities in which you have participated. Note leadership roles and dates.
Activity description(s), role(s), and dates of involvement
ORGANIZATIONS:

Please list community organizations such as service, volunteer and religious organizations in which you are now active or have previously been active. Note leadership roles and dates.
Organization name(s), role(s), and dates of involvement
RECOGNITIONS:

Please list any important awards and recognitions that you received. Note the organizations presenting the honor and the date you received the award.
Recognition name(s), presenting organization(s), and date received

REFERENCES/RECOMMENDATIONS:

Please submit two letters of recommendation. Letters must not be from family members and should be written by employers, community leaders, mentors, or teachers. At least one letter must be from a volunteer supervisor. Please ensure contact information for references are included.
Reference #1

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Reference #2

Cancelof

Please describe your greatest financial need(s) for the DermElevate Scholarship (e.g., application expenses, summer program costs, ACT/SAT fees, or other related expenses). (Max 150 words)
Other Financial Support

List other financial assistance that you will receive or expect to receive per semester or quarter for graduate/medical school.
Personal / Work Study / Employment
Other Scholarship
Grants
Student Loans
Other

STATEMENT OF ACCURACY

I hereby affirm that all information provided by me to the DermElevate Scholarship Initiative© Board of Directors is true, accurate, and free of forgery. I also consent to the use of my photograph, including any images submitted with this application, for purposes deemed necessary to promote the DermElevate Scholarship Initiative© Program. I understand that if selected as a scholarship recipient, I must provide proof of enrollment or registration at my chosen institution before scholarship funds will be awarded.
Applicant Name

First NameLast Name
Applicant Signature

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Parent/Guardian Name

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian Signature

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Authorization for Use of Story and Image

I authorize the use of my personal story and headshot in future website materials to celebrate student alumni and illustrate the impact of grant funding on their educational journey.
Applicant Signature

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Parent/Guardian Signature

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DermElevate Scholarship Initiative

Eligibility Requirements

Timeline

Applicants Requirements:

Scholarship Awards

EDUCATION:

Contacts

SCHOOL EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

ORGANIZATIONS:

RECOGNITIONS:

REFERENCES/RECOMMENDATIONS:

Other Financial Support

STATEMENT OF ACCURACY

Authorization for Use of Story and Image