Captain Jennifer J. Harris, USMC Memorial Scholarship

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FOR SENIORS

CAPTAIN JENNIFER J. HARRIS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The purpose of the program is to provide scholarships in Jennifer’s name to students in their senior year at Essex County based high schools who will be attending an accredited college or university in the fall of 2025.

Scholarships will be awarded based on academic merit, an original essay, awards and recognition, and extracurricular/community service activities. Additional consideration will be given to those otherwise eligible applicants attending Swampscott High School (Jennifer’s alma mater) or those enrolled in a JROTC Program. A total of two scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each will be awarded. Applications and all supporting materials must be received by April 15, 2025.

ABOUT JENNIFER J. HARRIS

Jennifer J. Harris was a 1996 graduate of Swampscott High and upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 2000 was
commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. She attended The Basic School in Quantico, VA, and then flight school in Pensacola, FL, earning her Aviator Wings of Gold on September 13, 2002. Jennifer was then assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron (HMMT-164) in Camp Pendleton, CA where she learned to fly the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter and upon completion of training was assigned to the Purple Foxes Squadron (HMM-364) immediately deploying for Operation Iraqi Freedom. HMM-364 is a legendary squadron known since the Vietnam War for repeatedly answering the call of duty flying in and out of active combat
areas where imminent danger was always present. During her time in HMM364, Jennifer attended The Weapons and Tactics Instructor’s Course (WTI), the Marine equivalent to Top Gun training. Captain Harris was the first female pilot in the Purple Foxes Squadron.

A commitment to serve others was a core value guiding Jennifer and was most evident in her decision to serve our country. As a Marine, she combined this commitment with her sense of compassion to be one of the best CH-46 pilots in the Marine Corps. She performed her duties as a Casualty Evacuation pilot flying in and out of combat areas for the emergency evacuation of injured military personnel and Iraqi citizens, saving countless lives.

Captain Harris served three tours of duty in Iraq and was killed in action on February 7, 2007, when the helicopter she was piloting was downed by enemy fire.

For an application, click 2025 Harris Scholarship