Student Awards & Scholarships

The mission of the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine is to promote universal respect for human rights through outreach and education. Using the lessons of the Holocaust and other events, past and present, we encourage individuals and communities to reflect and act upon their moral responsibilities to confront prejudice, intolerance and discrimination. The work to achieve our vision is fueled by the talents and passions of many people committed to spreading knowledge, teaching students, creating community, celebrating survivors, and opening up opportunities for all people. As we think about how to celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we will rely on the incredible stories of our founders. We’ll showcase major achievements of each decade, profile people who brought talent, energy and commitment to its growth, hold gatherings for conversation, and host a gala to celebrate.

The Awards & Scholarship Program sponsored by the HHRC. This is an integral piece of our education offerings and a meaningful way to honor the mission and vision of those who created the HHRC 39 years ago. The awards ask students to think deeply about their personal experiences relating to the Holocaust and human rights, encouraging self reflection and a creative response based on students’ learning, personal experiences, and thoughts. Below are descriptions of the awards with links to the applications. Please help us spread the word about this important tradition. The deadline to submit is May 1, 2025.  

The Lawrence Alan Spiegel Remembrance Scholarship
The Spiegel Scholarship ($1,000) is awarded annually to the high school senior who authors the prize-winning, original essay on the prompt: “Learning about the Holocaust affected my view of the world and it is important for others to learn about it too.” Criteria: originality of voice and viewpoint, structure, command of language and mechanics. The photo is of Brooke Chase, the 2023 Spiegel Award Recipient. Apply here.

The Mathilde Schlossberger Outstanding Student of the Year Award
The Schlossberger Award recognizes an exceptional piece of original writing, fiction or non-fiction, or an unusually expressive piece of visual or performance art relating to human rights. The award was created by Florence and Kurt Strauss of Portland in memory of Kurt’s maternal grandmother, who was murdered at Theresienstadt. Apply here.

Read the essays by past Spiegel Scholarship winners