At the age of 10, Eli gave a poignant speech remembered by many as The Roof Tree speech. In it, he encourages listeners to “bloom where you are planted” as he tells of a little tree growing on a roof in his hometown. He likens it to the story of Esther who found herself in a tough situation, but trusted in God and did what she needed to do. The lesson of finding the courage to face obstacles and accepting when God's plan is different from your own is applicable to anyone at any age, but certainly to these teens on the edge of adulthood.

 

The Roof Tree scholarship is a merit-based education grant of $1,000 awarded to one freshmen student entering college or vocational school. The bestowment is based on established requirements. High School juniors and seniors participate in a workshop taken from Eli’s Roof Tree speech rooted in Biblical concepts. Its intent is to equip teenagers on the verge of entering adulthood with tools to face and conquer challenges and obstacles that will come their way throughout their lives. It will suggest proper reactions to unexpected changes in life plans and offer Biblical resources for answers and guidance. It will encourage and empower them to “bloom where they are planted” no matter the circumstance. Students then write an essay and a winner is chosen by a panel of judges.

 

 

For more information and to apply, go to The Roof Tree.