Members of the Newtown Earth Day Festival Committee — Chair Dan Holmes and member Brad Paynter — met with Newtown Scholarship Association (NSA) Vice President John Morlock on February 22 to deliver a donation of $2,000 toward “green scholarship” funds that will further support a student or students pursuing a degree related to forestry/environmental sciences.

According to Mr Morlock, the donation will further fund the NSA’s Earth Day scholarships. The donation is an annual one. According to NSA’s Treasurer Glenn Nanavaty, NSA currently has three students receiving the Earth Day scholarships.

The 12th Annual Newtown Earth Day celebration is set for Saturday, April 27, 10 am to 4 pm, at Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen Street. More information about Newtown Earth Day is available on its website, newtownearthday.org.

NSA annually provides scholarship awards to graduating high school seniors residing in Newtown who plan to continue their education after graduation. For the 2018-19 school year, NSA awarded approximately $300,000 to students. Unlike other scholarship associations, NSA funds all four years of a student’s education, according to Mr Nanavaty.

Scholarships are awarded to applicants who meet the criteria of the organization. Applications may be downloaded via Naviance online and on NSA's website, newtownscholarship.org. Completed and signed applications must be submitted by April 1.

Hertberg Scholarship Deadline Extended To March 8

The deadline for the Hertberg Family Foundation Scholarship, which is in its second year, has been extended to March 8. The scholarship, which is offered through the NSA, is designed to offer one graduating Newtown High School student more options when selecting a college to attend. The earlier deadline is meant to give students more time to decide between colleges.

The Hertberg Family Foundation Scholarship will offer one student $10,000 for each of the four years of college. Lin Hertberg, one of the founders of the scholarship, explained when announcing the scholarship in 2017 that he hopes the scholarship offers a student the chance to reevaluate college choices.

According to NSA, students applying for the Hertberg Family Scholarship must demonstrate financial need, an exemplary work ethic, integrity, a positive mental attitude, and being highly motivated and goal-oriented.

To apply for the Hertberg Family Foundation Scholarship, the student must complete and submit an application to NSA. The application is available online on the NSA’s website, newtownscholarship.org, and via Naviance online.

The NSA has provided financial assistance to Newtown’s students since 1937. For additional information about NSA or to donate, see its website newtownscholarship.org.