Jacob Sears

At a recent Frewsburg Central School Awards Night, among the many scholarships and awards given was one that helps graduates who are beginning a future in the military or a military related field.

This year marks the second annual Soldier’s Friend Scholarship, which honors Gov. 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, a free program for Veterans at the Fenton History Center. Barb Cessna, Vets Finding Vets project coordinator, presented this year’s Soldier’s Friend Scholarship for $1,000 to Jacob Sears.

He shared his high school achievements and plans for the future prior to departing for West Point.

“At West Point, I plan on majoring in mechanical engineering and minoring in aeronautical engineering,” Sears said. “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.”

Vets Finding Vets is a program offered by Fenton History Center which was launched on Nov.11, 2014. The program is free to Chautauqua County Veterans and includes military events, coffee and camaraderie at our monthly Fenton Canteen, help with Honor Flight applications, genealogy research and volunteer opportunities.