Ozzy lived with his family in Amherst, Massachusetts, where he had been attending high school unhappily.  Outside of school, by the time of his untimely death, he had written two novels, thousands of pages of poetry, and dozens of songs. He was an accomplished jazz musician, experienced mountaineer and wilderness trekker, alpine skier, solo international traveler, practitioner of Buddhist meditation, and activist for peace and social justice. He was also an inspiration to his friends, having been voted “Most Likely to Become Famous” in his high school class.

His father, Jonathan, spoke at North Star’s annual Celebration of Self-Directed Learning in 2016, where he described Ozzy’s personality and inner force. He told us he believes that had North Star been in existence in 1994 that Ozzy would likely be alive today. He and Ozzy’s mom Carlotta see that North Star is providing an important alternative approach for many teens, including those who share Ozzy’s traits and interests. They would like North Star to offer annual awards to recent North Star alumni who will use these funds to pursue their intellectual, artistic, and spiritual interests.

North Star current members and alumni who meet the following criteria will be invited to apply for this year’s awards:

• are between the ages of 16 and 20 as of January 1, 2024;

• have been or were members of North Star for at least six months; and,

• if alumni, have moved on to college, work, travel, other independent pursuits after North Star (did not return to high school or independent homeschooling after North Star.)

Applicants may request amounts up to $500. More than one applicant may be chosen to receive an award, though an applicant may receive only one award per year. Projects that will receive consideration include, for example:

• art, music, theater projects (includes equipment, instruments, and other necessities)

• publishing costs for writers to produce books, magazines, articles.

• fees for one-time workshops such as spiritual retreats or life-changing trainings.

Things that will not be considered, for example:

• North Star service trips;

• tuition for college courses;

• certification exams; and

• living expenses.

Applicants are requested to submit a letter, video, or other materials that answer the following questions via this application:

• What brought you to North Star and how has its approach influenced your vision for your life?

• What are your primary interests and vision for your life at this time?

• What are some of your recent activities that reflect these interests and this vision?

• What project are you currently working on for which you would like financial support?

• How much money do you need, and how would you spend the money you receive from this fund, up to $500? Please be as specific as possible.

• One of the requirements of this award is sharing your project with the North Star community. Please confirm your willingness to give a presentation (likely during presentation week in May). You may also have other ideas as to how you might you share the outcome of this project and your interests with the North Star community. In what ways will you share the outcome of this project and your interests with the North Star community?

To be considered, applicants must submit their completed applications by noon EST on January 19, 2024. Selections will be made and applicants will be notified on or before February 19, 2024.