"The Andrew Ladd Scholarship Wine Tasting & Auction is one of the most entertaining and delicious wine tasting events I've ever been to...and I've been to man" says Dan Cote, President of the Chester Rotary. "This Rotary sponsored, 3rd annual event will benefit the Green Mountain High School graduating students, and that alone is well worth the investment." Over $20,000 has been raised in the two previous years, providing college funds for many students from GMUHS. The goal is to incrementally raise the bar in support of Chester students who choose to go on to college.

It is fitting that the scholarship event is supported by Andrew Ladd Builders and his family, in his memory. Andrew Ladd was a natural builder. He built relationships, his own construction company, a loving family, and through his support of his local community, he built stronger students and a better place. Andy lived in Chester for 30 years and just about everyone in town knew him, but there was one thing you’d never know. Andy Ladd was a college dropout. He dropped out of college for two reasons:

1. He thought he had a problem that nobody else had.

2. He thought he was alone.

Despite dropping out of college, Andy went on to lead a successful and happy life in Vermont, but he always regretted that he never finished college. He had dreams of becoming an engineer, but walked away from them because he didn’t have help. Learning from his mistakes, he worked very hard to make sure that none of his own children fell victim to the same fate. He also went beyond to support hundreds of local students through his many community service efforts.

The Andrew Ladd Scholarship has been created as a way for Andy to continue his legacy of supporting local students and perhaps give them the help they need to achieve their college dreams. His life proves that everyone can be great. You don’t have to have a college degree, you don’t have to drive a fancy car, you don’t even have to make a lot of money—you only need a heart full of compassion and a helping hand every once in a while.

For more on the scholarship and upcoming events, please visit the website at: http://andrewladdscholarship.weebly.com/

Additionally, Heidi Buxton Ladd was awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award at the annual scholarship fundraising event for her significant contributions to the local community and rotary.