Recent Boothbay Region High School graduate Elizabeth Ham received a Mildred H. McEvoy Foundation Scholarship to attend Thomas College in Waterville, Maine, to study psychology in the fall.

The Mildred H. McEvoy Foundation scholarship was presented at Awards Night at Boothbay Region High School. It was a surprise to Ham and her parents, Robert and Margaret.

The Mildred H. McEvoy Foundation was established to support educational, cultural, and civic organizations and programs. Its namesake, Mildred H. McEvoy, passed away in 1968, but her legacy lives on through the Foundation and the community involvement of her son, George, of Boothbay Harbor, as well as his fellow Foundation trustees. The Foundation focuses on causes in Boothbay Harbor and Worcester, Massachusetts.

As a recipient, Ham will receive $5,000 per year for all four years at Thomas College. Ham was selected with the help of the high school and based upon her individual financial need.

Ham knew that she wanted to attend Thomas College after a campus tour as a high school sophomore. Since then, it was her first and only choice for college.

“This scholarship will have a tremendous impact on myself and my family. The amount of the scholarship has not only a financial impact, but also a large emotional impact,” said Ham. “Knowing I come from such a supportive community that cares to see young people succeed is an overwhelming feeling.”

Ham will participate in EDGE, an early start program that includes an intensive course program and a chance to meet her classmates before school begins.