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Wyndham B. Blanton Scholars Forum

The Virginia Historical Society is pleased to announce the eleventh Wyndham B. Blanton Scholars Forum, to be held October 22–23, 2009. The forum is designed to bring together high school history students with nationally renowned history scholars. Named in honor of a former president of the historical society, the Blanton Scholars Forum will feature author and commentator Frank Deford. Previous participants include Michael Beschloss, Scott Berg, David Gergen, Ron Chernow, Edmund Morris, Cokie Roberts, Rick Atkinson, David McCullough, and Ken Burns.

One of the most versatile writers in America today, Frank Deford is most well-known as a sports journalist. A senior contributing writer at Sports Illustrated and a commentator on NPR's Morning Edition, Deford's work often examines the relationship between sports and American society at large. He is the author of fifteen books, including works of fiction, a memoir, as well as sports commentary. Deford is a member of the Hall of Fame of the National Association of Sportscasters and Sportswriters and was voted as U.S. Sportswriter of the Year six times by his peers. He has won an Emmy and a George Foster Peabody award for his work in broadcasting.

Frank Deford will be the J. Harvie Wilkinson, Jr., lecturer on Thursday, October 22. The title of his presentation is "The Athlete as Gentleman: From Christy Mathewson to Arthur Ashe." Those selected as Blanton Scholars will have the opportunity to attend the lecture on Thursday evening, participate in an informal conversation with Deford that evening, and attend a seminar/discussion on the role of sports in American society the following morning. Each scholar will receive a copy of one of Mr. Deford's books.

Interested in becoming a 2009 Blanton Scholar?

Application: Any student of a Virginia high school who will be a junior or senior during the 2009–2010 school year and has completed a U.S. history or government class may apply. All applications must contain a completed application form, a research paper, a letter of recommendation, a teacher checklist, and any evidence of interest in history.

1. Research paper: A four-page, double-spaced paper must accompany the application. Please use 12-point text. Endnotes and a bibliography must be included. Although teachers may make this a class assignment, the paper submitted must be entirely the student's work. The topic for this year's research paper:

Select a twentieth-century athlete who you believe was able to use celebrity to effect change in his/her society. Explain why your chosen athlete best represents the finest ideals of the "gentleman athlete." (You may choose either a male or female athlete.)

2. Teacher checklist: The checklist must be completed by the applicant's U.S. history or government teacher.

3. One letter of recommendation: This letter should address the student's academic proficiency, leadership ability, communication skills, extracurricular activities, and interest in history, government, and current events. It may be written by anyone familiar with the applicant (other than a family member or the person who completes the checklist).

4. Evidence of interest in history: This material should complement the "history activities" section on the application and may include any materials (newspaper clippings, videos, photographs, Power Point presentations, copies of certificates) that document the applicant's enthusiasm for history and would help us better evaluate the application.

Deadline
Applications must be received by August 28, 2009. Only four applications per school will be considered. Those accepted will be notified by September 25, 2009.

Judging
In evaluating the applications, the research paper will count the most—70 percent of the total score. The historical interest section will count for 15 percent, the teacher checklist 15 percent. The following criteria will be used to evaluate the research paper: content and accuracy—40 percent; strength of argument—40 percent; mechanics—20 percent.

Expenses
The VHS will provide meals and lodging for the Blanton Scholars who live outside the Richmond area. Each scholar must be accompanied by a parent, teacher, or guardian, who will also be provided with meals and lodging.

What's related:
• Previous Blanton Scholars Forums
• Bobby Chandler Student Award in History

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