ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney-Hopkins
It’s that time of year again when our local high school seniors are thinking about college. Where will they apply? Where will they get accepted? Then the inevitable; how will they cover the cost of tuition? Listed below are a few scholarships available that could help the students and their families ease the cost of their college career. So, take a look, talk to your advisers, and apply for them! The money is there, and every little bit counts. Good luck!
• The Phyllis Dow Scholarship provides scholarship support to graduates of high schools within a 15-mile radius of Mapleton. Priority is given to members of the Methodist Church in Mapleton who are attending an accredited four-year college or university. Deadline is April 30. Contact the Maine Community Foundation for more information.
• The Ronald L. Fournier Scholarship was established in 1995 to provide scholarship assistance to an Ashland High School graduate who wishes to continue his/her education in the business, commercial or technical fields at an accredited two- or four-year college or university.
• The Chet Jordan Leadership Award was established in 1995 in memory of Joseph “Chet” Jordan who grew up in Portland, but spent his leisure time in Patten and Aroostook County hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. His family and friends established the scholarship to celebrate the rich legacy of his leadership in business and civic affairs in his beloved state of Maine. The scholarship is presented to students who are achieving their goals despite hardship, adversity or disability. Recipients will demonstrate leadership, independent thinking, initiative and hard work in the communities and schools. Academic excellence is not a prerequisite, but demonstrated compassion, dependability and resilience are. Recipients may apply for renewal consideration throughout their post-secondary education up to a total maximum award of $10,000. Eligible applicants are graduating seniors from Aroostook County and other areas. Deadline is April 15. Contact the Maine Community Foundation for more information.
• The Jerome Peters Family Fund provides a scholarship in the memory of Michael K. Peters to a Maine resident who is a second-, third- or fourth-year student at Bentley University. Preference is given to residents of Aroostook County. For more information, contact the Bentley University Office of Financial Aid.
• The Erin Elizabeth Sperrey Memorial Scholarship is in memory of Erin Sperrey, who was just beginning to set goals for herself when her life was cruelly ended. The scholarship supports graduating seniors in Aroostook County who are pursuing degrees in early childhood education (pre-school) or liberal arts. Preference is given to students who have successfully completed alternative high school programs. Academic excellence is not a prerequisite, but demonstrated personal growth and the pursuit of a post-secondary education are. The deadline is May 1. Contact the Maine Community Foundation for more information.
The Ashland Area PTO will be having a “Sweethearts-In-Training” dance next Friday, Feb. 12 from 7-9 p.m. at the Ashland Central School Gym. This is a father/daughter and mother/son style dance. An adult must accompany the child, so Grammy, Grampy, Auntie and Uncle, or even a family friend, bring your little sweetheart to this special occasion.
DJ Julie will provide a night full of great music. There will be games, snacks, a photo booth, carnations and lots of fun, fun, fun! Best of all – this is all free of charge! For more information, please contact Kim Holmes at 435-6043.
There will be an Ashland Area PTO meeting Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ashland Central School. The PTO invites all parents and community members looking to volunteer their time to assist this worthwhile organization.
I would like to send a very special birthday wish to my mom, Janet. She will be 75 years young on Valentine’s Day. Happy Birthday, mom! I am so glad we got to celebrate this special occasion (though early) together! I love you and miss you very much.
Susan Feeney-Hopkins is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and surrounding townships. She can be reached at 435-8232 or feenhop@aol.com.
