Michael Reagan, son of former President Ronald Reagan, and the Reagan Legacy Foundation awarded 10 scholarships to deserving former or current Reagan Sailors, or their immediate family members during an all-hands ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), June 15.

The Reagan Legacy Foundation annually awards scholarships for Sailors and family members of those who serve aboard Reagan.

"The Reagan Legacy Foundation [awards] a $1,000 academic scholarship that can be used for education-related expenses, including tuition, room, board and fees," said Capt. Brett Crozier, Reagan's executive officer. "The scholarship is awarded annually to those active duty Ronald Reagan and air wing Sailors currently serving on board USS Ronald Reagan, or the spouse, child or dependent of those Sailors."

Selection is based on the criteria of academic achievement or demonstrated commitment to future academic performance, proven leadership, and extracurricular activities. Applicants are also required to provide a brief written essay on former President Ronald Reagan as part of their selection consideration for the award.

"What I'm looking for [in a recipient] is a sense of maturity with these kids," said Gayle Wilson, former first lady of California. "That they are not only involved within their community and school, but they have a great sense of what needs to be done. When they see a need, they work to address it."

Michael Reagan is the founder and president of the Reagan Legacy Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit organization that seeks to advance the causes Ronald Reagan began, and to memorialize the accomplishments of his presidency. The organization also leads a global initiative to educate youth about the role Reagan played in the fall of communism and the spread of democracy throughout the world. Projects include a permanent Reagan exhibit in Berlin, as well as the Liberty Education Tours, a student program offering future leaders education in the principles of liberty as they study the words and actions of Reagan and other world leaders while visiting sites significant in the history of freedom worldwide.

"The Reagan Legacy Foundation is a phenomenal organization," said Capt. Chris Bolt, Reagan's commanding officer. "They are here giving out scholarships to some of our Sailors and dependents of Sailors, and have been doing so since the ship's birth way back in 2003 when [Michael Reagan] started this."

The foundation also supports outside institutions and other non-profit organizations that conduct education and research on the presidency of Reagan, such as the Young America's Foundation, Reagan Ranch Project, and the Ronald W. Reagan Leadership Program and museum at Eurkea College, Reagan's alma mater.

"I thank all of you for your service you've given to our country and carrying on the name of this fine ship, USS Ronald Reagan," said Michael Reagan. "I am always honored to be with the men and women serving our nation aboard USS Ronald Reagan. Congratulations to all of you who received our scholarship this year and it isn't going to stop here. We are going to be giving away scholarships again next year in Japan."

Ronald Reagan said there are no such things as limits to growth, because there are no limits on the human capacity for intelligence, imagination and wonder.

For more news from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), visit www.navy.mil/