HRCU accepting nominations for 2025 scholarship
ROCHESTER — Holy Rosary Credit Union announced its 2025 annual scholarships application is now open. This year, HRCU will offer 15 $1,000 scholarships to local students. It will also offer $1,000 awards to students of employees. Recipients will be honored at an event at HRCU’s headquarters in June.
To be eligible, applicants must be accepted or currently enrolled in an accredited college or university, vocational, technical, or trade school as a full- or part-time student. Applicants must also be an HRCU member. In 2024, the program evolved to offer a second set of awards to children of HRCU employees who are graduating high school with plans to pursue a post-secondary education. Recipients are selected based on academics along with school and community involvement.
The deadline to apply is Tuesday, April 15. Additional information, including the application link, can be found at hrcu.org/youth/annual-scholarship-program.
Unitil offers five $5,000 scholarships: How to apply
HAMPTON — Unitil, a provider of natural gas and electricity in New England, is now accepting applications from graduating high school seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree in STEM subject areas — science, technology, engineering, and math. Applications must be received on or before April 30.Five $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to students within Unitil’s service territories in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. Students who live and attend high school in one of Unitil’s service territories, who will also be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a STEM subject area, are encouraged to apply.To learn more and to apply, visit unitil.com.
Joshua Gronblom receives NBOA Professional Achievement Award
DOVER — Joshua Gronblom, facilities manager at Portsmouth Christian Academy, was the recipient of the 2024 Professional Achievement in Business and Operations Award from NBOA: Business Leadership for Independent Schools.
The award honors business and operations staff at independent schools who have made significant and lasting contributions to their school’s operations or financial health.
Josh’s joy and energy set him apart as an exceptional leader and colleague. From early morning inspections to responding to emergencies, his unwavering commitment, resource stewardship, and servant-hearted spirit make him a cherished member of the PCA community, according to school leaders. “We are incredibly grateful for Josh’s contributions and celebrate his selection for the NBOA Professional Achievement Award, a prestigious recognition.” said Mike Runey, head of school.
“I am very happy and honored to accept this award. I could not have achieved this alone, and I am very thankful for the help and support of my staff. This is my 15th year at Portsmouth Christian Academy, and I am very blessed to be a part of this wonderful school community. I look forward to many more years to come,” said Gronblom.
He was one of only 10 independent school business office staff members across the world to receive the 2024 award
Casino night celebrates 15 years of education grants
ELIOT, Maine — The Marshwood Education Foundation invites the public to join them for a special Casino Night fundraiser on Saturday, March 1. The foundation, which provides grants to educators, administrators, and community members in the Marshwood school district for projects which normally would not be funded through the school budget, is celebrating 15 years of grant making.
Guests are invited to play games and win prizes, while raising money and supporting a great cause. Guests purchase tickets to attend the event and play various casino games using casino chips. At the end of the night, guests exchange their winnings for raffle tickets to win prizes. Prizes so far include Red Sox tickets, braces from Atlantic Orthodontic Associates, a two-night stay with dinner for two at York Harbor Inn, a spa gift basket from Skin Health Medi Spa, and various food and beverage baskets.
Casino Night takes place at the Regatta Banquet and Conference Center in Eliot, Maine, from 6-10:30 p.m. Tickets cost $30 per person and come with $50 in starter chips. More chips can be purchased by donation throughout the night. Guests that purchase their tickets by Feb. 20 will get a bonus $25 in chips to play with when they check in. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. More information can be found at marshwood-education-foundation.org.
Contest challenges young writers to pen a two-sentence ‘Love’ story
For a third consecutive year, the Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF) is challenging young writers in Vermont and New Hampshire to tell an original story using only two sentences. The theme of this year’s contest is “Love,” and entrants are encouraged to write about anything that evokes that sentiment for them.
CLiF’s Two-Sentence Story Contest is free to enter and open to all Vermont and New Hampshire children ages 12 and under. The winning submission in each of four age groups will be awarded a five-book mini-library curated to the recipient’s reading level and interests.
For full contest guidelines, as well as free supplementary materials for educators and caregivers, visit clifonline.org/clifs-2025-two-sentence-story-contest. Entries must be received by email or postmarked by March 14. Submissions may be sent to communications@clifonline.org.