VFW presents scholarships to three students

BY AMY SHEWCHUK
SPARTA — Three deserving students were awarded scholarships last Wednesday night in a small ceremony at the Sparta VFW Post 7248 recreation hall.
Sparta High School students Hunter Toburen, Mia Francis and Erika Beckmann submitted essays to the VFW Scholarship Committee. Their submissions were chosen out of many entries.
Bill Miller of the VFW Scholarship Committee gave an introduction and presented the awards.
The scholarships were presented in honor of Ralph Rojas, a veteran of the Korean War, who died last year at age 84. Rojas was a member of the American Legion and Sparta Elks Club. He ran the Christmas Tree sale at the VFW with his sons for almost 50 years. His widow, Dolores Rojas, attended the ceremony.
“When I became a member of the VFW Scholarship Committee and started volunteering with the Christmas Tree sale, I was immersed in Ralph’s ‘get it done’ attitude,” Miller said. ”I experienced an organization of people that would carve time out of busy schedules to help. I saw men and women who carried on the military tradition of sacrifice and moved mountains of bundled Christmas trees for the common good. They wanted to make a difference. That is the embodiment of what Ralph stood for. Can-do vision and execution.”
Monies for the scholarships are raised by the VFW events such as the Annual Clam Bake and the Christmas Tree Sale.
Chris Hayden of Hayden Automotive Services on Demarest Road in Sparta was also present. Hayden’s involvement has been procuring delectable clams for the Annual Clam Bake from a “connection” he has in Delaware. This is why the clams taste so good and the event is a huge success.
“I’ll keep doing it as long as I can,” Hayden said. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Each student received a check for $2000 and read their essays to the attendees.
Hunter Toburen, whose stepfather is still on active duty in Yuma, Arizona, said that the funds would be a relief, so that he would not worry so much about money and be able to focus on his education. He will be attending Virginia Tech in September, majoring in Engineering.
Mia Francis wrote about her grandfather, “Grandpa Billy,” who was a Vietnam veteran and unfortunately passed away from exposure to Agent Orange. Her mother also served in the U.S. Army. “I’m happy to receive this award to honor my family,” she said. She will be attending Utica College in the Fall majoring in Political Science with a focus on Human Rights Advocacy.
Rudy and Celeste Beckmann accepted the award for their daughter, Ericka, since she could not be present to read her essay because she was away at George Washington University in D.C.
The ceremony was followed with refreshments provided by the VFW.
The Sparta VFW, located on Main Street directly across from the municipal building, is hosting a barbecue this Friday in appreciation for the teachers of Sparta High School. The organization also participates every year in the township's Memorial Day celebrations. The Sparta Memorial Day Parade will kick off on Monday, May 28 at 10 am, at East Shore Trail into White Deer Plaza.