SOUTH PORTLAND — Southern Maine Community College presented scholarships to seven fire science students on Oct. 20, in recognition of their academic performance and community service. Ryan Krook of Sabattus and Robert Pratt of Minot were among the recipients.

The scholarships not only help recognize the work of the students and help them overcome financial barriers, but are also reminders of the lasting contributions made by the scholarship namesakes, according to Steve Willis, SMCC fire science department chair.

“We are so appreciative of the scholarship families’ and donors’ efforts to assist these very deserving students,” said Willis. “These scholarships really make a difference.”

Krook is a second-year fire science student at SMCC and is a live-in student at the Buxton Fire Department. He hopes to become a career firefighter/EMT and to pursue his interest in wildland firefighting.

Pratt is a two-year member of Minot Fire Department and a first-year live-in student at the Waterboro Fire Department. He hopes to become a career firefighter.