Worms are known for being industrious so what better way to celebrate Wiscasset Wormfest this year than by awarding scholarships to Wiscasset Middle High School graduating seniors with the most volunteer hours?

Event committee members and scholarship coordinators Lucy Oyster and Tracey Whitney announced that three scholarships of $2,500 will be created this year. "The Wiscasset Wormfest Scholarship is designed to recognize students who have made it a priority to give back to the community through volunteerism," they wrote in an email to Wiscasset Newspaper.

To apply for a scholarship, a student must be graduating from Wiscasset Middle High School for the current (2024/2025) school year. Applications need to include a personal statement (250 words) explaining either why it is important to invest in your community or what your involvement in our community has meant to you. Applications also need to have, "Proof of volunteer hours and a sealed letter of authenticity from WMHS guidance along with a sealed letter of recommendation from a teacher," the committee explained.

Completed applications can be brought to the school guidance office or left on Lucy Oyster's desk at Wiscasset Community Center by Friday, May 9.

Those receiving the scholarships will be announced at Wiscasset Wormfest on Saturday, May 31. Awards will be presented at Senior Awards night.

Unlike other scholarships awarded to those graduating from high school, Wiscasset Wormfest scholarships are not just for college. "They can be used by those joining the workforce, if someone needed a down payment for a car," Oyster explained in a phone interview. "Or someone might need to buy tools. It's a 'thank you' from all of us in the community for making our world better," she said. 

Funding for the scholarships comes from generous community members. The event website, wiscassetwormfest.com, has information on how to donate. As a program of Wiscasset Creative Alliance, a 501c3 non-profit organization, donations are tax-deductible.

This year will be the second annual Wiscasset Wormfest and Oyster said the committee has been working since last August planning the event. Last year the event, created in recognition of Wiscasset's being "The worm capital of the world" drew more than 1,000 people.

 "We are so excited to be bringing a bigger Wiscasset Wormfest this year, and that includes more vendors, games, music, a larger museum, Chewonki touch tanks and so much more. Most activities being free again this year for individuals and families," Oyster said. Music and dancing are also being planned.

More information will continue to be added to the event website www.wiscassetwormfest.com as the date nears.

Members of Wiscasset Wormfest's all-volunteer board are Sarah Whitfield, Tracey Whitney, Lucy Oyster, Julee Ketelhut, Michelle Wentworth and Aaron Chrostowsky.

As Oyster explained, "We are all volunteers on our board and we feel there's a difference in our community when people come together to make it better. People can see the value in investing in the community and that's important.'