Vet News: Scotland School for Veterans' Children Kicks Off $2.1 Million Capital Campaign

Led by General Barry McCaffrey of Desert Storm fame, the Foundation for Scotland School for Veterans’ Children today kicked off its $2.1 million capital campaign.

The campaign -- "Honoring the Past, Securing the Future" -- will enhance programs and student services at Scotland School for Veterans’ Children, the only residential school in the United States specifically designed to educate and care for children of United States Veterans.

Owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and under the administration of the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, Scotland has provided a home for eligible Veterans’ children since 1895.

"‘Honoring the Past, Securing the Future’ will give Scotland students an opportunity to develop their mind and bodies through enhanced home life, academic, social and athletic achievement," Gen. McCaffrey said.

Joining Gen. McCaffrey at the announcement were Maj. Gen. William B. Lynch, the state’s adjutant general; former Lt. Gov. Mark Singel; former Secretary of Labor and Industry Johnny Butler; former Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans’ Affairs John L. Patten; and Scotland School Superintendent Dr. Howard Bachman.

"Our goal is to improve the quality of home life for these wonderful children of our nation’s finest," said Singel, who is co-chair of the campaign. Singel also spoke of the need to raise monies because of the budget crunch in state government and the depleting pool of Veterans who have historically made significant contributions.

"While state government takes care of the physical plant and academic programs, there are so many needs for our children outside the state’s funding that must be addressed," Superintendent Bachman said.

Financial support from the commonwealth provides the school with sufficient funds for personnel and operating expenses, but limited budgetary monies are earmarked for cultural and education enrichment, social activities and capital projects.

"Many of our students come from families with limited financial means. Anything we can do to enhance their quality of life also improves their academic prowess," Bachman said.

Located on 186 acres in Franklin County, Scotland School for Veterans’ Children provides a structured environment where children can receive a quality education while developing quality of life skills. Approximately 340 students attend Scotland School.

"Historically, 75 percent of Scotland graduates continue their education at four-year colleges or trade schools," Butler said. "In the last few years, over 90 percent have continued with post-secondary education."

The Foundation for SSVC began in 1996 with an initial project of equipping the Colin L. Powell Culinary Arts Center. It continues to underwrite students’ needs. The Foundation is a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization and contributions are tax deductible.

For information on contributions, please contact Eric Melder, CEO for the Foundation for SSVC, at 717-264-7187, ext. 723.

CONTACT: Lt. Col. Chris Cleaver, Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, +1-717-861-8468.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs