The O'Keefe Foundation, Inc.
        In memory of
        Firefighter Patrick J. O'Keefe, FDNY Rescue 1

Dear Administrator,

On behalf of the O'Keefe Foundation, Inc., I would like to bring to your attention a wonderful scholarship opportunity for one of your most deserving students. The O'Keefe Foundation, Inc. is a not-for- profit charitable organization was formed in memory of Firefighter Patrick J. O'Keefe, FDNY Rescue Company One, who was lost at the World Trade Center on September 11,2001.

The scholarship this year is an $8,000 award over 4 years, available to any American citizen who is an immigrant or child of an immigrant OR a sAmerican tudent who lost a parent due to a violent act. The qualifications are simple.

The student must be a graduating senior, accepted to an accredited college or university (at the time of the award, not on application) and residing in Nassau or Suffolk counties or one of the 5 boroughs. There are no academic requirements other than the student is accepted into college. All that needs to be done is the student complete the application,  including the recommendation section, and tell us about him or herself.

In an essay of 1000 words or less the applicant should include such information as:

1. the circumstances surrounding the loss of the parent
2. how the applicant and his or her family has coped with that loss
3. the personal goals and aspirations of the applicant

OR if applying as the new American

1.  what brought him or her to this country
2.  what challenges he or she has faced both here and abroad
3.  what influenced his or her decision to become an American citizen 
4.  what plans does he or she have on the completion of college.
   

The essay should be 12. pt. type, double spaced and submitted to the Scholarship Committee no later than March 1. The recipient of this memorial scholarship will be determined by May 1. Plaque presentation at the High School Awards Ceremony.  Scholarship Presentation at the Sailing Awards Dinner.  A special award presentation dinner will take place on September 11,2010. The winner of the scholarship will be asked to attend the awards dinner.

        All the Foundation asks of you at this time is to disseminate the application and invitation to participate to your faculties, principals as well as to those students within your charge who meet the minimum qualifications and for whom an education beyond high school would be a financial burden.

Applications for this scholarship can be found on our web site. www.SpiritRider.org If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at (516) 662-0485.
 
     Thank you for your time and assistance in making a brighter future available for some of our most deserving young people. The O'Keefe Foundation looks forward to working with you.

             
Sincerely,
Noreen 0' Keefe- Costello, President
The O'Keefe Foundation, Inc.