For the first time, Ira Weaver American Legion Post 121 handed out scholarships worth $25,000 each to two talented Class of 2025 graduates who have bright futures ahead of them.
The pair – Kendyl McBride of Union County High and Mia Roberts of Woody Gap School – were introduced to the rest of the veteran service organization at the post’s monthly meeting on June 17 to offer some insight into their plans and be congratulated for their hard work.
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It all started when an anonymous donor gave the organization $50,000 with the instruction to “give it to people in need” and “do good things.” With that in mind, Post 121 created the Ray Leonard Memorial Scholarship.
Ray Leonard, a veteran himself, was the mentor of the anonymous donor, and the donor wished to honor the legacy of the man who meant much to him in life.
Seven applicants were interviewed before a panel of local Legion members, and two rose above the rest. McBride and Roberts were each chosen as recipients, and $25,000 will be transferred directly from the Legion to the postsecondary schools they plan to attend.
McBride is no stranger to local veterans, seeing as she is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She plans to join the Air Force as a fighter pilot and will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida to pursue a degree in aeronautical science.
For Roberts, her goal is to major in psychology at the University of North Georgia. She hopes to become a therapist specializing in helping teens but ultimately believes in seeing “where the Lord takes me.”
“Tonight was all about children and youth, and so, the scholarships fit under that,” explained Post 121 Senior Vice Cmdr. Kathy Merritt. “Why are children and youth so important to the American Legion? Because you’ve got to grow good citizens to keep our country strong and progressing.”
In fact, June 17’s meeting highlighted the accomplishments of several local youth and unofficially served as a sort of “children’s night.” Merritt attributed this to one of the American Legion’s pillars, Children and Youth.
Although the establishment of that pillar had much to do with helping the orphans of war initially, according to www.legion.org, Merritt’s sentiment rings true as well, and Post 121 members are dedicated to raising up the young men and women of their community.
“It touched me that they’ve got the vision, and they know where they’re going to go, and they’re going to do great things for our country,” said Post Cmdr. Mike Merritt in closing.
The Merritts recognize that the amount given to Roberts and McBride is more than many other scholarships offer, and they had many thanks to give to the donor who made it possible.
Speaking of the donor, the individual has committed to sending another $50,000 next year to make two more $25,000 scholarships possible, and potentially more in future years.
“Once the funds from the donor dry up, we won’t be able to offer scholarships in this amount,” Kathy Merritt clarified.
