In January 1966, the Boothbay Register boldly headlined, “Region Scholarship Fund Drive Opens With March-To-The-Homes.”

A week later, 75 region mothers took part a house-to-house solicitation of scholarship funds. Scholarship news resonated throughout the education-conscious region. The Register reported that in the two years following the Scholarship Fund’s founding in 1964, a record number of Boothbay Region High School (BRHS) seniors went on to further their education beyond high school, 69 percent of the class of 1964; 84 percent of the class of 1965.

Fifty years later, “Mother’s Marches” are a thing of the past. However, Annual Fund Drives (one is going on right now), reports of greater numbers of BRHS seniors advancing their education, and good news of ever expanding opportunities for scholarship aid, remain staples of local news. Last year the BRSAF raised nearly $240,000, a record high. For this current 2013-2014 academic year, the BRSAF awarded 60 scholarships (a high for the 21st century), some awards for over $10,000, but averaging $4,100.

Region students determined to further their education beyond high school continue to be the beneficiaries of great local donor generosity. So it is that this week the Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund proudly announces not one, but two new scholarships, one “Named,” the other “Sustaining,” and both donated by one family, Jon and Bev Holt.

As explained in previous columns, Named Scholarships are created when an individual or a family, independently or to honor the memory of a loved one or to recognize an organization, make a gift of $10,000 or more to the BRSAF. Sustained Scholarships exist when a family, individual or organization commit to funding a scholarship at a minimum donation of $1,000 annually. The new Holt Scholarships are aimed preferably at “hardworking students” having financial need, and interested in pursuing a four-year degree in either engineering or sociology. The first Holt scholarships will be awarded this June.

Jon Holt grew up in one of the coldest cities in America, Duluth, Minn., on the shores of Lake Superior. Like the town of Boothbay Harbor, Duluth is a beautiful place with pine trees and a rockbound coast. Yet, from his childhood years, Jon dreamed of the blue Atlantic and salt air. In elementary school he even wrote a paper on Maine and its granite coast.

Visiting Maine in the year 2005, and in search of a summer cottage, Jon and Bev “stumbled” upon a property in East Boothbay. Their East Boothbay cottage has become that perfect, wonderful place where each summer grandfather and grandmother entertain their son and his family and their daughter and her family (one from Minnesota, the other Virginia), and their four grandchildren, who range in age from 3 to age 10. Maine for the Holts, as for so many summer people, has become an enchanting family tradition.

Believing fervently in the vital importance of education, the Holts have been impressed by the mission of the BRSAF to provide scholarships for college and university as well as community college and trade school attendance. They are also cheered by the community’s “Set for Success” program encouraging every child to be ready to start school in the fall. We share their enthusiasm and are thrilled by the Holt’s support for education and for the BRSAF.

Founded in 1964, thus celebrating its 50th year, the BRSAF is currently enjoying its annual fundraising campaign. Last year thanks to your generous support and scholarships 60 Boothbay Region High School graduates were afforded the opportunity to attend a college, university or beauty school. Your support is greatly welcome and appreciated. Please send your contributions to P.O, Box 293, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538. For more information about the BRSAF, please go to www.boothbayharborstudentaidfund.org.