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 junior at the University of New Hampshire studying Biomedical 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. 

“Receiving this award means so much to me and my family,” said Evan Milton, a 2022 graduate from Merrimack High School who plans to attain his bachelor’s degree and then pursue the nurse practitioner program at UNH. “The generosity of the Department of Education allows me to live more comfortably and focus as much on my studies as I can without having to worry about financial stress nearly as much.”

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. The law was also updated to allow orphaned children of veterans to obtain free tuition to the University System of New Hampshire colleges and universities and the Community College System of New Hampshire.

“This program is a great way of honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. It provides us with an opportunity to honor these students, while also respecting and appreciating the service of their parents,” said Frank Edelblut, education commissioner. “It is our hope that Evan will achieve his educational and career goals, and that this scholarship will provide a small amount of financial assistance and support.”

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.