Orphan of veteran receives scholarship

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Education recently awarded a $2,500 check to assist a child of a veteran with his college expenses. 

The award is part of the Orphans of Veterans program that helps war orphans offset the cost of college for items such as books and supplies. This year’s recipient is Evan Milton of Merrimack, a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire studying Health Sciences. 

Evan’s father, James Milton, was an airman in the U.S. Air Force who passed away in 2014 from a service-related illness. 

“This scholarship means so much to me, as it recognizes all that my father was able to do. These funds will also help me live independently at school and help fulfill my needs,” said Evan, a 2022 graduate from Merrimack High School who hopes to eventually apply to medical school.

RSA 193:19 was established in 1943 to give children of soldiers who lost their lives during World War II the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to attend college. The program has been updated numerous times to cover other wars and conflicts through the Gulf War. In 1981, the law was updated to allow orphaned children of veterans to also obtain free tuition to the University System of New Hampshire colleges and universities and the Community College System of New Hampshire.

“It is our pleasure to assist Evan and provide him with a small amount of financial support, knowing that his father gave the ultimate sacrifice. We wish him the best of luck in college and throughout his future career aspirations,” said Frank Edelblut, education commissioner. 

The Orphans of Veterans program is able to issue four, $2,500 grants each year. For more information about the application process and records needed to qualify, contact Jeffrey Newman at the Division of Higher Education at Jeffrey.Newman@doe.nh.gov.