Foundation aims to raise scholarship awareness

Scholarships can be a little intimidating.

They bring to mind straight A report cards, high grade point averages, SAT testing and advanced placement classes.

"But really a lot of scholarships aren't that strenuous, or they shouldn't be," William Benson, assistant principal at Albemarle High School, said. "They should be an opportunity to encourage education, not intimidate with it... I would hope no student gets scared away."

However, time and time again, students at AHS back down from pursuing a scholarship because they think the process is too difficult or because they doubt it will do any good, he noted.

"That's what I want to change," Benson said. "I want people here to realize scholarships are important and, more importantly, they're achievable."

So to help local students see that process at work, the Benson Scholarship Foundation will host its second annual Distinguished Speakers event on Sunday.

At the event, three different groups will distribute scholarships — his foundation, representatives from Spirit and Truth United Church of Worship and community member Agnes Maske.

They will also talk about their application processes so students can picture what that's like.

"Usually it's simple, about the same amount of work as a class assignment," Benson said.

For example, last year his foundation had students write a short essay for their application. This year they had brief interviews.

"The idea is to show them anyone can do this," Benson said. "And to build up a community that challenges them towards that."

This year's event will also include food, a live band and a presentation by Maske, a community activist and retired educator.

"She is very well respected for her strength," Benson said. "People know her and love her... we've already had amazing feedback about having her talk."

Sunday's event will start at 6 p.m. at the E.E. Waddell Community Center in Albemarle. Admission is $5 for students, $10 for adults.

For more information, contact William Benson at (980) 259-2507 or will.d.benson@gmail.com.

Contact Shannon Beamon at (704) 982-2121 ext. 24, or shannon@stanlynewspress.com.

Source: Foundation aims to raise scholarship awareness