Nic Nicholson (left) poses for photos with Corey D. Newton, Jr., one of the scholarship recipients outside Cole Auditorium at Richmond Community College at the 2020 scholarship ceremony.
                                 Neel Madhavan | Daily Journal

Nic Nicholson (left) poses for photos with Corey D. Newton, Jr., one of the scholarship recipients outside Cole Auditorium at Richmond Community College at the 2020 scholarship ceremony.

Neel Madhavan | Daily Journal

<p>A line of cars wraps around the parking lot at the Cole Auditorium last year for the socially distanced scholarship ceremony.</p>
                                 <p>Neel Madhavan | Daily Journal</p>

A line of cars wraps around the parking lot at the Cole Auditorium last year for the socially distanced scholarship ceremony.

Neel Madhavan | Daily Journal

ROCKINGHAM — The 29th Masonic District has raised $39,500 in scholarship money for students in Richmond, Robeson and Scotland Counties this year, which they will award in a ceremony later this month.

“We used to struggle to raise $500,” said District Deputy Grandmaster Nic Nicholson. “Now, we raise on average around $35,000.”

The Masons have been committed to this fundraiser for over 40 years. This year, $4,500 has come from a sister organization, the Order of the Eastern Star.

“Everyone really deserves it,” said Masonic Brother Curtis Ingram, a member for 12 years.

Many of the scholarships are given to students in Richmond County, but Nicholson said that money has been given to students in Cumberland County and even South Carolina. Last year, 59 scholarships were handed out, in $500, $750 and $1,000 increments.

To apply, students write an essay, submit a letter of recommendation and their transcript. Students can apply multiple times during their high school career, but won’t receive the money until they’ve been accepted into a college. A GPA of at least 2.8 is required, which is a recent change.

“There were a lot of kids that were on the edge of the bubble that the Brothers couldn’t help because they didn’t have the high GPA,” Nicholson said.

Nicholson recognized Brother Dennis Holiday who raised $3,000 this year. Brother Steven Williamson has raised $1,500 by himself for the past two years, according to Nicholson.

“Every dollar that we raise goes directly to some young person’s education,” Nicholson said. He added that this scholarship always gives the Masonic Brothers the sense that they’re able to affect the next generation.

The scholarships will be presented at Richmond Senior High School on Saturday, June 26. It will be a minimum contact, drive-by presentation.

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Reach Matthew Sasser at 910-817-2671 or [email protected].