Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia Inc. (YCF) announced a significant, additional donation from Bikers, Bros & Bo Inc. to the PFC Andrew Martin “Bo” Harper Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Total contributions to the scholarship fund have reached $100,000.
Established with YCF in 2011, the PFC Andrew Martin “Bo” Harper Memorial Scholarship Fund commemorates the life of Harper, who died March 11, 2011, at age 19, while serving in Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.
Harper, a 2009 graduate of University High School, enlisted in the U.S. Army. He achieved the rank of PFC/E3 and was assigned to Co I, 3d Squadron, 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment in Vilseck, Germany.
The scholarship fund supports students who graduate from a Monongalia or Harrison County high school and are enrolled full-time at a public or private higher education institution.
Recipients are selected based on their exemplary commitment and leadership qualities, in their schools and communities, as well as financial need. Applicants are required to submit an essay responding to the question, “What Patriotism Means to Me.”
“Each year, YCF receives a large pool of applicants for Bo’s Scholarship,” said Patty Ryan, YCF president. “Reading essays about patriotism allows the committee members to reflect on the sacrifice Bo, and all veterans and their families, make for our country. We are grateful for the opportunity to renew Bo’s legacy annually with generous educational support made possible by Bikers, Bros and Bo.”
Since its inception, the PFC Andrew Martin “Bo” Harper Memorial Scholarship Fund has provided scholarships to 24 students, totaling $16,000. The recent donation of nearly $50,000 will enhance future scholarship awards.
Bikers, Bros & Bo Inc. is known for its dedication and generosity to the veteran community. In addition to the PFC Andrew Martin “Bo” Harper Memorial Scholarship Fund, the organization supports the Fisher House, Wreaths Across America, Meals on Wheels for veteran accounts and direct assistance to local veterans and their families.
The organization holds its annual PFC Andrew “Bo” Harper Memorial Ride, an event that brings together the community in honor of Harper’s memory, his service and his sacrifice.
“The scholarship selection has become a favorite of the Bikers, Bros & Bo Committee. We look forward to reading the applications and choosing the recipient each year,” said Elizabeth Jones, president of Bikers, Bros & Bo Inc. “This has become so much bigger than any of us imagined, and we could not be more thankful for the generosity of our community that has helped us reach this monumental goal.”
To learn more about Bikers, Bros and Bo, visit bikersbrosandbo.com.
To make a contribution to the PFC Andrew Martin “Bo” Harper Memorial Scholarship Fund, visit ycfwv.org or call 304-296-3433. The scholarship application will be available on YCF’s website in January.
