Every year, a new group of recipients is presented with $12,000 D.J.'s Hero Awards scholarships during the Hero Awards Luncheon, which is held in Omaha. More than two decades after the founding of the program, D.J.’s legacy lives on in the scholarship recipients—all of whom demonstrate his trademark resilience, kindness, and generosity.
Scholarship Details
- $12,000 scholarship awarded to each selected recipient
- Presented during the annual Hero Awards Luncheon held in Omaha
- Honors outstanding Nebraska high school seniors
- Recognizes leadership, service, and perseverance through adversity
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be a Nebraska high school senior or affilliated with a Nebraska high school and plan to attend college in the US in the coming fall
- Applicant must demonstrate strong leadership qualities
- Applicant must have overcome significant adversity
- Applicant must show a commitment to helping and improving their community
- Winner will work with a free TeamMates+ mentor during their undergraduate experience
Application Process
- Prepare application materials highlighting leadership, service, and personal challenges overcome
- Submit all required documents by the stated deadline
- Await selection and, if chosen, attend the Hero Awards Luncheon in Omaha
- Winner must be willing to communicate with The Salvation Army participate in ongoing research about the impact of the scholarship
- Winner must attend Behavioral Health Awareness training with The Kim Foundation
The Salvation Army D.J.’s Hero Awards Program is named in memory of D.J. Sokol, who lost his battle with cancer in 1999 at age 18. His parents, David and Peggy Sokol, established the program to honor the achievements of outstanding Nebraska high school seniors who overcome adversity and show outstanding leadership qualities in their communities.
