Nominees sought for heroism scholarship

The New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) is accepting applications and nominations for the 2003 Dana Christmas Scholarship for Heroism.

The statewide scholarship program is designed to honor the exceptionally heroic actions of up to five young New Jerseyans each year and provides a one-time award of up to $10,000 to each recipient. Awards may be used at any eligible higher learning institution for undergraduate or graduate studies. The scholarship is named after the Seton Hall University student who is credited with saving many lives during a dormitory fire at the school.

Eligible recipients must be a New Jersey resident (both at the time of the act of heroism and upon application); age 21 or younger at the time of the heroic act; and a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen and registered with the Selective Service (if required).

Application/nomination forms are available through HESAA’s toll-free hotline, (800) 792-8670; through its Web site, www.hesaa.org; and through colleges, high schools, and fire and police departments. Applicants must submit at least one supporting nomination to be considered. Submission of supporting documentation such as newspaper articles is also encouraged. HESAA will accept nominations made on behalf of another individual; however, the nominee must also complete an application form. The deadline for applications/nominations is Oct. 15. Scholarship recipients will be notified in writing and will be required to submit proof of enrollment at an eligible post-secondary institution before payment will be issued. Funds will be held in escrow for any recipients who are not yet of college age.