Foundation for Rural Education and Development (FRED) General Scholarships recognize outstanding students who have rural backgrounds, are interested in pursuing careers in the telecommunications industry, or show the desire to live and work in a rural community upon completing his/her education. The scholarships range from $1,000 - $2,500.

Everette Kneece Return to Rural America Scholarship is presented to one outstanding scholar who shows the desire to live and work in a rural community upon completing his/her education. The recipient will be awarded $5,000 to cover the cost of tuition, fees and books.

Applications can be obtained from high school guidance counselors, or online at www.fred.org. The deadline for students to be considered for a FRED scholarship is February 8, 2008, however, completed forms and proper documentation should be sent to Jennifer Prince, Granite State Telephone, P.O. Box 87, South Weare, NH 03281-0087 by January 31, 2008.

FRED is a charitable organization established in 1989 by rural telephone companies like Granite State Telephone to address the educational and developmental needs of rural areas. The foundation raises funds to sponsor programs and activities that will further enhance the educational, social, and economic conditions of rural America.

Granite State Telephone is dedicated to supporting students with aspirations on furthering their education. Granite State Telephone is a locally owned and operated communications company serving the communities of Chester, East Deering, Hillsborough Upper Village, Sandown, Washington, Weare and Windsor with over a century of telecommunications experience. Affiliates include Granite State Long Distance, providing long distance telephone service, and GSInet providing high speed Internet access, and full-service website hosting, development and maintenance.