By Elizabeth Wulfhorst
MIDDLETOWN–Sydney Closs hasn’t decided where she will attend college next fall, but thanks to the Samsung American Legion Scholarship, she has $20,000 to help pay for it.
Closs, a senior at Middletown High School North (MHSN), was one of only ten students nationwide who received the scholarship, available to direct descendants of wartime veterans eligible for American Legion membership. Closs’ maternal grandfather, Daniel Malone, served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.
In 1995, Samsung gave the American Legion a $5 million endowment for the establishment of a scholarship fund for family members of U.S. citizens who are war veterans. According to the American Legion, “the gesture was inspired by the support of the U.S. troops that came to the aid of South Korea while defending themselves against opposing Chinese and North Korean forces.”
“Words cannot express my gratitude to Samsung and the American Legion,” said Closs. “When I received the call last week I was so excited I could hardly speak. This scholarship acknowledges my hard work and my grandfather’s service to our country and I know he would be very proud if he were still alive.”
In order to even be considered for the scholarship, Closs first had to be nominated by teachers and administrators at MHSN to attend the American Legion’s Auxiliary Girls State program.
According to the American Legion website, each state holds a “nonpartisan program that teaches young women responsible citizenship.” During this “intensive week of study,” girls work together to learn about their state government. Candidates to the program are selected based on academic achievement, leadership, patriotism, community involvement, extracurricular activities. A similar program is held each year for boys.
During each state program, one student is nominated to apply for the scholarship. Nominees must then complete an application similar to a college application, providing transcripts, a résumé and answering essay questions. Closs’ essay topics were about the most significant challenges in her life, and her long term goals for school and career. According to the American Legion, each applicant is selected based on his or her application and their involvement in school and community activities, academic record and financial need.
Of the 100 applicants, ten receive $20,000 each, while all others receive a smaller monetary award, this year $750. She was one of two New Jerseyans to win the scholarship; the other is a resident of West Deptford. The other eight recipients come from other parts of the country.
Closs is currently at the top of her class academically and has been a competitive swimmer since the 4th grade. She swims on the MHSN team and for the Red Bank YMCA Aqua Rockets and volunteers as a swim coach Special Olympics. Closs is interested in studying math and astrophysics in college.
