It has been about 50 years since I was first introduced to the Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund. Being part of a large family, my parents were not in a financial situation where they could help pay for my college costs. I was graduating Boothbay Region High School and although I worked during summers, and got some loan money, I needed additional funds to attend the University of Maine at Orono.

Thank heavens I – and hundreds of other BRHS graduates in the past 60 years – was able to get grant money from BRSAF for college.

As was announced just this past week, https://www.boothbayregister.com/article/60-years-financial-help-boothbay-region-high-school-graduates/252603, “Money allocated for 2024-2025 the school year to 62 applicants total $503,000. The BRSAF is currently holding its fund drive to raise money for the next school year."

That’s a lot of money handed out and raised by the community – all for the benefit of young people looking to extend their education.

Having received grant money, I also felt obligated to join the BRSAF board to help BRHS graduates. Although I wasn’t on the board long in the 1990s, I truly enjoyed working with others to get the word out about BRSAF and to raise money.

We produced newsletters and news releases back then but hadn’t produced a website. The BRSAF now has a website where one can donate money and learn a whole lot more of what the organization does, and has done, over the years.

Go to brsaf.org to learn more about this more-than-worthy organization and donations will be gratefully received. The current and future students will be glad you did.