OXFORD – The Board of Directors of The Rowland R. Strong and Edith H. Strong Memorial Scholarship Fund Foundation proudly announce the 2025 recipients of this prestigious 4‑year scholarship! This renewable scholarship has been awarded to three Oxford residents who are graduating from high school with the Class of 2025: Hannah Brunje of Oxford High School, and to Samantha Kostka and Chloe Weaver, both of Nonnewaug High School.
The 2025 award for each student is $7,000 for their first year of a 4‑year degree program. If each recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements, they can renew this annual scholarship for the next 3 years as they pursue their bachelor’s degree.
Since 2018, The Rowland R. Strong and Edith H. Strong Memorial Scholarship Fund Foundation has annually awarded this 4‑year scholarship to two (2) Oxford residents in their senior year of high school. However, this year three (3) awards were made since the finalists’ scores were too close in range to determine a tie-breaker!
Annually, applications have been submitted by Oxford residents who attend high schools such as Nonnewaug, Emmett O’Brien, Notre Dame, Holy Cross, St. Joseph’s and Hopkins, in addition to those who attend Oxford High. Students learn of this scholarship through their guidance departments, the Town of Oxford website, local online news sites and from previous recipients.
The Rowland R. Strong & Edith H. Strong Memorial Scholarship Fund was established through the bequest of Miriam S. Strong (a long-time Oxford resident) in memory of her late parents who advocated the support of students who want to earn a 4‑year degree. Recipients of this scholarship have gone through a competitive process which includes an essay, letters of recommendation, and a personal interview. The intent of the scholarship is to provide financial support to Oxford student(s) who plan to attend a 4- year college or university upon their graduation from high school.
The Rowland R. Strong & Edith H. Strong Memorial Scholarship Fund is administered by the Valley Community Foundation, a 501c‑3 non-profit organization located in Derby, Connecticut.
The availability date of the application and eligibility criteria for the 2026 Rowland R. Strong and Edith H. Strong Memorial Scholarship will be announced in October 2025. All eligible Oxford residents who will graduate from high school in 2026 are strongly encouraged to apply.
