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| Updated: 12/19/2011 10:12 am |
Published: 12/18/2011 4:01 pm |
LITTLE ROCK, AR - Two men robbed and killed Salvation Army Major Philip Wise nearly two years ago on Christmas Eve in front of his family in North Little Rock. This January, the Salvation Army will start accepting applications for the music scholarship program to honor Wise.
"Just because I'm leaving doesn't mean my connections and my family, my love for the people here will cease, because it won't," said Cindy Wise in 2010.
Cindy Wise, the widow of Philip Wise, moved their family to West Virginia in 2010, but her husband's legacy lives on through music education in the form of a new college scholarship program.
"He was a real lover of music, and he wanted to have a music program and wanted music to have a real influence in the lives of young people," says Salvation Army Major Jim Taylor.
Starting January first, the Salvation Army will start accepting applications for two new scholarships. One is named after Wise.
Students already accepted into a college program who show a need for financial aid can apply for the $1500 Philip Wise scholarship.
"We decided we'll offer two this year and then with the money that we're able to put into that account again this coming June, maybe next year we can offer four, five, six scholarships," adds Taylor.
An annual golf tournament in June raises money to grow the scholarship program, but you can donate at any time.
Only those living in Pulaski, Saline, White or Lonoke County can apply. To retain the scholarship, students must maintain at least a 2.8 G.P.A.
The Philip Wise and Richard Brittle Memorial Scholarship Funds were established in memory of Major Philip Wise and Major Richard Brittle who were Salvation Army officers from North Little Rock and Little Rock, Arkansas, respectively.
Major Philip Wise was murdered on Christmas Eve 2009 in North Little Rock, Arkansas while as he was wrapping up Christmas kettles for the year. Major Wise had a desire to help young people with an interest in music develop their skills for the purpose of evangelism and worship of God.
Major Richard Brittle was the Area Commander for New Orleans, LA when Hurricane Katrina paralyzed that city. He and his wife cared for the men, women, and children in their shelter for several days as they awaited their rescue from the flooded region. During this time Major Brittle was attacked by a microscopic parasite that would eventually become cancerous and take his life two years later (January 5, 2008) while he was the Area Commander in Central Arkansas.
It is in their memory that one music scholarship, and one general education scholarship be awarded annually to, preferably, low income college students from Central Arkansas. The maximum amount for each scholarship is $1,500.
Requirements for Consideration
To qualify for consideration of these scholarships the applicants must:
1. Be a resident of one of the following counties in Arkansas: Pulaski, Lonoke, Saline, or White.
2. Be accepted into a post high school educational institution, including the Evangeline Booth College for Officer Training in Atlanta, GA
3. Meet the financial requirements detailed below and/or be active in Salvation Army programs.
4. Submit a one page essay explaining why they qualify for this scholarship.
Documentation Requirements
It is preferable that an applicant for either of the two scholarships be considered “low income” and/or a Salvation Army program participant and be able to demonstrate financial need. This will include:
1. A copy of the applicant’s FAFSA
2. Proof of Residence
3. Letter of acceptance to the post high school academic institution
4. What other scholarships have been awarded
5. Repeat applicants must submit grades and maintain a minimum 2.80 GPA
6. These scholarships must be applied for on an annual basis, up to four years
7. It is encouraged that the scholarship recipient participate in Salvation Army programs in communities where Salvation Army Corps are located
Deadline
Application deadline for these two scholarships is February 15, 2012
