Sponsored by the 10th Mountain Division Descendants, Inc.

The Finn-Thornton Descendant Scholarship was named in honor of Capt. Frederick Finn (85 A & L)  and his daughter, Patricia Finn-Thornton.  Capt. Finn was KIA April 20, 1945, during the breakout into the PO Valley. Patricia Finn-Thornton was an educator and had a deep love for the descendant’s organization becoming the second President of 10th Mountain Division Descendants Inc.  Unfortunately, she never met her father as he was KIA in Italy several months after her birth. Patricia passed away in 2014 and the Board of Directors approved the renaming of our descendant scholarship in honor of Patricia and her father.

In conjunction with the goals of 10th Mountain Division Descendants, Inc., two (2) $3,000 scholarships will be awarded, annually. The applicant must be a member of  10th Mountain Division Descendants Inc and have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. A five-page research or reflection paper on the 10th  Mountain Division and a listing of completed community service is required. The scholarships will be awarded to  graduating high school seniors, entering their first year in an accredited institution of higher education. The $3,000 will be paid directly to the designated institution by the 10th Mountain Division Descendants, Inc.

Criteria: To be considered for the Finn-Thornton Descendant Scholarship, the applicant is required to submit:

  • A one-page letter of introduction.
  • A copy of the membership card or document verifying membership in 10th Mountain Division Descendants Organization, Inc.
  • A list and brief description of community service.
  • A five-page research or reflection paper on the WWII 10th Mountain Division. (A media presentation on the 10th may be substituted)
  • Documention verifying a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
  • Optionally, the applicant’s picture for publication in the 10th Mountain Division newsletter.

Due Date: If submitted by mail, the completed application material must be postmarked on or before May 1st. If submitted by email, the completed application material must be received on or before May 1st.

Mail To: Mr. Val Rios, 6816 S Maple Ave. Fresno, CA 93725
Email To: vrios913@aol.com
Inquiries welcome: (559) 269-7788