Speights Law, PC is proud to once again offer a $2,500 scholarship to graduates of Cherokee County high schools. The “Overcoming Obstacles” Scholarship, was created to support and recognize a graduating high school senior in Cherokee County who has demonstrated resilience, perseverance, and personal growth in the face of adversity.
The scholarship reflects Speights Law’s commitment to children and families in Cherokee County and its belief that life’s challenges can serve as powerful turning points. Through this initiative, the firm aims to invest in students in Cherokee County who have not only faced obstacles, but have used those experiences to shape their character and future goals.
This is the second year Speights Law has offered a scholarship to Cherokee County students. In 2025, the firm awarded its inaugural scholarship to Kayla Wilson of Creekview High School. Kayla was selected based on her exceptional dedication to her education and community.
Kayla Wilson Recipient of the 2025 Speights Law Invest In Your Future Scholarship
As part of the application process, students are invited to submit a short video via YouTube centered on the theme: “Overcoming Obstacles: How challenges and our response shape who we become.”
Applicants applying for the “Overcoming Obstacles” Scholarship must create a video in which they share a personal experience, how they responded, what they learned, and how the experience has influenced their goals and future path.
Applicants must complete their videos and submit their scholarship applications by April 30, 2026.
How To Apply:
Interested “Overcoming Obstacles” Scholarship applicants must:
- Complete online application
- Upload your video to YouTube (unlisted) and include a link to it in the scholarship application form.
- Keep the video between 2-5 minutes
- Clearly address the scholarship theme
- In your video, please address the following:
- Your name and high school you attend
- What obstacle or challenge did you face?
- How did you respond to it?
- What did this experience teach you about yourself?
- How has it shaped who you are today and your future goals?
- In your video, please address the following:
Students should also be prepared to provide proof of the following:
- Proof of good academic standing
- Proof of attendance and/or acceptance to an accredited college, university, or graduate school
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or right to work or attend school in the U.S.
Information About Video Editing and AI Use
Students can enhance their videos using media editing tools, such as Adobe Creative Cloud, but Speights Law does not require applicants to do so. The scholarship committee will focus on the content of the applicant’s video and other materials.
While students can use AI to generate B-roll footage, the text and story in their videos must be original. Using AI platforms to generate the video’s script, create false voices, or include fake actors could result in automatic disqualification. The video’s core footage should also not be AI-generated.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the “Overcoming Obstacles” Scholarship is April 30, 2026.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
After the deadline, our scholarship selection committee will review all submissions. Depending on the number of applications we receive, the decision process can take anywhere from 1 to at least 3 months.
We regret that, for legal reasons, we are unable to accept calls, emails, or other communications regarding the scholarship or answer any questions other than those submitted here. All the essential details about this scholarship can be found above. We will contact you if we need more information.
Terms and Conditions
All applicants to this scholarship must meet the eligibility requirements as laid out on the scholarship application page, including:
- Applicants must be enrolled at a college, university, or graduate school.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the age of enrollment.
- Applicants must have residency in the United States.
- Applicants must be in good academic standing.
- Applicants must submit some personal information, including name, contact information, and academic information.
- Applicants must author an original video on the scholarship essay topic provided.
Anyone who meets the following conditions is NOT eligible to apply:
- Employees or children of employees of Speights Law.
- Past recipients of the “Invest in Your Future” Scholarship.
- Applicants who are unable/unwilling to be interviewed by a representative of Speights Law if they were to be awarded a scholarship.
- Applicants who submit the same video for multiple scholarships or for multiple years in a row.
Selection & Award Notification Process
Age, race, religion, gender, national origin, familial status, or other protected classes will have no influence on the committee’s decision.
Due to legal reasons and the high volume of applications we receive, we cannot answer any questions regarding your application status. Speights Law will reach out only to the winner of the “Overcoming Obstacles” Scholarship.
The firm will notify the recipient via email, and once the award winner accepts the scholarship, Speights Law will announce their name and achievement on its blog and via a press release.
Previous Winners
Starting in 2025, we began offering our annual “Invest in Your Future” Scholarship. All future winners (maybe even you!) will be listed here. All winners will be interviewed for an announcement blog post and press release.
2025 Winner: Kayla Wilson