Orphan of Veteran Receives Scholarship

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Education on Monday issued a $2,500 check to assist an orphan of a veteran with her college expenses. 

The scholarship is part of the Orphan of Veterans program that helps war orphans offset the cost of college for items such as books and supplies. This year’s recipient, Kathryn Routhier of Somersworth, is a senior at the University of New Hampshire. 

Routhier’s mother was an Army Veteran of the War on Terror and passed away due to a service-related illness in 2018. 

“I am so grateful for this financial assistance. Every little bit gives me the opportunity to attend college, and for that I am thankful,” said Routhier, 23, who is majoring in justice studies with a minor in forensic science. She hopes to one day work in a forensic lab processing crime scene evidence. This is the second year in a row that Routhier obtained the Orphan of Veterans scholarship.

“Each year, this program assists children whose parents gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said Frank Edelblut, commissioner of education. “It is a great way to honor these students, while also respecting and appreciating the service of their parents.”

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.

The Orphans of Veterans is able to issue four $2,500 grants each year. 
For more information about the application process and records needed to qualify, contact RuthAnn Campbell at the Division of Higher Education at ruthann.campbell@doe.nh.gov, or 603-271-7861.
 
CAPTION: From left is Deputy Adjutant General Warren Perry, Stephen Appleby of NHDOE, Colonel Erik Fessenden of the New Hampshire National Guard, recipient Kathryn Routhier and Commissioner Frank Edelblut.