ANDOVER — The Andover Norton Children’s Fund Commission will once again offer a scholarship to an Andover high school senior.
Chester D. Norton was an Andover farmer who died in 1891 and left $3,000 for the poor children of Andover.
According to local legend, Norton needed glasses as a child but couldn’t afford them. A kind stranger gave the Norton family the money for the child’s glasses, and he remembered this act of kindness when he was writing his will.
Over the years the commission has received donations to increase the original scholarship from $3,000 to $9,000 today.
The commission relies on community generosity to sustain services. Aside from the scholarship, the commission uses funds for back-to-school items and family assistance during the holidays.
The $1,000 scholarship is offered to all high school students and is not based on financial need. Forms are available at the Town Office Building, online from the town website, or at the guidance counselor’s office at RHAM High School. Forms can also be requested by email from the Norton Commission’s secretary, Cheryl Mayhew, at CTLover60712@comcast.net.
The deadline for receiving completed scholarship forms is Tuesday, May 1.
Completed applications should be sent to the Norton Commission, c/o Andover Town Office Building, 17 School Road, Andover, CT. Questions can be directed to Mayhew at 860-742-7748.
Originally published by the Journal Inquirer.
Jackie Nappo 