The Portland Camera Club has awarded their first $1,500 scholarship to Rachel Lake, a senior at Lake Region High School.

Richard Sawyer, president of the Club, said “Rachel’s application provided the Committee with a true sense of her love and passion for photography, and we are pleased to help in her efforts to develop her skills.”

Rachel will attend Endicott College in the fall, where she will minor in Photography. He met recently with Rachel and two of her teachers at Lake Region High School, Teal Carlson and Christina Gaumont, who wrote letters of recommendation for Rachel.

The Portland Camera Club was named for Horace Latimer and his sister, Grace, and Charles Hutchinson who made bequests to the Club in the 30s and 60s that provided the funds for the program. The scholarship of $1,500 was established this year to be awarded annually to a graduating senior 17 or older from a high school in Cumberland or York County and is based on a demonstrated and passionate dedication to photography.

“This award is intended to encourage young people to further develop their passion in photography,” Sawyer said. “We are delighted to acknowledging the talents Rachel has already demonstrated with her photographic skills and look forward to recognizing talented students in the future.”

About The Portland Camera Club: Founded in May 24, 1899, the Portland Camera Club is one of the oldest camera clubs in the United States. The club welcomes anyone interested in photography, whatever their level of experience. Their programs include education through classes, workshops and guest speakers as well as competitions. The Portland Camera Club is a charter member of the Photographic Society of America and the New England Camera Club Council.