The Chester County Community Foundation announced that the Stephen Chandler Ericson Foundation hit a major milestone by raising $14,000 for its annual scholarship this year, and 2024 is full of milestones with it being the 40th anniversary of the scholarship, the 14th anniversary of the scholarship at the Chester County Community Foundation, the 45th scholarship recipient, and the 90th birthday of Stephen’s mother, Laura Ericson, who is the co-founder of the scholarship.

The Stephen Chandler Ericson Scholarship was founded in 1984 in memory of Stephen Ericson, who passed away  at 6:03 p.m. on Sept. 19, 1984. Stephen was running to score a goal at his soccer game when lightning struck, ending in a tragic accident. After an outpouring of support from friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers inquiring about making donations in his honor, Stephen’s mother and father, Laura Chandler Ericson and Joseph H. Ericson, Jr., established the Stephen Chandler Ericson Scholarship. The goal of the fund is to help young people with their education and inspire a mindset of giving back. 

The first scholarship was awarded in May 1985 and continues to this day.  The criteria for selection are based on the student having a good Christian testimony, a sense of humor, being an average student, having a good school spirit, being active in sports, and, active in music. 

In 2010, the Ericson family started the Stephen Chandler Ericson Foundation at the Chester County Community Foundation so donations could grow in perpetuity.  Each year, Stephen pays it forward from his heavenly address, as he helps high school students achieve their educational goals as they begin their freshman year of college or trade school.  The mission is three-fold: With God, turning tragedy into triumph, the importance of education, and paying it forward. 

Stephen’s sister, Cynthia said, “Stephen was a gentle and kind soul, with a great capacity for love and understanding. We pray the scholarship truly resonates with the student and becomes a catalyst for helping others, and embracing service above self, because one life makes a difference.”

The scholarship is awarded annually to a senior high school student in the Chester County area. The 2024 winner, Vedant Bedekar will be studying aerospace engineering at Georgia Tech University in the fall. He said, “Stephen’s story has inspired me to persevere in my studies and continue my passion for the things I enjoy, like swimming and music. It made me realize that you should never take things for granted and always cherish the opportunities that you have. I promise to use this money to better our world and make it so that more people have the chance to follow their dreams and pursue their passions. Thank you once again to everyone who made it possible for me to receive this award.” 

The Stephen Chandler Ericson Foundation would like to recognize their 2024 sponsors: Ken Harding, Brian and Dawn Harding, Jenny and Marc Harding Masino, Dr. Ralph and Pat Pacinelli, Ron DellaVecchia/DellaVecchia Reilly Smith Boyd Funeral Home, Carol Halebian, Theresa and Buzzy Gospodarek, Sara and Walt and Carole Styer/Styer Propane, Judd Clayton, Dan and Kate Duffey/Duffey HVAC - Sheller Energy, Conrad Muhly, IV/Terra Technical, Lenore Guthrie, Ilene Sussman and Steve Brodsky, Rob and Laura Beideman, Bud Feagans, Faye Whiteman, Cecil Bond/Great Valley Awning, Harvey McClure, Moyer Pest Control, RAMS Diner, Greater West Chester Sunrise Rotary Club Foundation, Andrew Thoresen/Oracle Forensics, Dale and Kathy Teter / Jersey Mike’s.

The Stephen Chandler Ericson Foundation is a fund of the Chester County Community Foundation. To learn more about the fund, please visit: https://chescocf.org/fund/stephen-chandler-ericson.