For the past 45 years, the Sterling Fund at the South Orange Middle School has awarded scholarships to students to attend the Cape Cod Sea Camps — also known as Camps Monomoy and Wono — in Brewster, Massachusetts.
This scholarship fund was created in 1968 by Raymond and Lois Sterling, the Principal and Vice Principal at South Orange Junior High School — as SOMS was known at that time. Raymond Sterling served as Principal at SOJHS for 21 years. Although the Sterlings worked together at the school, the students did not know they were married because Mrs. Sterling went by her maiden name, Fornoff. The Sterlings spent many summers volunteering as counselors at the camps.
The Sterling Fund Committee selects students who would not necessarily have the opportunity to attend the camp without the scholarship, SOMS Home & School Association Co-President Jessie Wendt wrote in an email. Campers learn practical skills such as swimming. The camp also fosters their interpersonal skills, helping them with the transition to high school.
In the past, it was possible to send more than one student at a time to the camps. However, due to declining interest rates, the fund has decreased in recent years, and currently only one student can be selected to attend the Cape Cod Sea Camps each year.
The fund is administered by SOMS Front Office Manager Bernadine Smith.
The video posted above was created by former SOMS student Adam DuBowy while he was in 8th grade to raise awareness and generate funds for the scholarship.
To donate to the Sterling Fund, visit here.
