Congregation Etz Chaim (CEC) is pleased to announce that it is currently accepting applications for the Arnold Shapiro Community Service Award, a scholarship bestowed upon a member of the CEC community who is a high school senior planning to pursue postsecondary study and who has been actively involved in providing service to the CEC community.

The scholarship, which ranges from $500 to $1,000, is intended to support study in college, professional or trade school, or other post-secondary training or opportunities.

The application deadline is May 19, 2025, and the scholarship is awarded in June.

The Arnold Shapiro Community Service Award was created to honor Arnold Shapiro’s commitment and service to Congregation Etz Chaim. Arnold was raised in Biddeford and attended Hebrew School at Congregation Etz Chaim. He celebrated his bar mitzvah in 1944.

In 1980, Arnold Shapiro became the president of CEC, at a time when other Board members wanted to close the synagogue due to a lack of membership. He spent countless hours at the synagogue doing everything from organizing High Holiday services and attending bar and bat mitzvah services to recruiting volunteers and supervising building repairs. For over 30 years, Arnold unselfishly guided the congregation to the vibrant community it is today.

Those who meet eligibility requirements may fill out the scholarship application online at etzchaim.org/highschoolaward/

All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of the president of the Congregation Etz Chaim Board of Directors and members of the Education Committee.