Vietnam Veterans Group Funds Five Scholarships for Forsyth Seniors

The Cumming Chapter 1030 of the Vietnam Veterans of America announced on December 7 that it has opened applications for its 11th annual scholarship drive, pledging five awards of $5,000 each to graduating seniors across Forsyth County. The scholarships total $25,000 and are intended to assist students as they pursue postsecondary education or vocational training.

The chapter framed the effort as part of its broader mission to support local youth and foster community engagement. The organization provided eligibility criteria and application details with the launch, and it said deadlines and submission instructions are available through the chapter for interested applicants. The drive also coincides with events the chapter hosts throughout the year that connect veterans with residents and school communities.

Last year the chapter awarded scholarships to five Forsyth students. Recipients included Ella Clem of North Forsyth High School, Madeline Holder of West Forsyth High School, and Andrew Garrard of North Forsyth High School. Also recognized were Sabrina Lafferty of South Forsyth High School and Tristan Cohen of Forsyth Central High School. A photo submitted by the chapter shows three of last year’s recipients together, illustrating the program’s local footprint.

For Forsyth residents the scholarships offer immediate financial relief for families facing rising college costs, and they reflect a longstanding pattern of civic groups filling gaps that public resources do not always cover. Locally administered private awards such as these can shape students’ college choices and workforce pathways by easing early cost constraints and encouraging pursuit of degrees or certifications that meet regional economic needs.

Institutionally the chapter’s decade long commitment underscores the role of veterans organizations as civic actors in county education and community support systems. The scholarships also provide a model for how civic groups can partner informally with schools to expand opportunity without supplanting public responsibility for education funding. Residents and students seeking to apply should contact the Cumming Chapter 1030 of the Vietnam Veterans of America for the chapter’s application packet and deadline information.