Some of the most powerful stories come from those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. Across the state, more than 94,000 veterans and another 8,900 active, reserve and civilian military members live in Montana, according to the Census Bureau. That is a huge population of local heroes worth honoring and celebrating!
In 1944, while driving to a faculty meeting at the Los Angeles high school where she’d served as principal for almost three decades, Ethel Percy Andrus made a decision that surprised even her. She decided to retire and leave the school she loved in order to take care of her mother, Lucretia, who had been in poor health.
Since 2018, AARP Montana has offered a yearly essay contest scholarship, which celebrates tribal elders. AARP Montana has partnered with tribal colleges across the state to offer the "Honor Your Elders" scholarships. The students with the winning essay receive $1,000 to be used toward tuition and/or books for the academic year.