The Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund (BRSAF) has launched its annual campaign to raise monies to help Boothbay Region High School graduates afford a post-high school education.

Back in 1963 when the Student Aid Fund originated, thanks to the efforts of people like Marvin Rosenblum, mothers assembled at a chosen place in town and then walked door to door asking neighbors for donations. Today’s campaign is quieter, but no less important.

When this writer graduated from a private college in 1960, his tuition, room, and board had just risen to $1,200. Today, that sum could conceivably be the cost of textbooks. Education costs, even for a state university, can exceed $20,000. Most families in America need help, and regional families are fortunate that the BRSAF can assist those families to meet the unmet financial needs for students attending colleges, universities, technical and professional schools.

Students getting help with their post-high school educational plans are unquestionably grateful. Indeed, the BRSAF regularly receives letters from students expressing their appreciation.

For example, a student at the University of Maine-Farmington, studying business and outdoor recreation, described being “incredibly grateful” for being awarded the F. Roscoe and Vila Webber Memorial Scholarship, which, she noted, made her education possible.

Another student at the Maine Maritime Academy studying Vessel Operation and Technology called his BRSAF assistance “instrumental” in helping pay for his education. These two letters — like the letters of other students — all attest that the BRSAF plays a vital and highly welcome role in preparing Boothbay region students for meeting the opportunity challenges of the future.

Today, as we have frequently observed, higher education remains more crucial than ever. Thankfully, a higher and higher percentage of Boothbay Region High School students are pursuing post-high-school-graduation education. Our ultimate goal at the BRSAF is to make the cost of that education as economically painless as possible, perhaps someday costless. Ideally, region students should be able to graduate from high school, attain good technical, business, and/or professional skills and credentials without any student debt. Your generosity can help us reach that goal.

The Boothbay Harbor Student Aid Fund always welcomes financial support. Contributions can be sent to P.O. Box 293, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538. For more information about the BRSAF, visit www.boothbayharborstudentaidfund.org.