Legion scholarship winners celebrated for their accomplishments

Attending American Legion Boys State or Auxiliary Girls State, being a direct descendant of a wartime veteran, and having outstanding academic performances and philanthropic achievements are a few of the traits that afforded 10 recent high school graduates a $20,000 college scholarship.

The American Legion and Samsung Electronics recognized the 2015 Samsung American Legion Scholarship recipients for their accomplishments during a special trip to Washington, D.C., June 6-8.

Calvin Isch, a three-time Rotary Scholar from Bluffton, Ind., was completely floored when he found out that The American Legion was bringing him to the nation's capital for being a Samsung American Legion Scholarship recipient. “I’m just a country boy from a small town in Indiana,” he said. “Never in my life did I dream I would have an opportunity like this."

The scholars had time to reflect on the service of their family members, and how their sacrifices helped pave the way for them to receive the scholarship, as they observed the ceremonial changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and visited the hallowed grounds of Arlington Cemetery and revered landmarks, such as the Jefferson, Roosevelt and Martin Luther King memorials.

Katherine Mossburg of Bridgeport, W.Va., said she felt very honored that her grandfather’s military service has afforded her an opportunity she would not have otherwise had access to despite her attending West Virginia Girls State, and her having a membership in the National Honor Society, a 4.2 GPA and an ACT score of 34.

“I really appreciate that there is a scholarship program specifically for descendants of veterans,” Mossburg said. “I got it because my grandfather served, and he was dedicated to our country. That’s a huge honor to me.”

In 1996, Samsung, the South Korean multinational electronics leader, endowed an educational scholarship fund of $5 million to The American Legion for administration to direct descendants of U.S. war veterans. It was a gesture of appreciation from Samsung to U.S. military veterans for coming to the aid of South Korea in its war against invading forces from China and North Korea. American Legion Boys State and Auxiliary Girls State participants who are direct descendants of wartime veterans, who served during at least one of the periods of war officially designated as eligibility dates for American Legion membership, are eligible for the scholarship. The first scholarships were awarded in 1996.

The recipients were chosen amongst thousands of applicants and considered the “cream of the crop” in a very competitive selection process, said Mike Bredeck, chairman of The American Legion’s Committee on Youth Education.

Devon Kurtz of Westfield, Mass., expressed his gratitude for being selected amongst such brilliant recipients. “It is fascinating to have a group of some of the smartest individuals in the country all in one place,” he said.

Kurtz, an avid long distance runner, logged more than 1,500 hours of community service during high school and graduated at the top of his class with a 4.36 GPA. “We learned a lot about each other … the $20,000 prize is great, but the bond I have with the people I met here is even better," Kurtz said. "We will be friends for a lifetime.”

As part of their recognition, the Samsung scholars enjoyed a breakfast at the Dirksen Senate Office Building with several of their congressional delegates, including Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), Rep. David McKinley (R-W.Va) and Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.).

During the breakfast, Curtis Leonard of Surfside Beach, S.C., was named the “pride of South Carolina.” For a first generation college student, Curtis considers the Samsung American Legion Scholarship experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“This means a lot to my family,” said Leonard, who was the president of of his high school’s student body and debate club. “This makes Princeton (University) much more achievable financially. It helped in ways I couldn’t imagine – taking a whole lot of stress off me and my family.”

Leonard’s great-grandfather served in multiple conflicts, and his grandfather served in Vietnam. Leonard said he draws inspiration from them, noting similar qualities and leadership traits he also sees in himself.

“I had to work a little harder than some people, but I think it paid off in the end. The work that I put in can be seen by what I have accomplished with my life,” he expressed.

The scholars shared how they plan to spend the summer giving back to their communities and participating in Legion family programs before heading off to their first semester of college.

Isaac Logeman of St. Cloud, Minn., plans to return to his local Boys State program to serve as a counselor. Logeman expressed his gratitude to the Legion and Samsung for allowing him the opportunity to continue his education in similar fashion as his brother, who also received the Samsung American Legion Scholarship five years prior.

With a glimmer of hope in their eyes, the scholars vowed to give back to future generations – just as their ancestors, The American Legion and Samsung did for them with the scholarship.

“Samsung has paid it forward to you,” Bredeck said. “To those that much has been given, much will be expected. It is your heart, your passion and the drive you possess that will define your success.”

The other 2015 Samsung American Legion Scholarship awardees in attendance were:

  • Kaden McArthur of Wellsville, Utah
  • Michael McFarland of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.
  • Grant Moles of Cook, Neb.
  • Meghan Slattery of Bayport, N.Y.
  • Nicholas Van Slooten of Bentonville, Ark.

For more information on the Samsung American Legion Scholarship, click here.