Holliston High Celebrates Students with Over $157,000 in Scholarships

Holliston High School’s recent scholarship evening was marked by community spirit and recognition of student achievements, with 83 awards totaling over $157,000 granted to 63 recipients. The awards ceremony featured stories and personal reflections from presenters, honoring the memory and legacy of individuals connected to the Holliston community. The scholarships, each with distinct criteria, celebrated students’ academic accomplishments and their various contributions to community life, the arts, athletics, and public service.

At the forefront of the event was the presentation of the Justin D. Brocker Scholarship, established in remembrance of a Holliston High School graduate whose passion for computers continues to inspire. This was followed by a series of memorial scholarships, including the Elizabeth Stillings Brooks Memorial Scholarship, focusing on students dedicated to writing and the arts, and the Matthew Damigella Award, among others. Each award, such as the Donna R. Keenan Award, the Masonic Lodge Award, and the Elaine Mitso Memorial Scholarship, not only provided financial support but also served as a notable tribute to individuals who have left a lasting mark on the community.

The presenters, comprising family members and community representatives, shared their personal stories and the significance of the individuals for whom the scholarships were named, thus adding a layer of emotional resonance to the proceedings. The awards ceremony celebrated a diversity of talents and interests, from the Virginia Aldrich McGrain Award to the Ethan Bag Memorial Scholarship, each reflecting the unique life and values of its namesake.

In addition to the memorial scholarships, the meeting shone a light on the recipients of the Terase S Kaval Scholarship Award, the Mary C Flatley Scholarship Award, and the Holliston Business Association Scholarships, among many others. Criteria for these awards ranged from academic excellence to specific field dedication, community service, and involvement in sports or the arts. Recipients expressed their gratitude for the recognition and support.

The evening was not only about financial aid but also a celebration of community involvement. Barbara Ryan presented the Holliston PG ESS scholarship award, and Zachary Robinson was recognized as the 2024 PTO scholarship recipient. Brian McDonald emphasized the life lessons imparted by youth sports while presenting the Holliston Youth Baseball Softball Association scholarships. Scholarships from the Holliston Youth Basketball Association celebrated achievements both on the court and in the classroom, while the Holliston Youth Lacrosse Association and the Holliston Youth Soccer Association also recognized their respective scholars.

Adjustmentsttention was given to the Holliston Police Association John Johnson Memorial Scholarship, awarded to Ann Valentini for her project on the dangers of drinking and driving. The Holliston Special Education Parent Advisory Council presented scholarships for the first time. The Hughes mentorship scholarship and the Middlex Savings Bank award recognized individual students for their personal and academic success. Public service dedication was also honored, with Sarah Buckley receiving the Officer David J Moore memorial service scholarship.

The Timothy O’Connell Memorial scholarships and the Eric J with Sky Memorial Scholarship were given to students who demonstrated community contributions. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of the hard work and support from the school counseling department, specifically Valerie Cille, the school counseling secretary, and the foundations and organizations enabling the scholarships.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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