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 $1450 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. 

The Linda And Joel Abromson Award

該獎項由琳達和喬爾·阿布羅姆森夫婦（願他們安息）的朋友們設立，旨在紀念他們對猶太社區服務的奉獻。獎項資助以獨特創意的方式探索猶太生活的項目。我們鼓勵申請者跳脫思維定式，思考如何點燃他們的猶太精神：旅行體驗、藝術計畫、領導機會，或能夠為猶太身份帶來全新視角的全新嘗試。獲獎者將在專案結束後以公開演講、發表文章或其他適當的公開形式進行展示。申請者必須提交一封專案支援信，內容包括專案描述及其對社區的好處、時間表、預計成本和預算、個人簡歷以及申請金額。

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.