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The five time winner of the personal growth scholarship

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jared Duhon
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Alden Tonkay, son of Jack Tonkay, Joint Personal Effects Depot information technology specialist, and Laurie Tonkay, Welch Elementary School third-grade school teacher, earned the Carson Scholarship for 2012.
The Carson Scholars Fund picks students not only for their scholastic accomplishments, but also for their involvement in extra-curricular and community activities. Carson Scholarships are awarded to students in grades 4-11, who exemplify academic excellence and humanitarian qualities. Students receive $1000 and an Olympic size medal.

"It's nice they reward people for giving back to the community," said Alden Tonkay. "There are not a lot of people who appreciate it, and I think it's very important."

Alden has received the award the award five times. He is eligible for the scholarship until his 12th year of school, and hopes to receive it every year.

"The first time I won the award I was in fourth-grade and was nominated by Nicole Boris," Alden explained. "I had to write an essay along with a list of grades and my extra-curricular activities."

Laurie Tonkay said she likes the type of participations needed to get the scholarship.

"It honors kids for their academics and community service," said Laurie. "A lot of schools honor students for athletics or grades, but there are very few kids that are good students that also give back to their community."


Jack Tonkay said although you can win the award more than once, you can't rest on your previous success and expect to be awarded.

"As they progress along he must show growth and advancement each year, you can't just volunteer 50 hours each year and expect make it," He Said. "You have to take on more hours and show advancement."

Army Capt. William Wightman, JPED operations officer, and a past recipient of other scholarships, said the award is special.

"This is important," said Wightman. "I received similar scholarships when I was in school, allowing me to go to college for free. With this scholarship he will get to the school he wants to go to, not what he can afford."

Last year Alden organized a Fourth of July card drive for veterans at the Milford veteran's home, where students from Welch Elementary and Dover Air Base Middle School were asked to make cards for the retired military members.

"He is always looking for ways to help out," said Laurie. "A lot of the time I will ask if he wants to do any of the upcoming events and he'll excitedly say yes to most of them."

Alden's dream is to go to college and become a lawyer.

"I would like to study law at the University of Montana and become a criminal prosecutor," he said. "I want to help make the justice system better, and ensure criminals that are guilty get the punishment they deserve."