PURPOSE: To memorialize Emily Caras Snyder who passed away in 2020 at the age of 33. The award will be given to an MESI senior swimmer who is “dedicated to the sport, and whose approach to swimming is characterized by hard work, humility, and a positive attitude".  Those who knew and worked with Emily described her in the following ways: kind, thoughtful, inspirational, empathetic, cheerful, well-liked, a role model, the embodiment of hard work, compassionate, had a heart of gold, resilient through many ups and downs, and commanded respect just by being her.

 

AWARD: The $9000.00 award will be divided equally over 4 years and sent directly to the college (in the student’s name) at the beginning of the second semester of each college year. The student receiving the award must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 through four years of undergraduate studies and continue to swim through 4 years (extenuating circumstances may be requested).

CRITERIA:

1.     Applicant must be an active member of Maine Swimming, Inc in good standing.

2.     Applicant must be a graduating high school senior in the year of the award.

3.     Applicant must be planning on swimming in college.

APPLICATION PROCESS:  (APPLICANT MUST SUBMIT)

1.     Completed application form, submitted online.

2.     Upload a short essay (500 words) that should focus on how the applicant has exemplified the characteristics described above and has been impactful to their community, team and Maine Swimming (MESI).

 3.    Two recommendations (coach, peer or other mentor/educator/supervisor) are required.

Deadline for application is May 31, 2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered. The winner will be announced at Colby College on July 18, 2026