Kraft Family Turns $2,500 Scholarship Into 5 For $5,000

FOXBOROUGH, MA — All it took was one impressive student to turn a $2,500 scholarship from the Kraft family into five at $5,000 each.

Thanks to Angie VandenBoom, the Kraft’s local philanthropic effort known as Partners in Patriotism will be issuing the scholarships to five graduating Foxborough high school seniors. Jeremie Smith, the Kraft Group’s business development & external affairs manager, said Robert and Jonathan Kraft were so impressed with VandenBoom’s application that it led to the family giving the now-UMass Boston student a scholarship that covered tuition and fees for four years and a conversation about giving more in the form of scholarships.

“The Kraft Family looks to invest in the future and that's students and they really wanted to under the Partners in Patriotism outreach initiative,” Smith told Foxborough Patch.

Applicants must plan on attending an institute of higher education, demonstrate a dedication to community service, embody the “Patriot Way,” and submit an essay on one of the following five topics:

• What does the “Patriot Way” mean to you?
• In your opinion, what is the best way for you to give back to your community and why?
• How do you plan to make a difference in your community with the education and experience you hope to gain from your postsecondary school?
• Provide at least two examples of how you have exhibited the qualities of hard work, integrity, teamwork, and selflessness during your high school career?
• Describe how you persevered through an adverse or difficult situation during your high school career and the lessons you learned during your journey.

An internal team will screen the applications before the Krafts make the final decision. Smith said they will be looking for students who share the work ethic and values of the five-time Super Bowl champions, but what the Patriot Way means is up to the students.

“You got players who are selfless, versatile, hard working. I think those are the (Patriot Way's) core values but everyone defines it in their own ways. We want to hear how students envision it and how they see it. We don't expect every answer to be the same,” Smith said.

The application can be downloaded here.

All applications must be sent to FoxboroResidents@gillettestadium.com by April 30.

Image: Foxborough High School