SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Dollars for Scholars held their annual scholarship awards on Monday night at the Southwick Town Hall.
A volunteer organization, Southwick Dollar for Scholars gave out 50 scholarships on Monday evening that totaled nearly $30,000. The program has been around for decades with the first recipient receiving $100 in 1955.
“I don’t think college is getting any cheaper, student loans are a big issue,” said Jim Putnam, who is a member of Dollars for Scholars, as he addressed the crowd.
The scholarships awarded to seniors of Southwick Regional School were specific to certain areas. The types of scholarships included education, medical and science, music and arts, sports, community or military service, general, business, and agricultural and environmental.
Several students at Southwick Regional School were awarded scholarships through Dollars for Scholars. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Putnam has been a part of the organization for more than 20 years and has seen it evolve over time.
“It’s kind of an evergreen type of thing with the community,” said Putnam.
The majority of the scholarships received from students were in memory or honor of people who either lived, worked, or made an impact in Southwick.
Prior to announcing the scholarships, Putnam informed the audience that Southwick Dollars for Scholars is struggling to increase volunteers. Currently, there are seven members and a couple intend to retire in the near future.
“Unless we get some new members of the community, we’re out of business,” said Putnam. “This effort would go by the wayside.”
Putnam added that the organization would like to add eight to 10 more volunteers and they’ll be much more active in the coming weeks with advertising that need.
