Preston High School American Legion Scholarship Fund

The Preston High School American Legion Post 56 Scholarship Fund provides annual support for students with military affiliations or JROTC experience who are continuing their education beyond high school.

TYPE OF FUND: Scholarship

DATE ESTABLISHED: 3 September 2013

PURPOSE: To provide an annual scholarship for a graduating senior at Preston High School who has completed 2 years of training in the PHS Junior ROTC Program, or has a parent who is on active duty, a reservist, or guard member of the US Army, US Navy, US Marines, US Air Force or US Coast Guard.

DISTRIBUTION: To be awarded to students upon the recommendation of the Scholarship Committee and the approval of the TCF Board of Directors. Scholarships will be awarded to PHS seniors for continuing education at universities, colleges, junior colleges, or vocational/technical schools.

VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund.

FUNDING: The initial $50,000.00 to establish this scholarship fund came from the members of The American Legion, George D. Jackson Post 56, Kingwood, West Virginia.

BACKGROUND: The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome programs in communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and maintaining devotion to fellow service members and veterans.

Providing scholarships for students at Preston High School (PHS) in Kingwood, WV has been an ongoing project for George Jackson Post 56 of the American Legion since the mid-1990s. Post 56 also supports American Legion Baseball in Preston County as well as PHS JROTC extracurricular activities including an award-winning rifle team, color guard, and orienteering team. Legion programs at both national and local levels emphasize educating young people on the importance of education, sportsmanship, and fitness.