Trustee Co-chair Gail Parker introduces the 2013 scholarship winners, Leah Chamberlin and Natalie Underdown.

Two winners for 2013

Leah Chamberlin and Natalie Underdown, both from our church, are this year’s recipients of the Arline M. Belyea Scolarship. Both young women were presented with $1,500 checks during the June 2 church service by Trustees Co-chairs Gail Parker and Duane Wakefield.

Arline Belyea, who passed away in 1984, was a child of the Great Depression. She left school at an early age to go to work. She eventually was forced to retire early because of chronic lung disease. In her last years, Arline discovered a love of music and an appreciation for the medical profession. She developed a renewed faith thanks to visits from the pastor and members of the Cape Elizabeth United Methoist Church.

Arline’s husband started a memorial fund to assist students in medicine, music, and the ministry. By presenting these scholarships, Arline’s family is honoring Leah and Natalie and their plans for higher education in the medical field.

Natalie Underdown

Natalie, a graduate of Cape Elizabeth High School, is planning a career in pharmacy. During high school, Natalie was a leader in sports (CEHS volleyball and Maine Junior Olympic volleyball), and displayed her musicianship (playing the saxophone and singing in the church choir).

Natalie’s service work has included Cape Coalition, school volunteering, summer camp work and more. Beginning this fall, Natalie will attend the University of New England for the first year of a long, rigorous pharmacy program.

Leah Chamberlin

Leah, of Scarborough, is a 2008 graduate of Cheverus High School. During high school, Leah spent hours volunteering locally, with Habitat for Humanity in Louisiana and mission trips to Louisiana and Honduras. She is a 2012 graduate of Hartwick College and she also studied at the University of Westminister in London and Ocean University in Qingdoo, China, during her college years.

Leah will be using her scholarship toward the first year of a three-year program at the New England School of Acupuncture, working toward a Master’s degree in Acupuncture.

If you know of someone who might qualify for the Arline Belyea Scholarship next year, please contact the Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church, 280 Ocean House Road, Cape Elizabeth, or by e-mail at capeelizabethumc@aol.com. We will send additional information and an application for the 2014 scholarship,