Jacob Bittens Receives Lieutenant Richard F. Kelleher Memorial Scholarship

Jacob Bittens, Simsbury High School class of 2011, received the Lieutenant Richard F. Kelleher Memorial Scholarship given by the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company. Bittens is the son of Bob and Gail Bittens. 

He will attend New York University and major in film. During his high school years he made one feature film and many short features. They can be found on YouTube, with a caution that there is adult language in many of them. His feature film is a commentary on the effects of drugs in Simsbury. Titled “Simsbury,” it is in eight parts. His latest is “Through the Heart” made with high school theater students active in the arts. 

Bittens’ interest in film making led him to SCTV two years ago where he began filming the board of selectman meetings soon after joining. 

“It is always exciting to be up to date with what is going on in town and seeing what is being acted upon,” he said. 

The Kelleher scholarship was established in 1983 and is given annually in memory of the first Simsbury firefighter to die in the line of duty. 

This information was provided by the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company in a press release.