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The Eagles Riders, a club associated with the Fraternal Order of Eagles #4506, awarded three $1,000 scholarships to First Flight High School students on Saturday night, July 22, 2023.

The scholarships were gifted to recipients Tatum Dermatas, Reagan Riddick and Andy Cottrell in the name of Eagles Riders members that have passed on, the “fallen riders.” Eagles Riders president George Beddow explained that even in the midst of recovering from the fire that destroyed the club’s building back on July 24 of last year, the club was able to raise $3,000 with the help of the community through raffles and fundraisers.

“Our motto has always been, ‘People helping people,’” Beddow shared. “We really want to thank everyone that participated on the island and contributed to our fundraisers to make this happen.” The club president said he hopes this is the first of an annual scholarship program, with the awarded funds growing year by year.

Fraternal Order of Eagles #4506 president Ed Snyder said, “the Eagle Riders have gone above and beyond to try and help us with this club … I think it’s wonderful that they’ve started the scholarship program.” The Eagles have contributed to the community through their fundraising for years, supporting organizations such as the Food Bank, Special Olympics and Hotline. Once their building is restored to a better-than-ever condition, they hope to grow their fundraising campaigns.

Dermatas will continue her studies at the University of North Carolina, Riddick at Presbyterian College and Cottrell at East Carolina University. The students were ecstatic to be recognized at the event on Saturday night. “Thank you, this means more than you know,” Riddick said as she received her scholarship.

To learn more about the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Eagles Riders and to donate to the civic organization to help with fire recovery, visit eaglesobx.org.

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