Students Must Apply for Scholarship by October 19
The Veterans Memorial Hall will soon close applications for the Colalillo Medal of Honor scholarship program.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Scholarships
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Students have until October 19, 2026, to submit their applications for the Colalillo Medal of Honor Scholarship. This local opportunity honors the legacy of Mike Colalillo, the Northland's last living recipient of the prestigious award.
Why it matters
The program encourages local students to preserve the history of those who served by researching and documenting the contributions of veterans. It serves as a tribute to Mike Colalillo while supporting the academic goals of regional students.
Applicants must submit an original paper that is between 6 and 10 pages in length to be considered for the $1,500 award. Submissions are evaluated by the staff of the Veterans Memorial Hall review board.
The players
Mike Colalillo
He was the last living Medal of Honor recipient residing in the Northland region.
Veterans Memorial Hall
This Duluth organization oversees the scholarship review process and manages records honoring local military veterans.
The details
To compete for the scholarship, students are tasked with writing a 6 to 10 page paper that focuses on a veteran or a specific veterans group. Completed essays are evaluated by the review board at the Veterans Memorial Hall in Duluth, which determines the final recipient.
Timeline
October 19, 2026: The final deadline for scholarship applications.
Culture Shift
This program aligns with a broader push to capture oral histories and veteran accounts before they are lost to time. By prioritizing academic research on military figures, the initiative bridges the gap between younger generations and the legacy of the Medal of Honor.
Students in Duluth interested in applying should finalize their research and essay drafting immediately to meet the October deadline. The award provides $1,500 to the winning student, which can be applied toward current educational expenses.
The takeaway
Focus your research on specific, verifiable details regarding the veteran or group you choose to profile for your submission. Ensuring your essay meets the 6 to 10 page requirement is essential for eligibility in the review process.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational opportunities in the Duluth scholarships section.
More information
Review the full requirements for the Mike Colalillo Medal of Honor Scholarship to prepare your submission.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Northernnewsnow.
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