Veterans Commission Launches Scholarship Fund

Two local students will receive money to help alleviate college tuition and expenses, thanks to a new scholarship program from the .

“This is the first time we’re doing anything like this,” said commission member Christopher Benigno, who also serves as commander of American Legion Post 52 in Romeoville. One scholarship will be awarded to a child of a local veteran, and another will go to a local Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) member.

On Sunday, will to endow the scholarship fund, which will provide up to $500 to each recipient. From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., for each customer who presents a veterans scholarship flier, the restaurant will donate 20 percent of their total bill to the fund.

A second fundraiser is also in the works. Romeoville Supervisor or Recreation Colleen O’Connell-Palmer said a pancake breakfast is slated for Saturday, March 24, at the Romeoville Recreation Center, 900 W. Romeo Rd. Details are still being finalized for the breakfast benefit, she said.

Students invited to apply

To qualify for the Child of a Veteran Scholarship, applicants must be high school seniors and have a parent or guardian who is an honorably discharged veteran or current serviceman or woman.

ROTC Scholarship applicants must be high school seniors who are currently enrolled in their school’s ROTC program.

The veterans commission will select the recipients, who will have one year from their date of graduation to use their scholarship funds. Scholarship money can be used only to defray costs of the student’s education at a college, university or trade school. Acceptable uses include tuition, room and board, books and supplies, fees and equipment.

Scholarship application forms are being sent to local schools this week, Benigno said. The deadline to apply is March 30.