Photo caption: Worthington Scholars in attendance at the first Send-off Dinner on August 5th
Rockland, ME—On Friday, August 5th, recipients of the Worthington Scholarship gathered at the Samoset Resort for an inaugural Send-off Dinner. First-year students who are preparing to begin college were invited to bring two guests, and were seated at tables with current Worthington Scholars from their college or university. The purpose of the dinner was to celebrate the new Scholars as they embark on their college careers, introduce students and families to the Worthington Scholars program, and provide an opportunity for older students to offer words of advice to first year students. As Rebecca Boggs, a first year student headed to USM said, ” The dinner was an incredible experience, especially because we got to meet new people that also received the Worthington Scholarship!
Guests from Camden Hills and Oceanside High Schools were present, as well as from University College Rockland, New Ventures Maine and Maine Community Foundation. David and Beverly Worthington hosted the event, and spoke to the assembled crowd about their own educational and professional journeys and their belief that all Worthington Scholars can achieve great success with hard work and perseverance. Cherie Galyean, Director of Educational Initiatives for Maine Community Foundation (MCF), gave students and parents essential information about MCF’s role in the administration of the scholarship. Caitlin Clark, Worthington Scholars Mentor, spoke to students about the importance of treating their studies like a full-time job, and building both a professional and personal network. The Worthington Scholarship began with Oceanside’s class of 2010 and the mentoring program is in its second year. The mentoring program seeks to help students with the adjustment to college life and academics, connect students and families to each other, and cultivate a focus on career exploration, professional skill acquisition and professional development.
The Worthington Scholarship is available to seniors at both Oceanside and Camden Hills High Schools. In order to be eligible to apply for 4 years of scholarship support, students must have an 85 average or above and be enrolling at any of the University of Maine System universities, any Maine Community College, Husson University, Maine Maritime Academy, and starting with the class of 2017, Thomas College. A second option is available for students with a C average (76-84): they are eligible for two years of scholarship support and may enroll at any of the Maine Community Colleges, or matriculate into a 2 year program at University College Rockland. The scholarship amount has increased over the years and is now $4,000 per year for all recipients.