Region – Military Friends Foundation, a nonprofit organization serving Massachusetts National Guard, Reserve and Families of the Fallen for nearly a decade, is now accepting applications from high school seniors and college freshmen who are Massachusetts residents and have a parent, step-parent or guardian activated overseas in the Massachusetts National Guard or Reserve since Sept. 11, 2001.
One student from each of the commonwealth's 10 congressional districts will be selected from the applications, based on merit and financial need. Recipients will receive $1,000 to help offset the cost of their education.
Applicants can find complete details on eligibility by downloading a packet at Military Friends Foundation, www.militaryfriends.org/patriotscholar. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, Feb. 21.
Hillary Savoy, who attends Northeastern University, is one of last year's recipients.
“I was honored to be recognized and rewarded by the Military Friends Foundation for my hard work during my freshman year juggling my school work and athletics,” Savoy said. The scholarship helped pay for my year's books and any other school supplies needed. It is great to feel the support from the Military Friends Foundation while my dad has been away for the past year on deployment.”
Sarah Keller-Likins is the executive director of the Military Friends Foundation.
“Today, there are nearly a million children with a parent serving in our Armed Forces. Here in Massachusetts, more than 10,000 troops have deployed since September 2001. When a service member deploys, their family serves beside them. By offering the Patriot Scholar program to support higher education, our goal to recognize the service and sacrifices made by these special kids,” she said.
Funding for this and other Military Friends Foundation programs comes from the generosity of private donors and voluntary contributions from Massachusetts taxpayers on Question 32E on the Mass. State Tax Form (Mass. Military Family Relief Fund check-off box). To learn more about supporting local military families on the state tax form, visit www.militaryfriends.org/takefive.
For more information about the Patriot Scholar program or other Military Friends Foundation programs, visit www.militaryfriends.org.
