The Randolph Education Foundation (REF) presented the 2016 REF scholarships to Randolph High School (RHS) seniors, Sally Brander and Kelly Earle, during the Scholarship Award Night Tues., June 14.

“I’m extremely grateful to have received this award, knowing that the hard work I have put in has paid off,” said Earle, who will be going to the University of South Carolina. “I am excited to be the first in my family to attend college and will continue to strive for the best in the future.”

The scholarships, of $1,500 each, are awarded annually by the REF to seniors who are in the first generation of their family to attend an accredited technical school, two-year, or four-year college or university.

“I’m grateful to have received an award that allows me to pursue an education that will surpass my parents in the best way: proving to myself my capabilities and to my parents their great work and support,” said Brander, who will be attending Fordham University.

The REF’s mission is to harness the power of the community to create opportunities that inspire teachers to innovate and enable students to thrive. The scholarship program is at the core of the mission and constitutes a vital piece in the foundation’s efforts to bring the mission to life.

“We work hard to bring our community together to create the best opportunities for our students,” said Liz Olechowski, REF Board member who presented the awards. “Providing the scholarship and celebrating Sally’s and Kelly’s achievement tonight is a wonderful realization of the things we can accomplish with the support of the Randolph community.”