JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Mary Jette, Liberty Park at Andrews community manager, presented Senior Airman James Barrett, 11th Contracting Squadron contract specialist, with a $2,000 scholarship, Aug. 28, at a luncheon held in his honor at the Liberty Park Welcome Center here.
Barrett was chosen out of numerous applicants spanning 14 different bases for his community involvement, Jette said. He earned the distinction by submitting a one page essay and two letters of recommendation to exemplify high character and maintaining at least a 2.3 grade point average.
Barrett said he was compelled to apply for scholarships earlier this year when Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody, addressed Airmen world-wide about the cessation of the popular Tuition Assistance program.
"Each of my classes at Trident University International cost $1000," said Barrett. "Military tuition assistance was covering the cost, but with the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force recommending Airmen, including his own son, to apply for scholarships, I did.
"Fortunately I was able to get the Michaels Organization scholarship. If we were going to go to a 75 to 25 percent system, requiring the member to pay 25 percent, this scholarship would have paid for the eight classes I have left. It's incredible how God works things out."
Barrett's motivated attitude in achieving excellence in the workplace helped to sustain his educational goals.
"Airman Barrett is sharp; he came to the squadron with all cylinders firing," said Senior Master Sgt. Stevenson Simpson, 11th CONS superintendent. "Whenever I give him a task he takes care of it ASAP. He's a ready volunteer and he is also putting in his package to become an officer. Submitting my recommendation for him was an easy decision."
The Michaels Organizational Educational Foundation scholarship at Liberty Park seeks to enhance residents of its housing community's educational opportunities.
"This program has been going on for 22 years," Jette said. "Over the course of that time, our residents have gotten over $3 million in scholarships to help fund their education," Jette said. "We are very pleased this years' award is going to an active-duty military member here at Joint Base Andrews."
For more background info on the Michaels Organization Educational Foundation Scholarship
click here.