CMP Awards $160,000 in Scholarships for the 2014-2015 Term with Record Number of Applicants

By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer/Editor

CAMP PERRY, OH – In mid-April, Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) board members and staff sifted through a slew of CMP scholarship applications to determine which young scholar marksmen would receive CMP support for the coming academic year. After careful and considerate review, the CMP awarded monetary donations to over half of its scholarship applicants.

A total of 233 applications were received by CMP Headquarters for the 2014-2015 term – the most in the scholarship’s history. With 194 accepted and 160 awarded, the CMP granted a total of $160,000 from its scholarship fund.

The $1,000 CMP Scholarships are available to graduating high school JROTC, 4-H and other junior shooting club members. Scholarship applications are only accepted if the applicant: is a U.S. citizen, shows good moral character, is a contributing member to society and is a scholar marksman, among other attributes.

A record number of 233 scholarship applications were sent to CMP Headquarters for review. Over half of the applications were awarded.

“It’s really exciting that we had as many applications as we did,” said Dana Lynd, CMP North assistant general manager. “I think the word about it is getting spread more widely. Schools are doing a great job at promoting the scholarship to their students.

“It’s been exciting to watch it grow the last few years,” she added.

Besides submitting fully completed applications, which are essential in the process, the CMP also looks for juniors who are not only successful marksmen, but also overall outstanding citizens.

“This year’s applicants were very well rounded,” said Kathy Williams, CMP program and competition support. “They’re very active in their schools and churches and are working as well. A lot of them are also very creative in the arts.”

CMP Board members (left to right) Joseph Inge and Dr. Carolyn Hines personally reviewed applications in the CMP conference room. Both were impressed with the caliber of this year’s applicants.

The record-breaking number of applicants for this year’s scholarships shows the growing interest in marksmanship and higher education. It’s also added proof of the importance of CMP to stay focused on youth programs and furthering the education of the successful young adults involved within them.

“With the expense of school being what it is, the scholarships are an opportunity for additional education,” said Dr. Carolyn Hines, of the CMP Board of Directors. “It’s also consistent with our values of marksmanship and citizenship.”

Dana Lynd (left) and Kathy Williams (top left) also assisted in reviewing. Boxes upon boxes of applications were filtered through carefully to determine who would receive the $1,000 scholarships.

All junior marksmen are encouraged to stay focused on their academic careers as well as in becoming involved with their communities and other positive extra curricular activities. The CMP is proud to provide support to junior marksmen in their continuing education and helping to shape their fulfilling futures.

To review the list of winners, click on the CMP Scholarship Honor Roll at http://www.odcmp.com/Competitions/Scholarships.htm.