PRINCETON – For the first time ever, several churches around Bureau County have joined together this year to offer a $1,000 Christian Service Scholarship to one student who has demonstrated Christian service to their school, church and community.

Pastor Brian Strom of Christ Community Church in Princeton said providing a scholarship opportunity to students has been a goal the churches have worked on for awhile, and this year the plan has come together

“We want to help recognize students who are living their Christian faith. It’s our way to give them a continuation to further the development of their own life ... It’s our way of saying, ‘Way to go. Here’s some help for your future,’” he said.