Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Winchester Scholarship Foundation?

The Winchester Scholarship Foundation is a voluntary, non-profit, tax-exempt organization founded in 1945. The WSF is directed by an elected board of community volunteers who donate their time and effort.

Our mission is to provide financial assistance to deserving Winchester public school graduates who otherwise might not be able to afford college or post-graduate studies. Since our founding, we have awarded over $4,100,000. And in 2008-09 alone, we were able to award $309,150 to 96 students.

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How is WSF funded?

The Foundation is funded primarily by Winchester residents, organizations and businesses. Many have expressed their generosity by donating property or other assets in their wills, or by endowing a memorial or honorary scholarship in someone’s name.

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Who is eligible for a scholarship?

Applicants for scholarships need to meet the following criteria:

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Who chooses recipients?

Scholarship applications are reviewed in complete confidence by a Scholarship Committee composed of members of our Board of Directors. The Committee works closely with the Guidance Office of the Winchester High School.

The amount of a recipient’s scholarship is determined first by the amount of unmet need and loan burden, and second by non-economic criteria such as academic performance, extracurricular activities, and community service.

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Who are the current WSF members?

Officers
Title Name
President Nancy Kinton
Vice President Joan F. Moriarty
Secretary Gerald B. O’Grady III
Treasurer Edward F. Lamson
Assistant Treasurer Pam Boerner
Trustees
Name
James R. Willing
Alan MacDonald
David Donahue
Scholarship Committee
Name
Patricia Mahon
Paul Rahmeier
Lesley Santini
James Maher
Publicity Committee
Name
Jack Wallwork
Nominating Committee
Name
Frank Fantasia
Communications Committee
Name
Carol Butt
Warren Butt
Fundraising Committee
Name
Timothy Bryan
Joe Ferreira
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Can I establish a permanently endowed, named scholarship in honor of or in memory of an individual?

Yes. We currently have more than 35 such funds in honor or in memory of an individual, or in the name of a group or organization. A list may be found below.

Records are kept of all donations made to the named scholarship, and the person or family is notified of each gift. A family or individual also has the alternative of establishing a named scholarship for a finite period of time, rather than being permanently endowed.

Named Scholarship Funds

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How can I get involved?

Since 1945, the WSF has depended on the continuing personal and financial commitment of Winchester citizens like you. We invite you to contact any current board member for more information. Please visit our website or contact the Winchester High School Guidance Office for more information.

Contributions can be made to:

The Winchester Scholarship Foundation
Post Office Box 174
Winchester, MA 01890
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