Hiram Sturm High School Academic Excellence Scholarship
High School
Established by The DermElevate Scholarship Initiative in Honor of Dr. Hiram Maxwell Sturm
About Dr. Hiram M. Sturm
The Hiram Sturm High School Academic Excellence Scholarship, established by the DermElevate Scholarship Initiative, honors the legacy of internationally recognized dermatologist Dr. Hiram Maxwell Sturm. A pioneer in dermatologic surgery, a national leader in medical education, and a devoted mentor and clinician, Dr. Sturm’s life exemplified academic excellence, service, and perseverance.
Born in the Appalachian towns of Kentucky and Tennessee, Dr. Sturm's journey began with humble roots and was shaped by the values of resilience, family, and community. He accelerated through his undergraduate and medical education, becoming a country doctor by the age of 21 and later serving as a Navy flight surgeon during the Korean War. Following his dermatology training under world-renowned mentors at NYU, he and his wife Ruth settled in Atlanta, where he practiced for nearly five decades and served as a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Emory University School of Medicine. His commitment to patient care, mentorship, and lifelong learning remains an inspiration to future generations.
This scholarship supports outstanding high school students interested in careers in medicine and dermatology, particularly those who embody Dr. Sturm’s dedication to academic excellence, service, and compassionate care. By reducing financial barriers to early educational and experiential opportunities, the scholarship empowers students to pursue their passion for healing and discovery.
Through this award, we honor Dr. Sturm’s memory and aim to inspire the next generation of leaders in dermatology and medicine—young minds who, like Dr. Sturm, carry forward a commitment to curiosity, community, and care.
High School Specific Questions/Edits:
Add Parent/Caregiver signature/approval for application
Edit to current high school contact information/address, enrollment status, current GPA, anticipated HS graduation date; remove college inquiries
Remove college transcript, edit HS to “Current Academic Transcript”; ACT/SAT score if taken, professional headshot (or one clearly upper chest and above, front facing to camera with full face in shot)
Edit question to also include “what do you hope to do after high school?”
Edit financial need to “ACT, SAT, summer programs, etc.”
Add authorization/signature to use story and headshot for future website materials to promote our student alumni and showcase how grant funders contribute to their education
Optional
Scholarship Specific Questions:
How will this scholarship help you to pursue your academic studies and interests in medicine?
Post-Scholarship Use Questions:
What scholarly or academic studies did you use this grant towards?
How did this grant allow you to pursue your interest in medicine or dermatology? What did you learn?
Please write a brief thank-you note describing what you did with the grant, what you learned/skills gained, and anything else you want our donators to know!