Couce receives national Scout merit scholarship

NEWTON - John-Paul Couce has been selected as one of 56Eagle Scouts nationwide to receive a $1, 000 scholarship provided by the National Eagle Scout Association. Over 4,500 applications were submitted for different Eagle Scout scholarship programs. Couce plans to attend Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. and major in government. The National Eagle Scout Association, under the direction of the National Development Department, national office, Boy Scouts of America, awards the scholarships based on recommendations made by the regional selection committees. The national committee determines the number and size of scholarships to be granted each year to deserving Eagle Scouts. Besides being an Eagle Scout, applicants must be a graduating high school senior or an undergraduate college student who applies no later than completion of his junior year. Additionally, each candidate must have demonstrated leadership ability in Scouting and a strong record of participation in activities outside of Scouting, and have the endorsement of a volunteer or professional Scout leader who knows the applicant personally. Applications for the 2010 Eagle scholarship program will be available at www.nesa.org beginning in October, with a submission deadline of Jan. 31, 2010.