LOCKERBIE’S Syracuse year abroad scholarship is ending after 34 years.
It was today confirmed that “the model is changing” and therefore no new scholars will be selected for 2025-6.
The news was broken to youngsters at Lockerbie Academy by the Lockerbie Syracuse Trust.
In a statement, they said: “Syracuse University has requested that the current scholarship model be changed enabling a new and modern approach, allowing more Lockerbie students to travel to Syracuse University.
“This new proposal will further ensure the relationship between Syracuse University and Lockerbie remains relevant and reflects the modern age we live in.
“However, this does mean the end of the scholarships as they stand and there will be no new scholars selected for 2025/26.
“The educational element will be removed from the scholarships going forward.
“The university has intimated their ongoing and enduring partnership with Lockerbie and wish to continue that as they have done for the past 35 years but have intimated that recent trends have made it clear to them that there now needs to be a new approach.”
It was set up following the 1988 air disaster, in which 35 Syracuse students died and has seen youngsters from Lockerbie attending the university near New York every year since 1990, with Katharine Grant and Fiona Griffin the first pair.
This year the town is being represented by Anna Newbould and Cameron Colville, but they will be the last.
Today’s statement continues: “The Lockerbie Syracuse Trust absolutely understand that this is a huge and momentous change to the scholarship programme but one in which the trustees will fully engage with to ensure the best possible experience for young Lockerbie citizens.
“We are very aware that this news will be disappointing to some students but very much hope that overall, it provides more opportunities for young Lockerbie citizens over the coming years. “Under the new proposal, more students may be able to travel to Syracuse to get a flavour of university life.”
They stressed the detail of what the new model will fully look like is still being worked out and said updates will be given in due course.
