Students honored through Maine College Circle Scholarship Program
Students in grades 3-4 at Brownville Elementary School and grades 5-6 at Penquis Valley Middle School were recently recognized for their outstanding effort, aspirations and writing skills through the annual Maine College Circle Scholarship Program.
This year, approximately 100 student essays were submitted and carefully reviewed by a panel of 10 retired educators under the direction of Bob Stuart, director of Maine College Circle. After much thoughtful deliberation, more than 30 students were selected to receive $100 scholarships.
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS — Two dozen Brownville Elementary School students received $100 college scholarships from the Maine College Circle Scholarship Program. Honorees were recognized May 28 for their outstanding effort, aspirations and writing skills.
Students completed essays tailored to their grade levels and future aspirations. Third graders wrote about careers they may enjoy in the future and interviewed older students about educational pathways. Fourth graders explored future college and career interests. Fifth graders identified courses and activities that could help them reach their goals, while sixth graders researched educational pathways and interviewed people connected to careers that interested them.
Scholarships were awarded during ceremonies held at each school on May 28, where many proud parents and family members gathered to celebrate the achievements of their children.
For 28 years, Stuart and Maine College Circle have worked to encourage rural Maine students to dream big and value education. During that time, 538 scholarships totaling more than $53,000 have been awarded to students in SAD 41.
WINNING ESSAYISTS — The Maine College Circle Scholarship Program winners from grades 5-6 at Penquis Valley Middle School.
“Maine College Circle was established in 1992 as a publicly-supported, 501(c)(3) nonprofit to help provide better, equal, and earlier access to information and inspiration about the opportunity of higher education,” Stuart said. “Today, Maine College Circle’s Future of Maine Initiative helps support early aspirations, while we emphasize the value of effort. Our goal is to help build a brighter future for rural Maine students and for their communities.”
The scholarship program focuses not only on academic achievement, but also on encouraging perseverance, effort and high aspirations at an early age. Students were challenged to reflect thoughtfully through writing assignments designed specifically for their grade levels.
The scholarship ceremonies served as a meaningful reminder that even at a young age, students can begin building the confidence and aspirations that will shape their futures.