A local college student is the first person to receive a new scholarship from a Cambria County based Veterans Organization.
Elizabeth Bruner of Blairsville was awarded the very first Tom Caulfield Veterans Remembered Scholarship Today in Johnstown.
That’s Penn State student Elizabeth Bruner becoming the first person to receive a new scholarship through Veteran Community Initiatives and the Community Foundation For The Alleghenies.
Officials say Bruner beat out dozens of other applicants to win the award.
“Its truly an honor to be the recipient of this award, the scholarship is really going to help me out for school.”
Officials with VCI and the Community Foundation For The Alleghenies say the new Thomas Caulfield Veterans Remembered Scholarship looks to highlight students that are related to veterans and committed to making a positive
impact on their communities.
“We believe that the scholarship is one of the many benefits of Veteran Community Initiatives to provide help to Veterans and their families in our area.”
“I would suspect in future years, we’re going to have hundreds of applications for this scholarship.”
Bruner says both of her Grandfathers are Vietnam War Veterans. She says their service is what inspired her to be an active member of her community.
“For me to be able to continue their legacy and their passion for community in my life, it really means a lot and to talk to people who are with the veteran community initiative and see how much they have a passion for
community, it inspires me as well.”
Officials say they’re happy with the decision to award Bruner. She says she hopes the scholarship inspires future college students.
“I highly encourage everyone to just get out there and get involved in their community, because you can always make a difference. Even if it feels like its just one person, it means a lot to them. And you’ll feel inspired by it
and want to work more.”
You can learn more about applying for the scholarship through the Community Foundation For The Alleghenies Website.