Local student awarded American Legion Auxiliary scholarship

The American Legion Auxiliary recently awarded Benjamin Sala Jr. of Sussex Academy its Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship.

Sala will receive $5,000 toward his tuition at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore.

Students from throughout the local, regional and national areas submitted entries for the scholarship, and criteria included character/leadership, essay, financial need and academic achievement. Ben’s great-grandfather, James Charles Sala, was a sergeant in the Marine Corps during the Korean War.

Sala volunteers in the community at All Saints’ Thrift Shop, and with BSA Troop 1 Lewes working with Piranha Sports Triathlons at Cape Henlopen and Lums Pond State Park, and the Balloons Over Sussex fundraiser with Sussex Academy.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 8 members congratulate Ben on his achievement. Unit 8 President Judy Lawson, who worked with Ben and his family, said, “Coming from a strong family with many relatives who served in all of the military branches, it was a pleasure meeting and getting to know Ben, his family, and the history of his great-grandfather’s service.”

The American Legion Auxiliary awards more than $13.5 million each year in various scholarships across the country to young men and women to help them meet their education goals.

To learn more and to volunteer, join and donate, go to ALAforVeterans.org.