BAR HARBOR, ME — We welcome 20 new Mission Scholars this year! “The scholarship amounts range from $1,500 to $5,000, totaling $67,000 in new scholarships, and $104,000 in renewed scholarships to Hancock and Washington County students,” said Mission Scholarships Director Terri Rodick.
This year’s application season saw many changes as we adjusted the program to adapt to Covid-19 restrictions.
“This year we did all our interviews on Zoom,” Terri explained. Even though there were some issues with internet connectivity, still, she said, “I felt Zoom was a great way to meet the applicants. It allowed our sheltering at home Board of Directors and Scholarship Committee to participate in a meaningful, thoughtful way. The student applicants were already studying online this spring. Their availability and flexibility made scheduling time to meet with them much easier,” Terri said.
Also, because the Class of 2020 missed out on their normal graduation ceremonies, for each Mission Scholarship recipient Terri put together a “Graduation in a Box.” Scholarship grads within driving distance were treated to Terri (standing in their driveways, wearing a mask at a safe distance!) presenting them each with a congratulatory box of surprises and accolades. Boxes were mailed to 2020 grads outside Terri’s driving range.
Congratulations to all! They join a 100+ year Mission scholarship tradition.