FORT STEWART, Ga. - Four local Family Members of Soldiers who are either in college, or are about to attend college were awarded $1,500 each through the Defense Commissary Agency’s Scholarship For Military Children Program, in a ceremony held at the Fort Stewart Commissary, June 22.

Larry Henry, 21, a Junior at Troy University; Jamal Wright, 17, a 2011 graduate of Bradwell Institute, and future student at Georgia Southern University; Brandee Craig, 18, a 2011 graduate of the Bradwell Institute and future student at Georgia State University; and ShaLeia James, 18, a graduate of Bradwell Institute and future student at Claflin University received scholarships.

The $1,500 Deca scholarship recipients were required to maintain a 3.0 GPA, show significant involvement in the community as well as write an essay about the country’s push for health and wellness.

“It’s wonderful that our commissary brings this opportunity to our community,” said Col. Kevin Milton, Fort Stewart-Hunter garrison commander, who spoke at the event. “Your education is very important to the future of this country. The more education our children get, the more competitive our country will be internationally.”

He added that he was happy to see the commissary do things like this in the community.

“It makes me feel great,” he said. “The commissary has been doing this for 11 years. We’re pushing 11 million dollars of scholarships given to our military children and it’s helping them and their education.”

Command Sergeant Major James Ervin, Fort Stewart command sergeant major, attended and said seeing the recipients get the scholarship was very rewarding.

“I dare you to be great,” he said. “Commit for excellence in everything that you do."

The students were able to find scholarship information online at www.commissaries.com. Flyers were also posted around the store for potential applicants to apply.