Local foundation seeks scholarship applicants

Are you a Northwest Florida student headed for college and wondering how you’ll afford to pay for it? The AHEPA-Pensacola Charitable Foundation, Inc. has annually awarded scholarships available for Northwest Florida (Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties) applicants open to all fields of study. Scholarships are available to persons entering or already attending a college or university during calendar year 2015.

Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, extracurricular participation, part-time/community work, essay preparation, recommendations and financial need. Past scholarship winners may reapply.

Last year’s award recipients included students aspiring to continue their education in medical fields, engineering, science and music. Jennifer Pope from Crestview is working toward a nursing degree. She wants to be one of the “visionaries who work hard everyday to improve the health of our population.” Luis Melecio-Zambrano, whose family lives in Niceville, is studying both science, with the goal to become a biochemistry professor, and music.

What makes a scholarship winner? A person dedicated to personal improvement, by continuing to learn and a passion for serving others as well. In addition to a focus on performing well in undergraduate studies, the 2014 scholarship applicants stressed their desire to serve others as a driving force in their desire to continue their education. Ashley Tringas, Gulf Breeze 2014 graduate, documented over 400 volunteer hours including over 200 hours at Gulf Breeze Hospital. She is majoring in nuclear medicine.

“We are delighted to assist these worthy students continue their advanced studies,” said George B. Dodge, Sr., president of the AHEPA-Pensacola Charitable Foundation, “It is a major part of our mission in the community.”

Applicants can download the 2015 Scholarship application at http://www.AHEPA296.com/scholarships.

AHEPA in the American Educational Progressive Association and the mission of the AHEPA Family is to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence.