USA Network’s “Burn Notice” star Jeffrey Donovan knows the importance of giving back. As a former Amesbury High student, who received a scholarship that enabled him to participate in a summer program that helped pave the way for his acting career, Donovan wanted to pay it forward, quite literally, by helping to establish a $100,000 scholarship through The Amesbury Educational Foundation Inc. The generous donation will provide a $10,000 scholarship each year for 10 years to a deserving student entering the fine arts. In order to be considered, students provided applications that included a portfolio and audition tape, which will be judged by Donovan, who will then determine the recipient.
According to the guidelines established for the scholarship, consideration is based 70 percent on need and 30 percent on talent and desire. Though only seniors were eligible this year, it will be open to juniors as well, next year. There are no stipulations regarding what the money must be spent on, so long as it goes towards something that will further the student’s potential in a career in the arts. Donovan, a AHS class of 1986 graduate, and recent star in the movie Changeling, even showed up at his alma mater in order to make the surprise announcement, much to the delight of the students. The winners of the scholarship will be revealed on graduation day, June 5.
Tags: Amesbury, Burn Notice, Changeling, Jeffrey Donovan, USA Network
