The Southborough Scholarship Advisory Committee asked me to share an announcement. Members are looking for new volunteers to join them. The need is described as “urgent and immediate”.
It sounds like one aspect of duties may be helping deal with financial challenges for the Town fund. The announcement explains that funding “is at a very low level”, while the need is greater than ever.
On that note, the announcement also encourages donations.
Here’s information on how you can help:
Scholarship Committee Members Wanted:
Have you been looking for a way to give back as a volunteer to the town of Southborough? Do you have a passion for education and doing what you can to help alleviate the financial burden for prospective college students? Then look no further. The Town of Southborough Scholarship Advisory Committee has an urgent and immediate need for new members. If you have an interest in joining the committee please go to southboroughtown.com home page, click on “Citizen Action Center/Volunteer Positions” and complete the volunteer application [click here]. In addition, please feel free to reach out to any of the current Southborough Scholarship Advisory Committee members (listed on the town website [here]).
Background:
The Southborough Scholarship Advisory Committee was founded to provide scholarships to town residents to defray the ever increasing cost of a college education. Since 1988 the committee has had the privilege of meeting many extraordinary students who have demonstrated academic excellence and have given back to their town and school communities. Evaluations also include financial considerations, recommendations and submission of an essay and an interview appraisal. As a result of generous donations the committee has awarded scholarships to 179 deserving students totaling over $159,000. Funding for the Town scholarships are received primarily by optional donations made by residents as they pay their quarterly property tax bills. In addition, the committee oversees the distribution of privately funded scholarships currently offered by the Carroll Harris Memorial fund and the Capital Group.
While the need for these scholarships has never been greater, the town fund is at a very low level.
If you would like to make a donation to the fund please send a check to the Town of Southborough, Attn: Town Scholarship Fund, 17 Common Street, Southborough MA 01772.
The committee’s call for help prompted me to check in on what other committees still need help.
Currently, Scholarship is tied for the most general vacancies – three. The Historical Commission also has three vacant seats.
The Community Preservation Committee has three vacancies, but two are designated form members of other committees. One of those is for a Open Space Preservation Commission member and that commission also has a vacancy.
Several other active committees have one vacancy. One of those is the fairly powerful Zoning Board of Appeals. (The Board of Selectmen and ZBA recently appointed Doris Cahill as an alternate. But it appears there is another vacancy.) The Library Board of Trustees still has a vacancy
You can check out the full list here. (Note: Other committees I didn’t mention that list 2-5 vacancies for “seat” or citizen-at-large are either inactive or currently not taking more members. For more information on each board, click here.)
