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I was delighted to see the endorsements for Board of Education in the Oct. 8 Gazette ("Clear choices for school board seats").

Phil Kauffman will bring many fresh ideas to the board.

Voting for Stephen N. Abrams is so important. He has removed obstacle after obstacle to make the Montgomery County Public Schools Foundation's Scholarship Program successful.

All board members support this program, which bring scholarships to our low-income students who graduate from our high schools — students who could never save the $3,200 for tuition while working at low-wage jobs, helping to support their families and paying for all their own needs.

Abrams has been steadfast in his support for these low-income students whose lives we change with two years at Montgomery College. Many go on for four-year degrees. But a two-year graduate can earn a good salary in a support position so necessary to our economic engine.

We have been told by social service agencies that as soon as a member of a family graduates, the atmosphere for the extended family focuses on education. Many are able to forego food stamps so our $6,400 for a two-year degree saves thousands for the taxpayers.

Esther Gelman, Potomac

The writer is chairwoman of the MCPS Educational Foundation Scholarship Program. She also is a former county councilwoman, serving from 1974-86.