Members of the Harvard-Kent Leadership and Scholarship Partnership Club on board USS Constitution.
The Harvard-Kent Leadership and Scholarship Partnership club members were treated to special activities within the past few weeks. The club membership is composed of six students each year who receive a $1,000 scholarship because of their work in the school including good effort, grades, citizenship and leadership in their grade level. The scholarship funds are placed in an account for each winner and will be sent to the college of his/her choice at the beginning of their freshman year at college.
The leaders/scholars for 2010 and 2011 plus some family members were invited to the USS Constitution’s recent underway. The historic cruise included placing a wreath in the ocean to honor Americans who were involved in the Battle of Midway and a salute to the USS Carr, the ship that was coming into port that morning. A fireboat and helicopter and shooting of the cannons on the trip to and from Castle Island made this a spectacular event.
Some of the scholars from previous years attended a baseball game at Fenway Park as guests of the Boston Red Sox. For most of the students this was their first event at Fenway Park and they thoroughly enjoyed the event and the foods. The tickets were donated by the Red Sox and the students were transported to and from the ball park in a donated Charlestown Super Duck. To top off a special evening, the Red Sox won!
The end of the year program included a Pot Luck Dinner for all the 36 scholars and their families. It was held at the Charlestown Boys and Girls Club and included many foods from different parts of the world, games, and various activities. This event gives all the scholars an opportunity to meet each other and have a fun-filled annual afternoon.
The partnership is a non-profit and has given out $36,000 in scholarships since it was formed more than 6 years ago. The scholars are chosen by a committee composed of Principal Richard Martin, many teachers and a representative from the partnership. An assembly is held in May when the scholars are announced and many family members are present as a surprise for the lucky winners.