Thomas J. Richards
2009-10 Section NE-5B Chief
The Section E17 Thomas J. Richards Memorial OAHA Scholarship was created in memory of 2009-10 Section NE-5B Chief Tom Richards in the hopes of providing monetary support to Arrowmen within the section by awarding a partial or full scholarship to one of the Order of the Arrow’s five High Adventure Programs at any of the 4 High Adventure Bases (Philmont Scout Ranch, Northern Tier, Florida Sea Base, and the Summit Bechtel Reserve).
It is the purpose of the section to help provide for the Arrowmen of E17 in hopes to enhance their Order of the Arrow experience through participation in one of these programs. All programs are the epitome of what the OA represents: the ideals of brotherhood, cheerfulness and service. Thus, Section E17 supports these programs and offers financial assistance to any E17 lodge member.
The Thomas J. Richards Memorial OAHA Scholarship is reserved for those individuals who exhibit interest in the OA and a commitment to service, as well as a future commitment to the Order of the Arrow in their home lodges. It is expected that the recipients continue their service in the OA, as well as bring the enthusiasm gained from these programs back to their home units, councils, chapters and lodges. At the end of their experience, each recipient will be required to provide the section with an account of their experiences that can be posted on section social media for recognition and promotion for the programs and the scholarship.
The requirements to be considered for the Thomas J. Richards Memorial Scholarship are:
- The applicant must be a member in good standing of a lodge in Section E17 (dues-paid)
- Have approval from their Lodge Key 3 (Lodge Advisers and Staff Advisers will be contacted to confirm approval)
- Meet all program requirements and be selected to attend an OA High Adventure program
- Be a program-eligible member (under 21) up until the end of the selected OA High Adventure program.
Questions, approvals, and letters can be sent the E17 Scholarship Committee at scholarships@oae17.org.
The amount awarded to a recipient will be a maximum of $550 to be used for the cost of the program. The E17 Scholarship Selection Committee will select the recipients of the scholarship.