Thomas J. Richards
2009-10 Section NE-5B Chief
The Section E17 Thomas J. Richards Memorial OAHA Scholarship was created in memory of 2009-10 Section NE-5B Chief Tom Richards in the hopes of providing monetary support to Arrowmen within the section by awarding a partial or full scholarship to one of the Order of the Arrow’s five High Adventure Programs at any of the 4 High Adventure Bases. (Philmont Scout Ranch, Northern Tier, Florida Sea Base, and the Summit Bechtel Reserve.) In 2024, OA Ocean Adventure at the Florida Sea Base will not be offered. More information on these programs can be found at oa-bsa.org/high-adventure.
It is the purpose of the section to help provide for the Arrowmen of E17 in hopes to enhance their Order of the Arrow experience through participation in one of these programs. All programs are the epitome of what the OA represents: the ideals of brotherhood, cheerfulness and service. Thus, Section E17 supports these programs and offer financial assistance to any E17 lodge member. This year, Section E17 will be providing this monetary support for 2 Arrowmen to attend an OA High Adventure trek.
The Thomas J. Richards Memorial OAHA Scholarship is reserved for those individuals who exhibit interest in the OA and a commitment to service, as well as a future commitment to the Order of the Arrow in their home lodges. It is expected that the recipients continue their service in the OA, as well as bring the enthusiasm gained from these programs back to their home units, councils, chapters and lodges. Each recipient will be required at the end of their experience to provide the section with an account of their experiences that can be posted on the section website and in section newsletters for recognition and promotion for the programs and the scholarship.
The amount awarded to recipients will be a maximum of $550 to be used for the cost of the program, as well as travel. The E17 Scholarship Selection Committee will select the recipients each year.
Applications for the Thomas J. Richards Memorial OAHA scholarship must be submitted no later than December 31st, 2023. All approvals need to be received by this date as well. Applicants will be notified of their selection prior to the January COC, where recipients will be announced. The scholarship money will be sent from the section’s host council (Northeastern Pennsylvania Council) in the form of a reimbursement check after they have attended the program, unless set up otherwise in conjunction with the Section Key 3.
With any issues or questions on the application, please contact the E17 Scholarship Chair, Will Beardsley (william.beardsley@unamilodge.org)
The requirements to be considered for the Thomas J. Richards Memorial National OA High Adventure Scholarship are:
- The applicant must be a member in good standing of a lodge in Section E17.
- The applicant must have approval from their lodge adviser.
- The applicant must have approval from their lodge staff adviser.
- The applicant must meet all program requirements and be selected to attend a national OA event or an OA High Adventure program.
- The applicant must be a youth member or adult program participant (under the age of 21) at the time of application and must not turn 21 before the end of the OA High Adventure program.