Community Awards and Scholarships

The Charlie Miller Scholarship

A true mensch and larger-than-life figure, Charlie Miller z''l spread joy and care to everyone. An accomplished attorney, he had a searching intelligence, generous spirit, and strong sense of justice. He also led legendary song circles that captivated generations of children. This $1500 award is given each year to a high school senior who represents the best of our community, who freely shares his or her talents and gifts, and whose kindness and care for others spreads joy and brings healing to the world.

Stephen Brent Jacobson Scholarship

Stephen Jacobson z’’l was active in the Jewish community, from his early days at Center Day Camp through his days playing softball and receiving the Agger Memorial Award. Respected for his commitment to both the Jewish and the broader community, Stephen went far beyond what one expects from someone so young. When his life was tragically cut short, his family and the JCA established this $1500 scholarship fund to award a Jewish graduating high school senior who best exemplifies Stephen's compassion and leadership. 

The President’s Cup Scholarship

The President's Cup award of $250 is presented to the Jewish graduating high school senior from among Southern Maine high schools that has attained the highest grade point average during his or her high school career.

The Robert J. Agger Memorial Scholarship

Robert Agger z’’l, who graduated from Portland High School in 1928, was an athlete outstanding in three sports. He was respected by everyone with whom he played. This $250 award is presented to a Jewish graduating high school senior who has displayed leadership, sportsmanship, and athletic ability throughout his or her high school career. 

Fistal Family Nursing Scholarship

When Mayer z’’l and Sheri Fistal received a generous bequest from a cousin, they decided to fund a scholarship for a purpose close to their hearts. As Sheri had started her nursing career in her mid-30s, they chose to support students of any age who want to become a registered nurse and have been accepted into a associate or bachelor degree program in nursing. Graduating high school students should follow the submission guidelines listed above. Non-traditional students should submit two letters of recommendation, at least one from an employer or professional contact.

The Linda And Joel Abromson Award

Created by their friends to celebrate the commitment that Linda and Joel Abromson z’’l made to Jewish communal service, this award funds projects that explore Jewish life in unique and creative ways. Applicants are encouraged to think ‘outside the box’ when it comes what lights their Jewish spirit: travel experiences, artistic projects, leadership opportunities, or completely new endeavors that bring fresh perspectives to Jewish identity. Recipients make presentations at the end of their project in a public talk, published article, or some other appropriate public offering. Applicants must submit a letter of support for their project, including a description of the project and how it would benefit the community, time frame, estimated cost and budget, a resume, and requested amount.

The Richard D. Aronson Young Leader Award

Dick Aronson, “a doer, a shaker, a mover, and a lifter,” provided leadership for the JCC of Portland and the Jewish Federation Community Council of Southern Maine (both precursors of the JCA), as well as the Portland Boys Club and Temple Beth El. Candidates for this award, which is funded through the generosity of the late Linda and Joel Abromson z"l, must be 25 to 45, contribute to the JCA’s annual campaign, and demonstrate leadership qualities similar to those of Dick Aronson. The recipient will be honored at the JCA’s annual meeting. In addition, the recipient and partner will be awarded the opportunity to attend the General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America, the largest yearly gathering of Jewish leadership in the world. Please send a letter detailing the nominee’s involvement as a volunteer with the Jewish Community Alliance and the community at large.

Karen M. Lerman Volunteer Award

Karen has spent many years as a key volunteer for the JCC and JCA. This award recognizes a member of the community who has, like Karen, gone “above and beyond” on behalf of the Jewish Community. To nominate a deserving community member, send a letter detailing the nominee’s involvement as a volunteer with the Jewish Community Alliance and the community at large.