The Union Area Chamber of Commerce announces the recipient of the $500 Academic Scholarship is Ashley Holmes. 

Ashley is the daughter of Gary and Lisa Holmes of Waldoboro. She is a sophomore in the nursing program at the University of Maine Orono.

After graduation from the University of Maine, Ashley plans on returning to school to obtain a Master's Degree to become a cardiac nurse practitioner in order to work with children who have similar heart conditions as herself. Academically she strives to maintain the best grades possible, which she has achieved in her first two semesters by making the Dean's list with a 3.92 GPA.

Ashley is a waitress and cashier at Moody's Diner and enjoys volunteering at Pope Memorial Humane Society. When she is not working or volunteering, Ashley is up north camping, four-wheeling, and fishing.
 
The scholarship committee was the outgoing president, Yvonne Pitzi, owner of David Robbins Homestead Bed and Breakfast; along with Tom Pitzi; and John Shepard of Shep's Auto; and Irene Hawes of Seven Tree Farm and Greenhouse. 

Annually, the Union Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a Pie Social and Concert on the Common during the weekend of Founder's Day. The proceeds of this event are used for the Scholarship Fund. 

“Unfortunately, there will be no pie social this summer, but the Chamber plans to continue this tradition in 2021,” said the Chamber, in a news release.

The Chamber accepts scholarship applications starting in January of 2021, with a deadline of March 15. Applications are available on the website at www.unionareachamber.org.
 
“The Union Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to support the unique businesses of Midcoast Maine’s inland region,” they said. For more information, please visit the website.