Every year, thanks to the Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund (BRSAF), many Boothbay Region High School graduates here are awarded “Named” scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education in either a college, a university, community colleges, schools of cosmetology, culinary science or other vocational institutions. Many may wonder how these local students are doing in their studies.

This column (to be a regular feature in this spot) seeks to highlight a particular “Named Scholarship,” what former Boothbay Region High School student now holds that scholarship, and how he or she fares in the school of their choice.

Currently, Alexandra Clarke, a freshman at Suffolk University in Boston, holds the Jack and Marge Hanselman Memorial Scholarship. In 2008 the Hanselman children endowed this particular scholarship in memory of Jack and Marge Hanselman, their parents, who died in 1996 and 2008. Twenty-five-year residents of Sawyer’s Island, Jack and Marge had been actively involved in the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club, as volunteers at the St. Andrews Thrift Shop and at the Harbor Children’s Center. The Hanselman Scholarship assists a local high school student who in some fashion has contributed to the Boothbay Region community.

Active at Boothbay Region High School, especially as a member of the basketball team, Clarke received the scholarship in 2013 and is now enrolled as a student at Suffolk University. How is life for her going at Suffolk U? Walking back from basketball practice one recent fall day, Alexandra answers a few questions about her current status as an entering freshman at this urban university.

“I love being in Boston; there is so much to do here,” Clarke said. “I am very happy with my choice. I haven’t declared a major yet and am in the Arts and Science program. I will have the opportunity to help inner-city children his semester in a ‘Jump Start Program,'” Clarke said.

Clarke, who is 6’1”, is looking forward to the basketball season, which started October 15. Suffolk plays its only Maine rival this season at St. Joseph’s College. She will get back to us with the date. In the meantime, she is studying hard, “hanging out with friends,” and enjoying the many sights of the big city.