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55 Years and Still Going and
Growing . . .
Happy Anniversary to US . . .
The spring of 2010, marked
55 years of awarding scholarships.
Seemed
like a good idea at the time . . .
In 1956 (quoting from the original objectives):
“a meeting was held to consider the
desirability of establishing an incorporated foundation, which would improve the
administration of academic scholarships granted
by various organizations of the area, and which might also work to increase the
number and amount of these scholarships.” The zealous efforts of a
handful of concerned citizens, along with the generosity of local organizations
and individuals – gave birth to the Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation. That
first year a total of $2,650 was awarded to sixteen students by eight
donors.
And
it was ! ! !
Since 1956,
over $4 Million has been awarded thanks to the generosity of donors. Wouldn’t the original
organizers be impressed with that proud record!
Sharing More Success Stories .
. .
To celebrate
this notable benchmark, we are reviving our
Sharing Success Stories
theme that we started with our 50th anniversary. The American
Heritage Dictionary defines success as: “To
accomplish something desired or attempted.” We realize that not all
of our past recipients were able to achieve their initial goals, and some may
have altered the course of their original plans, but we hoped that being given
an opportunity to attend college
did make a difference. The responses received five years ago were heartwarming
proof of that. We were also pleased to learn that most of our past recipients
were involved in their community – giving back to others. Throughout the coming
year, we hope to share more success stories with the donors who made it possible
for us to fulfill our mission in the Lakes Region, as well as recognize past
recipients, who made it all worthwhile.
How
can you help?
Would you
please complete and return the Sharing Success Stories form that can be accessed
by clicking on the following link: SHARING SUCCESS
STORIES.
If you give us permission, we will share it with our
donors.
If you want more information about our donors or the foundation, you
may check this website or contact us at: 603-527-3533 or email us at
scholarship@metrocast.net. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
The Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation
celebrated its 50th year of incorporation on February 16, 2006 and, as part of
this milestone, contacted as many past recipients as possible to ask them to
share their success stories. We wanted to know how the generosity of
LRSF Donors impacted their lives.
We
received hundreds of letters and emails from around the world from our past recipients and it
was heartwarming to
hear from them. Our
recipients have gone on to become teachers, scientists, secretaries, TV
producers, engineers, doctors, managers, entertainers, artists and
priests – to name a few. Some are
now retired and some are just beginning their careers.
Some persevered in their chosen fields and some changed their professions
along the way.
All expressed
gratitude to the donors who made their educational goals a reality.
Below are a few of the
responses we received.
2006 Responses
 Judith
– 1969 Laconia High School Graduate
“The
Scholarship Foundation gave me a couple of scholarships when I graduated from
high school in 1969. I had no intention of going to college, (nobody else in my
family had; as a matter of fact, my mother was the most highly educated family
member; she finished high school) but when I received these scholarships, it
just seemed like the thing to do. I can still hear my mother gasping with
delight each time my name was read when the scholarships were announced. This
may sound trite, but these scholarships changed my life. Being able to attend
college is the event that brought me to the place I am in my life right now. I
would like to thank the scholarship donors most generously for their wonderful
gift.”
Judith received a
Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Fine Arts in Photography.
She now lives in California working as both a teacher and a photographer.
Richard – 1979 Laconia High School Graduate
“I
want to thank you for sending the notification letter informing me about the
Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation 50th anniversary celebration. This was not
only a timely notification but also a much-needed reminder for me. I am
embarrassed to admit that I had forgotten about the wonderful generosity the
Foundation showed to me over 26 years ago. As I think back, those six
scholarships could not have come at a better time during my first two years at
the University of New Hampshire. In 1980, during my freshman year at UNH,
tragedy struck my family with the death of my mother. Being a single mother of
five, money was always scarce for college tuitions and her death made my college
education almost unaffordable without assistance. The generosity shown by the
Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation allowed me to meet those tuition costs. The
Foundation helped me when I needed it the most. I sincerely thank all the
individuals and organizations that contributed to my awards.”
Richard received a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry and a Doctor of Dental Surgery
Degree. He is presently practicing
dentistry in southern New Hampshire. Richard
has re-established a scholarship fund through LRSF in memory of his mother,
Jeanne.
Judy
– 1982 Belmont High School Graduate
"When
I returned to college to pursue a career, I was the mother of four wonderful
children and had a limited income. Receiving the scholarships assisted my entire
family because it caused less stress on us financially, and the money obtained
was used to purchase the books I needed. Education is expensive, especially when
you are not a traditional student and have parental responsibilities.”
Judy has an
Associate’s Degree in Human Services. She
is currently a Detective for a local police department and volunteers for the
Police Relief Association.
Amy – 1999 Gilford High School Graduate
“When I was
originally awarded the scholarship money for college, I was a senior in high
school, and to be quite honest, I did not fully understand the importance and
significance of the award. In hindsight, I should have been much more
appreciative towards the Foundation's generosity. Now, I am truly appreciative
of the monetary awards that were provided to me. I took for granted how
expensive college would be, and I attended Bentley College for both my
undergraduate and graduate degrees...so believe me, now that my student loans
are becoming due, I appreciate all the help I was given during my 6 years in
school! I know that I sent a thank you letter to the Foundation every year, but
let me stress my gratitude again. I respect the Lakes Region Scholarship
Foundation for rewarding students for working hard towards their goals in
life.”
Amy
received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Corporate Finance and
Accounting. She is employed as a
public accountant and is working on obtaining her CPA license.
Amy is also a volunteer for the American Cancer Society.
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