Along with the $218,000 in scholarships awarded by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) in 2023, the Garand Collectors Association (GCA) provided a generous contribution of $30,000 to distribute to outstanding young applicants across the country. These outstanding individuals were chosen by the CMP Scholarship Committee and received a one-time $3,000 scholarship.
Kenlee Ewton (18, Soddy Daisy, TN), Caroline Audette (17, Fort Mill, SC), Elizabeth Lilly (17, Marble Falls, TX), Kimi Yokoyama (18, Honolulu, HI), Kaitlyn received the $3,000 scholarships from the GCA. Choy (17, Kaneohe, HI), Diane Heschel (18, Oak Harbor, OH), Emma Bueschel (18, Joliet, IL), Garrison Brown (18, New Stanton, PA), Paige Hildebrandt (17, Belgrade, MT) , Colby Fujino (17, Honolulu, HI), Ashton Arlington (18, Granbury, TX), Jenna Kruger (18, Pierre, SD), Christian Bell (18, Parrish, FL), Elijah Spencer (18, Boise, ID) , Olivia Schammel (18, Kingwood, TX), Tess Hines (18, Springfield, VA), Matthew Stout (18, Poquoson, VA), Ava Downs (18, Muskego, WI), Blake Jankowski (18, Tom River, NJ ) and Ada Korkhin (18, Brookline, MA).
One fellow wrote:
“I would like to thank the CMP and the Garand Collectors Association for this scholarship. I plan to study mechanical engineering and this award will help me to be able to afford it. My experiences with my rifle team were the best moments I had during high school and I look forward to finding ways to continue to be involved in marksmanship activities. My parents gave me an M1 Garand as a high school graduation present, so it is very special to me that part of my scholarship comes from the GCA. Thanks again!”
The GCA and CMP have been an integral part of each other’s cultivation throughout their histories. Each is deeply embedded with a similar interest, the M1 Garand rifle. The GCA’s mission is to share information and increase awareness of the M1, to publicize and preserve its history, and to help others collect the rifle for personal and competitive use. The organization has also shown unwavering support for the next generation of female and male shooters, for example through these remarkable scholarships.
To review all successful applicants, see the CMP Scholarship Program page at https://thecmp.org/youth/cmp-scholarship-program/. Learn more about the GCA at https://thegca.org/.
About the CMP Scholarship Program:
CMP scholarships are available to graduates of high school JROTC, 4-H, and other junior gun club members. Scholarship applications are only accepted if received complete and if the applicant is a US citizen, exhibits good moral character, is a contributing member of society, and is an academic marksman.
The CMP is dedicated to youth programs and promotes the education of the successful young adults who participate in them and is proud to support youth shooters in their continuing education, helping to shape their fulfilling futures. Through these scholarships, the CMP is able to maintain its goal of rewarding those who display exceptional talent, determination, and civility within the field of marksmanship.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearms safety and marksmanship training and the promotion of marksmanship competition for United States citizens. To learn more about the CMP and its programs, log on to www.TheCMP.org.