The Jody Smith Swatling Memorial Scholarship was established in 2009 through a generous donation to Jersey Surf by the Smith family of Frankfort, NY. Jody was apassionate special education teacher for more than a decade at Mt. Blue Middle School in Farmington, Maine, gaining additional recognition for her efforts in the classroom with a nomination for Disney’s American Teacher award. Mrs. Swatling was a percussionist in her high school’s drum line and was also a longtime fan of the drum corps activity. When Jody passed away in 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer, her family initiated this annual scholarship to honor her memory by assisting young musicians with a desire to be a part of the Jersey Surf organization.
Information for Scholarship Applicants
The purpose of the Jody Smith Swatling Memorial Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to members of the Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps, while celebrating the life and honoring the memory of this very special and loving person and gifted educator. Jersey Surf members interested in applying for the award must submit a brief written essay expressing their desire to be members of the corps and what their membership means to them.
Information for Donors to the Swatling Scholarship Fund
Donations are made directly to the Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps. Make sure to mark your contribution to the Jody Smith Swatling Memorial Scholarship on the memo area of your check.
For additional information on the Jody Smith Swatling and Doris Butler Memorial Scholarships, please contact Bob Jacobs, Executive Director of The Jersey Surf.