American Legion Endows Two Funds for Preston Students
JROTC cadets demonstrate agility drills that are part of the JROTC service,
leadership and citizenship building program.
Kingwood’s American Legion Post 56 has demonstrated their commitment to the youth of Preston County in a big way. Members recently established two endowed funds that will provide an annual scholarship and grant for perpetuity.
Providing scholarships for students at Preston High School (PHS) in Kingwood has been an ongoing project for the George Jackson Post 56 of the American Legion since the mid 1990’s. After careful consideration, members donated $50,000 to Tucker Community Foundation to establish the Preston High School American Legion Scholarship Fund. The Foundation will invest the funds and administer the scholarship in accordance with distribution guidelines agreed upon by members of the organization.
The Legion scholarship is for students of Preston High School pursuing continuing education at universities, colleges, junior colleges or vocational /technical schools. To qualify for the award, applicants must be 1) The son or daughter of a parent (mother or father) who is a Veteran or active duty member of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, or U.S. Air Force or, 2) A student enrolled in the Army Junior ROTC program who has successfully completed two periods of training at Preston High School or, 3) a previous recipient of this scholarship who is eligible to reapply. The award is based on a competitive application process. Scholarship applications are available online at www.tuckerfoundation.net after Feb 1 and are due the first Friday in April. Awards are announced in May.
An additional $20,000 donation from the organization established the U.S. Army JROTC Fund which will provide an annual grant to help offset travel and program expenses for the Preston High School JROTC program. Awards from both funds will begin in 2014.
Members of the legion tailored each of the funds to serve the organizations mission. The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. The Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in communities; advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans.
For more information or to donate to either fund, call 304-478-2930. Tucker Community Foundation manages more than 80 endowed funds that serve eight counties in WV and MD.
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