Pope Foundation Announces 2014 Class of Eagle Scout Scholars | Eastern NC Now

    Publisher's note: Philanthropy is one of the greatest human endeavors that acts as a benefit to the betterment of the human condition. This noble act provides an example to those of means that they are their brother's keeper, and yet they could still retain some measure of control as to how that benefit is prescribed and delivered to those in need.

    To that end, the John William Pope Foundation has initiated a process where they use their philanthropy to act as an incubator to further these constructive ideals. We, here at Symbiotic Networks, celebrate these efforts of the Foundation, and pray that by us providing our growing platforms to express these efforts as an inspiration to others, we may also perform some small part in this noble effort.

    The author of this fourth post in this ongoing series is David N. Bass, Communications Director and Grants Officer of the John William Pope Foundation.

    RALEIGH, N.C.     The John William Pope Foundation, one of the top-giving philanthropies in North Carolina, is proud to announce the 2014 class of Pope Family Eagle Scout scholars. The scholarships, valued at $20,000 for each student, will help four young men pursue careers in engineering, music, business, and medicine.

    The mission of the Pope Family Eagle Scout Scholarship is to further the course of study for devoted Eagle Scouts who want to become leaders in the free-enterprise system. The Pope family and the Pope Foundation have invested over $1 million in these promising young men and in the Occoneechee Council.*

    "Helping these Eagle Scouts become the greatest leaders of tomorrow — that's our goal," said John Akerman, CEO of the Occoneechee Council, the scouting council that administers the scholarship. "We're excited to see where life takes this newest class of young men."

    The Pope Foundation funds two scholarships, valued at $40,000, and the Occoneechee Council funds the other two, also valued at $40,000. The Occoneechee Council is the largest scouting council in North Carolina, serving 20,000 youths and covering 12 counties.

    The 2014 class of scholars comprises:

   •  Benjamin Cox: Plans to pursue a career in mechanical engineering and attend N.C. State University

   •  Evan Fritsch: Plans to major in business and pursue a career in music recording

   •  Austin Story: Plans to attend Wake Forest University and pursue the medical profession

   •  Michael Russell: Plans to pursue a career in civil engineering by earning a degree at either N.C. State University or Clemson University

    For more information or interviews, contact Dave Riggs or David Bass at (919) 861-6445 or press@jwpf.org.

    About the Pope Foundation

    The John William Pope Foundation, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, works to improve the well-being of the citizens of North Carolina and the nation through the advancement of individual freedom and personal responsibility.

    From its first grant in 1986 to the present, the Foundation's giving has totaled over $100 million, primarily to charities and organizations in North Carolina.