The Freeman Project is pleased to announce that Samuel Montone of Richmond Hill is the 2023 scholarship recipient of the USMC Capt. Matthew Freeman Memorial Scholarship. He was presented with the award and a $4,000 scholarship.

Montone is a graduate of Montone Academy, an accredited home school programs and is currently deciding on attending Hillsdale College, Christendom College or Ave Maria University.

Montone exhibited the same high academic standards, leadership, community involvement and dedication to God and country as Capt. Freeman.

Isabelle DeBry and Natalie Cuson were the two other finalists and both received $1,000 scholarships.

DeBry is a graduate of St. Vincent’s and Cuson is graduate of Richmond Hill High School.

The scholarship was open to all seniors of Bryan County, including both public high schools, private schools as well as accredited home school programs.

The Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church recently hosted the event for the presentation followed by a reception that included family and friends of the scholarship recipients, as well as members of the scholarship committee and Freeman Project board members.

Gold Star Mother Lisa Freeman once again commented on how difficult a job the scholarship committee had in selecting a winner and was proud to present the two other finalists with scholarships.

During the awards presentation, Mrs. Freeman spoke about the importance of putting on the “Full Armor of God” as her son did when he left for war and how having God as their guide was the most important personal gift young people can give themselves during these challenging times.

This scholarship was established to honor the life of Matthew Freeman after he was killed in action on August 7, 2009 in Afghanistan.

Matthew graduated from Richmond Hill High School with honors in 1998 and went to the United States Naval Academy where he was able to fulfill his life-long dream of becoming a Marine Corps aviator.