PUMC offers two scholarships for Clinton County residents

Robin Caudell, The Press-Republican, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
·2 min read

Feb. 23—PLATTSBURGH — The Plattsburgh United Methodist Church (PUMC) offers two scholarship opportunities for Clinton County residents pursuing higher education or vocational training at accredited institutions.

The Warren and Daniel Hamilton Scholarship is a one-time award to a student entering an accredited post-high school program. This scholarship is open to residents of Clinton County, who are completing high school this year, students currently enrolled or are enrolling in a 2- or 4-year undergraduate program or graduate program, or adults who have decided to enter vocational training.

This award of $2,500 is based on financial need of a qualified student.

The Ball Memorial Scholarship is offered annually to a high school graduate. Priority is given to those affiliated with Plattsburgh United Methodist Church and/or Scouts of America. More than one candidate may be awarded a scholarship in a given year. If there are no applicants with PUMC or Scout affiliation, others may be considered for the award.

"The Ball Scholarship is given to a graduating senior, who is connected to the church or the Scouting program here at the church," the Rev. Phil Richards, pastor of PUMC, said.

"It is given to any graduating high school senior going into higher education. The Hamilton Scholarship was established only a few years ago. The Hamilton estate wanted a scholarship set up through the church to provide scholarships for students in the Clinton County area to receive scholarships for higher education. That's how it was set up. We oversee that, and we have a Scholarship Committee."

The Ball Memorial Scholarship was established in the memory of the Rev. Fred and Anna Ball.

"He was the pastor of the church in the mid-20th century for over 30 years, which is a very long term for a Methodist pastor," Bonnie Black, chair of the PUMC trustees, said.

"And in memory of him, the family established this scholarship. He does have some living relatives who have been invited from time to time when they can make it to actually present the award themselves.

"The Ball Scholarship, we've been giving to members of our congregation who are seniors in high school for many decades. The recipients of the scholarship are all honored on plaques inside of our church."

Warren Hamilton was a church member and a local educator.

"I know he taught at PHS," Black said.

"I'm not sure where else he taught. He was also a member downstate, and he left money to both congregations for a scholarship. Their family decided it would be the Warren and Daniel Hamilton Scholarship. That was established during the pandemic actually."

The application is downloadable: https://www.plattsburghumc.org/

Complete the application and submit all of the materials to:

scholarships@plattsburghumc.org

Deadline for complete submissions: Wednesday, May 8.

Email: rcaudell@pressrepublican.com

Twitter@RobinCaudell