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VFW Post 7447 awards scholarships to local seniors

June 23, 2014

Ladies' and Men's Auxiliaries of Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 presented five scholarship checks to area students at ceremonies held recently.

Two members of Cape Henlopen High School's class of 2014, Aaron Mattioni and Julia Serwaa, were presented with $500 checks May 29.

The remaining winners received their $500 scholarship awards at the monthly meeting of the Rehoboth Beach VFW Post 7447, held June 14.  The at-large winner was Sarah Bell, and the post-affiliated winners  were Brenna Gause and Irelynn Donovan.

Post 7447 announced the scholarship competition in the spring. According to contest guidelines, two of the scholarships were to be presented to seniors at Cape Henlopen High School; one to any high school senior, including home schooled; and another to a graduating senior or college student who is the son, daughter, stepson or stepdaughter, grandchild, niece or nephew of a Post 7447 member, including Men’s or Ladies Auxiliary.

Judging of the 16 entries was done April 28 at the post home by John Barlow, post scholarship chairman; Ed Schaefer, Men’s Auxiliary president; and Barbara McGowan, Ladies' Auxiliary scholarship chair.  Although four scholarships of $500 each were planned, the judging results were so close that the Men’s Auxiliary donated an additional $500 so five scholarships could be presented.  Grades, standardized test scores, and financial need were all taken into consideration. Essays by the entrants expressing their interests, goals, and family situation made up a critical piece of the process.

Also at the June 14 awards ceremony, Francisco Madera received his statewide Honorable Mention citation for his entry in the VFW Ladies' Auxiliary Young American Creative Patriotic Art Competition.  Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 Ladies' Auxiliary sponsored Madera's entry and also presented him with a monetary award.  His Honorable Mention Award was announced at the VFW State Convention held June 6-7 in Claymont.

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