J. H. “BUDDY” RASPBERRY SCHOLARSHIP FUND SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

The top five applicant scorers, including the Captain John T. Scardasis and Tim Arthur Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by Ceres Gulf, recipients, will receive a maximum award of $9,000. The remaining twenty-eight scholarship recipients will receive an award ranging from $5,000 to $8,000. The maximum amount awarded for the financial hardship scholarship is $17,000. Scholarship awards may be applied to tuition, institutional fees, books, and supplies (if applicable). Funds may be paid directly to the scholarship recipients or to Educational Institutions on behalf of recipients.

Application Deadline April 14, 2023
Financial Aid Scholarship Application ($17,000)
Academic Scholarship Application (Up To $9,000)
The J.H. “Buddy” Raspberry Scholarship Fund awards over 30 scholarships each year in all courses of study including trade and vocational training. Scholarship recipients are selected based upon their prior academic performance, performance on tests designed to measure ability and aptitude for higher education, recommendations from instructors or other individuals of no relation, and essays drawn from personal experiences.

The Raspberry Scholarship Fund also awards one $17,000 financial aid scholarship to aid students who have proven economic disadvantages.

“Eligible Persons” are (1) Employees, children of Employees, spouses of Employees, or grandchildren of Employees, and (2) meet the minimum standards for admission to a post-secondary educational institution. An Eligible Person will be in the group of potential Fund scholarship grantees without regard to the position or duties of the Employee.

An “Employee” is defined in the Fund as every active, retired, or deceased individual who has worked an average of at least 1,000 hours per year in the West Gulf region of the United States during the last three years of active employment for an Employer. An “Employer” is defined in the Fund as a regular or affiliate member of the West Gulf Maritime Association that employs I.L.A. labor pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement, the Port of Houston Authority, or the South Atlantic & Gulf Coast District, International Longshoremen’s Association, AFL-CIO or any of its local union affiliates that provide labor to a regular or affiliate member of the West Gulf Maritime Association that employs I.L.A. labor pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.

J.H.”Buddy” Raspberry is a legend in the maritime community, especially in the South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District. Buddy served as president of the District from 1978 until his untimely death in 1990 and also served as general vice president of the ILA.

After graduating from high school in Houston he was an honor student at Texas A&M University and the University of Texas. After serving in the United States Air Force for four years, Buddy came to the Houston Waterfront in 1961 and joined ILA Local 1273. In 1963, he was elected to his first office in Local 1273 and became president in 1968. In 1974, he was elected secretary-treasurer of the District.

Buddy was elected to his first full term as District President in 1978 and over the next twelve years proved to be one of the most effective labor leaders in the history of the ILA.

Buddy was well respected by all who came to know him and in turn he respected every person – be they management or one of the newest members of the ILA. He was known for his forthrightness, his integrity and his commitment to the goals of those he represented. He was also known for his sense of humor and had the wonderful gift of being able to inject that humor into the most serious discussions when it was needed most.

Buddy was a “student” for all of his life in the sense that he never stopped learning. He was well aware of the value of a formal education and it is only fitting that his memory be honored by this scholarship fund.

Other compliance requirements, such as measures of good standing, may be required.

For information regarding the J. H. “Buddy” Raspberry Scholarship Fund contact Shareen Larmond or Eric Nelson.

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