Matthew Kelly Epitome of Courage Memorial Scholarship Fund

Awarded By:

Berks County Community Foundation

Number of Awards & Eligibility: One award offered annually.

Description: This scholarship is open to high school seniors and current undergraduate and graduate students who reside in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Students must have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

Application requirements for the Matthew Kelly Epitome of Courage Memorial Scholarship Fund are:

• Application form
• Essay
• Official Transcript
• Proof of diagnosis

Additional Information: This scholarship fund was established to honor the memory of Matthew Kelly. Matthew Todd Kelly courageously battled cystic fibrosis for 29 years. He lost his battle with CF while waiting for a double lung transplant. Matt had an iron determination, a sense of humor and an eternal optimism that enabled this Wilson grad to graduate with honors from Penn State. He refused to be a bystander or a victim. Matt's family and many friends know that he blessed their lives with his example of attitude and love. Matt was an avid sports fan and somewhat of an authority. He enjoyed politics and current events. Matt is deeply missed by his family who are sustained by the wonderful memories and lessons he taught them. All applicants will be notified in May. Berks County Community Foundation employees, board members and/or committee members are not eligible to apply for or be nominated for a scholarship offered by Berks County Community Foundation, nor are their immediate family members. However, immediate family members are eligible to be nominated and recognized as the recipient of a scholarship, but without the financial award of the scholarship. Immediate families include spouses; children, stepchildren, grandchildren, stepgrandchildren, and their respective spouses; siblings and their spouses; and ancestors. The ineligibility period for Berks County Community Foundation board members or employees and their family members extends five years after board service or employment terminates. The ineligibility period for committee members who are not Berks County Community Foundation staff or board is in effect only during their term of service and is only related to the committee on which they make decisions.

Award Amount: The award amount varies annually. Students may reapply each year.  The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $2,361.