A Cape Cod Canal Cruise to raise money for the Mary Jane Pillsbury Memorial Scholarship Fund brought in $2,500 on Saturday, September 10. The dollars which be used to fund scholarships benefiting local students.

The scholarship fund was created in memory of Mary Jane Pillsbury, who died in 2008 after a battle with cancer. She served as a Wareham Selectman for 15 years and worked for the Wareham Free Library for 35 years, 25 of which were spent as library director.

"The cruise was a great success," said Matthew Pillsbury, Mary Jane's son. "We had a good turnout and it is always wonderful to have an event that brings people together to have fun for a good cause."

The scholarships are awarded to students who plan to study English, art, or education in college and to Wareham residents who are pursuing a master's degree in library science. Mary Jane was an English and art teacher in Iowa before moving to Wareham.

The fund's inaugural scholarships were awarded to members of the Wareham High School class of 2011: Jenna Cannon, Susan Martin, Samantha Putzig, and Alana Watkins.

Matthew said he and his family are happy they are able to help students from the community.

"I think that scholarships are needed more than ever as the cost of education is on the rise and young students really need help to pay for their education," he said.

Matthew said the family's success in fundraising for the scholarships "is a testament to how loved and admired my mother continues to be in Wareham. As soon as people hear that an event is planned in her honor, people are right there ready to help."

He added: "Losing a loved one can be very difficult, but knowing that all of [his mother's] good work on the town's behalf is remembered makes this a worthwhile experience."

For more information about the Mary Jane Pillsbury Memorial Scholarship Fund, visit www.mjpscholarship.wordpress.com or e-mail MJPScholarship@gmail.com.