Student leaders are encouraged to apply for the Chet Jordan Leadership Award at the Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF).

A native of Portland, Jordan graduated from South Portland High School in 1945. He then joined the service and following World War II and entered the United States Merchant Marine Academy in King’s Point, New York. He graduated in 1948 with a degree in marine engineering. Jordan returned to Portland and took over the family meat-processing business, Jordan’s Ready-to-Eat Meats. He led the company to become one of the largest independent meat processors and distributors in the country.

Jordan’s family and friends established this scholarship to celebrate the rich legacy of his leadership in business and civic affairs in his beloved state of Maine.

Eligible applicants are graduating seniors at Maine high schools who are pursuing post-secondary study in a two- or four-year certificate or undergraduate degree within the University of Maine System, Maine Community College System, Maine Maritime Academy and all vocational/ technical schools in the state. Recipients will demonstrate leadership, independent thinking, initiative, hard work, and the ability to rally others to causes in their communities.

The application deadline is April 15. To apply, visit www.mainecf.org, or contact Scholarship Coordinator Jackie Shannon at jshannon@mainecf.org for more information.

Headquartered in Ellsworth, with additional personnel in Portland, Dover-Foxcroft, Mars Hill, Rockland and Rockport, the Maine Community Foundation works with donors and other partners to provide strong investments, personalized service, local expertise, and strategic giving to improve the quality of life for all Maine people. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.mainecf.org.