The January 31 issue of BVA Happenings announced the rejuvenating BVA Auxiliary (BVAA) annual scholarship program benefitting spouses and generational children (child, grandchild, great-grandchild) of current or deceased BVA members. Eligible students are urged to apply now to meet the May 1 submission deadline. Applications are available via the dropdown menu under “Resources” on the Auxiliary page at BVA.org

Effective for semesters during 2025-26, two $2,000 Feldman awards and one valued at $1,500 are open to full-time students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours during the academic year at an accredited vocational and/or technical school, community college, college, or university.

Scholarship applicants are responsible for ensuring that the required transcripts, documents, letters of reference, and a 300-word essay reach Committee Chairperson Debbie Frick by May 1, 2025. Questions and requests for additional details may be directed to Debbie at 325-234-4550 or dsfrick71@gmail.com.

Since its inception, the BVAA award has honored in name Renee Feldman, a World War II U.S. Army veteran and part of the unique group of women who volunteered to serve at the time. She was a Staff Sergeant at European Theater of Operations Headquarters from 1943-45, stationed in Salisbury, England, and Rheims, France. Renee’s BVA connections began in 1950 when she married Leon Feldman, also a World War II veteran who later experienced sight loss and became a BVA member. In 1977, she co-founded the BVA Auxiliary along with two other spouses of BVA members.

Renee spent dozens of years volunteering with a host of charitable organizations in addition to BVA and its member and auxiliary regional groups in Florida and Pennsylvania. Among the other organizations were the American Red Cross, the Girl Scouts of America, the American Cancer Society, Harrisburg State Hospital, and Meals on Wheels. Renee Feldman passed away in 2012 shortly after her 100th birthday.