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Celebrating Charlottesville’s brightest seniors and the teachers who inspire them
AP Boxley McDonald’s Family Restaurants have invited Charlottesville-area high schools to participate in the AP Boxley McDonald’s: Student & Teacher Achievement Award. Established in honor of McDonald’s founder Ray A. Kroc’s belief that investing in young people and the educators who guide them builds stronger communities, this program spotlights outstanding high school seniors and the teachers who’ve made a difference in their lives.
Why the award was created?
McDonald’s believes that business success should go hand-in-hand with community support. AP Boxley McDonald, and its local franchisees believe in these same truths and have formalized that commitment by launching this award. The award is meant to honor the following:
- Celebrate leadership. Honor students who step up in school and beyond.
- Promote scholarship. Reward academic dedication and college ambition.
- Encourage service. Highlight teens who give of their time to improve their neighborhoods.
- Recognize mentorship. Give students a chance to publicly thank the teachers who’ve inspired them.
Who’s Eligible & How to Apply
Any high school senior planning to enroll in an accredited college, university, or technical school may apply. To complete your application, you’ll need to submit:
- An official entry form (available from your school counselor)
- A 500-word essay on the theme “Leading with Purpose,” describing how you’ve demonstrated leadership and service.
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, counselor or community leader.
Each school’s administration reviews its candidates and forwards one finalist to the regional panel, ensuring that every participating school is represented.
What is the judging criteria?
Submissions are evaluated on four pillars:
- Leadership. Holding elected positions or leading projects/clubs both in school and in your community.
- Scholarship. A solid GPA and clear plans for higher education.
- Extra-Curricular/Work Experience. Active involvement in athletics, arts, clubs or part-time employment.
- Community Service. Volunteer work that addresses real needs—whether tutoring younger students, fundraising for local causes, or assisting at shelters.
Participating Charlottesville-Area Schools
- Albemarle High School, Charlottesville
- Charlottesville High School, Charlottesville
- Monticello High School, Charlottesville
- Western Albemarle High School, Crozet
- Fluvanna County High School, Palmyra
- Greene County High School, Stanardsville
- Madison County High School, Madison
- Nelson County High School, Lovingston
- Orange County High School, Orange
- Louisa County High School, Mineral
Don’t see your school listed? Talk to your counselor or contact AP Boxley McDonald’s directly at (434) 295-1234 to confirm participation.
Awards & Recognition
All school finalists will be honored at a regional luncheon hosted by AP Boxley McDonald’s in early June. Each student and their nominated teacher will receive a commemorative plaque and certificate.
Beyond that, the overall student winners are eligible for scholarship prizes:
| Placement | Scholarship Amount |
| 1st place | $5,000 |
| 2nd place | $2,500 |
| 3rd place | $2,000 |
| 4th place | $1,500 |
| 5th place | $1,000 |
| All other finalists | $500 |