Though snow and cold still dominate our weather, spring and high school graduation are only a few months away. Seniors at Boothbay Region High School are finalizing their thoughts about what comes next. For the 2023-24 academic year, the Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund (BRSAF) awarded 62 grants to new and returning students for a total of $467,000 awarded to applicants to further their education.

May 1 is the deadline for high school seniors to file for a grant; July 20 is the deadline for others. Grants are awarded to fill unmet need that is decided based on the cost of attendance at the student’s chosen school and computer milage costs to and from that school minus other grants and scholarships received, minus one-half of the expected family contribution, all of which is determined from the required student aid report and the Free Application for Federal Assistance (FAFSA). Late applications can be considered. All money is mailed to the student’s chosen institution. A student may apply for and receive a grant for up to six years, including graduate school, but they must be graduates of Boothbay Region High School or meet one of the criteria for special circumstances.

All money for this fund, which has existed since 1964, comes from private donations. The most recent appeal for funds began last November, but money can be given at any time. Many thanks to those folks who have donated monies this year. See BRSAF.org for more information.

Students are most grateful for the support they receive. Many students have taken time to express their gratitude, including most recently the following words from one recipient, Grace Campbell.

“It was a tremendous honor to receive your very generous gift and scholarship that has helped to fund the expenses of my first year education at Bowdoin College. I would like to thank you for choosing me. I have been enjoying all of the new experiences so far and while I miss home and the Boothbay Region High School, I am flourishing and embracing each new experience Bowdoin presents. I'm taking many incredible courses this first semester from Fiction and Fraud in Archeology, The Body and East Asian Art, History of Film 1895 to 1935 the US 1783 to 1861. I selected a few of them to feed my passion for history. I have also had the opportunity to continue my love of music and singing by auditioning for and being accepted into the Bowdoin Chamber Choir this fall. Receiving this scholarship has allowed me to continue chasing my dreams and pursuing my passions. Your investment in my future goals will not be taken for granted or be forgotten. I am incredibly grateful. The gift is not only thoughtful, it is dream fulfilling.”