Students earn scholarships to attend leadership program

THORNBURY » Thornbury Township supervisors have approved two scholarships for students who are residents of the township to attend the Freedom Foundation’s “Spirit of America Youth Leadership Program” to be held April 12 to April 15, 2018.

The Spirit of America Youth Leadership Program is a four-day residential program for high school students interested in cultivating a better understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship through thought-provoking, engaging activities. The Township Historical Commission recommended that the board pursue this endeavor. Supervisors partnered with the West Chester Area School District to establish criteria for selection and ultimately determine the winners of the two scholarships.

“Thornbury is a municipality that values cultivating the interest of our youth in their community and local government,” said Jim Raith, supervisors’ chairman.

Dr. James Scanlon, Superintendent of the West Chester Area School District, confirmed the township’s support.

“Thornbury Township has been an excellent partner with the school district, providing educational opportunities for our young people,” he said. “The Freedoms Foundation scholarship is another one of those experiences.”

Said Raith: “Thornbury is currently in the sixth year of our Junior Supervisor program and will be hosting our 11th annual Local Government Day this spring. Each of these activities is a commitment ensuring that we do our very best to engage our young residents. We believe that the Freedoms Foundation mission is closely aligned with our goals of engaging young people in better governance.”

Freedom Foundation is a nonprofit organization located in Valley Forge. Its mission is to educate about American rights and responsibilities, honor acts of civic virtue and challenge all to reject apathy and get involved.