On August 10, recipients of the Worthington Scholarship gathered at the Samoset Resort for the third annual Send-off Dinner.  Beverly and David Worthington, founders of the scholarship foundation, hosted the event.

First-year students who are preparing to begin college were invited to bring two guests, and were seated at tables with other Worthington Scholars from their college or university along with other college professionals and WSF Board members.

The purpose of the event was to celebrate the new scholars as they embark on their college careers, introduce students and families to the Worthington Scholars program, and give students advice on navigating the upcoming transition.

Worthington Scholars Matthew Ackley and Emily Protheroe, both upperclassmen at the University of Maine, addressed the crowd of 170 scholars and guests.

Matt advised: “Do not think of college as a stagnant point in life. Don’t wait until you graduate to start trying to find connections and opportunities in the community. Do whatever you can while you’re in college, whether you’re living there or not. If you can take advantage of this time to advance your interests as well as your academics, you’ll come out well ahead of many of your peers. Friends are sure to join you along the way.”

Emily described her winding path to her current major of elementary education and said: “Take charge of your own journey. Pay attention to your own interests and strengths, especially as they start to evolve. And never hesitate to change course if you feel like you’re losing steam. Maybe walking away from something you don’t love is the most courageous thing you can do.” 

This year, college success professionals from Thomas College, Maine Maritime Academy and University of Maine Augusta, Rockland Center were on hand to offer advice to students and families.

Cherie Galyean, of the Maine Community Foundation, spoke to the crowd about how the scholarship is administered and members of the Worthington Scholarship Foundation Board of Trustees were on hand to welcome students and their families. 

The Worthington Scholarship Foundation currently supports 178 students from Oceanside, Camden Hills and Medomak Valley high schools.

In addition to the monetary assistance, students receive coaching and support designed to help them persist and graduate from college. For more information about the Worthington Scholarship Foundation, please visit our website:  www.worthingtonscholars.org