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Tom Fricton Awarded Ben Alden Scholarship

After reviewing a number of very impressive applications for the Ben Alden Scholarship, the CTK Sowers Scholarship Committee awarded the very first of the annual scholarships to Tom Fricton, son of parishioner Betsy Ramsey.

Mary Alden, Ben’s mother and sponsor of the scholarship, presented Tom with a beautifully framed certificate and a check for $2,000 at the end of the 9:30 Mass on Sunday, May 17th.  Jamee Smith, a member of the committee, gave a little background about the scholarship, told of some of the social justice pursuits of the applicants, the recipient’s work in protecting the human rights of victims of human trafficking and then introduced Mary. A reception hosted by Mary was held directly after the awards ceremony, and was attended by the winner and two of the three final candidates and their families. Introductions and backgrounds were presented by committee members Mary Jane Mitchell and Nina Holiday-Lynch.

• Tom Fricton, the award recipient, graduated from CTK grade school and is currently a student at the University of Iowa College of Law.  His social justice work is in the area of human trafficking of immigrants.  He is volunteering this summer with Iowa Attorney General’s office to help prosecute human traffickers.

• Kelsey Oseid, daughter of parishioners Julie and Jeff Oseid, is a student at Loyola University in Chicago and is currently working on both a visual communications and peace studies degree. She has completed a long list of social justice activities, not the least of which is as a volunteer for the Minneapolis Center for Victims of Torture and Invisible Conflicts.
• Rachel Green is a CTK parishioner currently working on her Masters Degree in Social Work at the U of M. She has done notable work with several schools and nonprofits on the issues of developmental disabilities and homelessness and currently works as an Autism Spectrum Disorders Teacher.
• Rachel Peters, the daughter of parishioners Julie and Dave Peters, is currently enrolled at Marquette University where she is studying Biology and International Politics. She has a long list of volunteer activities with the CTK Youth Ministry program, including three mission trips. She is concerned about the environmental impact on our planet.

The Ben Alden Memorial Scholarship for Social Justice was created to honor the legacy of Ben Alden whose life reflected his enduring commitment to social justice.  The annual award of $2,000 is given to a young person between the ages of 17 and 25 who has an affiliation with the Church of Christ the King.  See the two articles on the General Issues page for more details, including information on how to contribute to the scholarship fund.