Thursday, August 24, 2023

Canton Township resident wins $30,000 scholarship

Jacob Weber
Jacob Weber, 19, a Canton Township resident, has been named as the recipient of the 2023 Disabled American Veterans (DAV) top $30,000 scholarship. 

Weber was recognized during the 2023 DAV and Auxiliary National Convention in Atlantic City Aug. 5. The DAV scholarships honor 10 students each year for their volunteer support of veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Program and through the DAV Local Veterans Assistance Program (LVAP). 

Weber is a 2022 graduate of Salem High School in Canton and recently finished his freshman year at Michigan State University. Five years ago, he started Treats for Troops, distributing candy to veterans at the VA medical center in Ann Arbor. That project led him to start, among other volunteer initiatives, Stockings for Soldiers and Cards That Care, distributing care packages and letters to veterans at the VA medical center. He recruited classmates to help and mentored others to continue the projects in his absence. 

“Volunteering has opened my eyes to the world around me,” said Weber. “[It has] brought me joy, gave me a sense of accomplishment and helped me express my gratitude.” 

He said the scholarship will help him continue pursuing his degree in supply chain management. 

 “Serving veterans is at the heart of what DAV does, and our scholarship winners are great examples of our organization's values,” said DAV National Commander Joe Parsetich. “By giving of their time and energy, each of these students has made a significant impact in the lives of veterans in their communities. We are proud to recognize their efforts and are excited to watch the bright futures of these leaders unfold.”