Community Organizations Announce Scholarships

Four non-profit community organizations have announced the availability of scholarships for Chester students. The scholarships, requirements, and deadlines are explained below.

Chester Hose Company Auxiliary Scholarship

The Chester Hose Company Auxiliary offers a scholarship to a well deserving child of a Chester Hose Company firefighter or auxiliary member who has been active for at least four years. The firefighter or auxiliary member must be active now, or have been active within the last four years, or be an honorary member of the Chester Hose Company or auxiliary. This scholarship is also open to any child or grandchild of a deceased firefighter or auxiliary member who had four years of active service at the time of his or her death. For a complete list of requirements and a copy of the application, stop by Chester Town Hall and see the town clerk, speak with a Chester Hose Company Auxiliary member, or stop into the Valley Regional High School guidance office. Submit applications by April 30.

A letter of application should be accompanied by the following information: school of intent and verification of acceptance, letter of reference from current education system, extra-curricular school activities, and community involvement. A decision will be made by May 15. All applications are to be sent directly to: Chester Hose Company Auxiliary, Attention: Debra Germini Calamari, 203 Middlesex Ave., Chester, CT 06412.

Chester Garden Club Scholarship

The Chester Garden Club offers a scholarship of $500 for graduating high school students and current college students who are residents of Chester and are pursuing the study of horticulture and/or environmental-related fields. Interested students are encouraged to apply. The purpose of this scholarship program is to encourage and promote the study of horticulture and/or environmental-related fields. The club will award a scholarship in the amount of $500 to a graduating high school senior or currently enrolled college student from Chester who plans to pursue a degree at an accredited two- or four-year institution with the intent on majoring in horticulture, floriculture, landscape design, conservation, forestry, agronomy, environmental science, botany, biology, plant pathology, or other related field.

Contact Chester Garden Club member Margo Novak with any questions or if additional information is needed about this scholarship. Contact information is 860-345-2409 or margonov@comcast.net. Students may send completed applications to the Chester Garden Club, Attn: Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 415, Chester, CT 06412. Applications are due by April 30. Scholarship recipients will be notified by
May 31.

Diana Gryzbowski Scholarship

The Chester Ambulance Association is offering a $1,000 scholarship in the memory of deceased association founding member Diana Grzybowski. The scholarship is offered to any graduating student from Chester, Chester Hose Company member or child thereof, or any Chester resident entering an accredited school or continuing education program that prepares the person for professional practice in a health-related field. Some career pursuits to be considered would include nursing, therapy, paramedic, social work, and health administration.

By signing the scholarship application, the recipient agrees to return funds in the event he or she no longer plans on entering an accredited school or continuing education program that prepares the person for professional practice in a health related field. Applications for the scholarship are due to Chester Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 209, Chester, CT 06412 no later than May 1. Email any questions to caa07@att.net.

Visiting Nurses Murtha Scholarship

The Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley Murtha Scholarship is being offered to residents of Essex, Deep River, and Chester who intend to pursue a career in health care, with preference given to those entering the nursing profession.

The Murtha family has provided the visiting nurses organization with the resources to offer these scholarships, which have provided tuition assistance to more than 20 local youth and non-traditional students. Due to a shortage of nurses throughout the country, preference will be given to those applicants who intend to enter a nursing education program. Applications may be obtained by calling the Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley at 860-767-0186 or by emailing smaxwell@visitingnurses.org. All applications must be received by April 26.