The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation recently awarded Vincent Asaro of Massapequa, along with 59 other students from New York State, scholarships of almost $100,000 for the 2003-04 academic year.

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation spotlights Marine children whose parents, past or present, serve as the "tip of the spear."

The foundation has a unique formula for awarding scholarships to the children of active and former Marines: it measures character along with grades; for example, the varsity football player who works evenings to supplement his family's income, or the straight-B student who helps out at the local soup kitchen.

Integrity, service and perseverance are traits the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation has chosen to spotlight in students throughout its 40 year history - worth that generally cannot be measured simply by All-State honors.

From the revenues generated by five scholarship balls, golf tournaments, and other fund-raising events, contributions and grants, the foundation was able to award over $1.5 million in scholarships to 982 students for the 2003-04 academic year.

Asaro's parents agreed that the cash award is very helpful and will go far toward paying some of the costs associated with a college education.

Brigadier General Michael Wholley, USMC (Retired) and the executive director of the foundation, said, "We help young men and women to achieve their dreams and to reach their potential. While we have our share of terrific scholars, we also have a large number of recipients who, quite possibly, are not even considered by other scholarship organizations because they are ordinary; they are not academically superior or gifted.

"What we believe, however, is that many of these 'ordinary' kids will develop into extraordinary human beings as they mature if ... and here is the philosophy of the foundation ... someone reaches out a hand and helps them, challenges them, tells them that they have the potential to excel, and gives them the necessary boost to achieve the next level," Wholley said.

"We do that, and we have seen the results," he added. "Those results validate our faith in our selections and convince us that what we do really makes a difference in many lives, and in the future of America."

One thing that all the recipients of the scholarship awards share, in addition to the stated criteria, is a commitment to their community and a record of service to others. "We believe that young men and women who have learned the importance of helping others, of volunteering their time and talent, of contributing positively in some way to their community, will carry those lessons and that ethic into their adult lives. In doing so, they will become leaders in our communities and in our society. We want to encourage that commitment and foster that spirit," Wholley said.

To learn more about application deadlines or to make a donation to the MCSF, contact www.marinescholars.org.