At a recent Frewsburg Central School Awards Night, among the many scholarships and awards given was one which helps graduates who are beginning a future in the military or a military related field. 2023 marks the second annual Soldier’s Friend Scholarship, which honors Governor Fenton’s own nickname in his early political career. He also had been a member of the New York National Guard when it was still referred to as the local militia, and had family members who were Veterans of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
The scholarship is sponsored by Vets Finding Vets, which, as many of you know, is a free program for Chautauqua County Veterans at the Fenton History Center. As the Vets Finding Vets Project Coordinator, I was very proud to present this year’s Soldier’s Friend Scholarship for $1,000 to Jacob Sears. A few days later I was honored to give Jacob and his parents the Military Tour of the Fenton Mansion. He was kind enough to share his high school achievements and plans for the future prior to departing for West Point.
“My name is Jacob Sears. I am a senior at Frewsburg Central School, and I will be attending the United States Military Academy at West Point. At West Point, I plan on majoring in mechanical engineering and minoring in aeronautical engineering. After graduation from West Point, I plan to pursue a military aviation career. Some sports that I have enjoyed in high school include cross country, basketball, bowling, rowing, and track and field.
I also participate in the school band as a trombone player, for which I’ve attended NYSSMA Conference All-State twice and Area All-State various times, and in the school chorus, for which I’ve attended the NAfME All-Eastern music festival. I am also active in the school’s Mock Trial team, SADD club, and am the president of our National Honor Society chapter.
Outside of school, I am a chief master sergeant in the Jamestown Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol and (license hopefully). I am incredibly excited to be able to take this amazing opportunity at West Point to serve my country! Thank you so much to the folks at Vets Finding Vets for honoring me with the Soldier’s Friend scholarship.”
Well Done, Jacob!
