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About Us
We are proof that the collective support of a community has enormous power to help its young people achieve their potential and affect change in their world.
About Us
We are proof that the collective support of a community has enormous power to help its young people achieve their potential and affect change in their world.
We are proof that the collective support of a community has enormous power to help its young people achieve their potential and affect change in their world.
The Foundation
The Winchester Scholarship Foundation is a voluntary non-profit organization dedicated to providing need-based financial aid to students who have graduated from Winchester High School. The Scholarship Committee composed of five Winchester residents, awards scholarships based upon unmet family financial need. Since its establishment in 1945, the WSF has been supporting students during their four college years as well as students pursuing graduate degrees. Income from endowed gifts from organizations and individuals as well as annual contributions are the principal source of funding.
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 $10,542,527. And in 2023-24 alone, we were able to award $551,300 to 118 students.
Coming Soon!
The Henry F. Quill Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1993 with a gift of $12,601.94. A committee composed of six Winchester residents, Catherine Alexander, William Caci, Mary McCue, Judith Muggia, Samuel Rotondi, and Sherman Saltmarsh led the community fundraising. The committee’s goal was to recognize a great family man and distinguished contributor to our community through many boards and committees. Among Henry’s community activities were President of both the Kiwanis and the Chamber of Commerce as well as a founder of the Winchester Sports Foundation Award. Henry was a WHS Class of 1956 graduate and a guard on the ’55 undefeated football team. Henry’s award will go to a WHS graduate who has earned a varsity letter on one or more varsity teams and demonstrated good sportsmanship and good citizenship consistent with a team player.
In 1994 the Winchester Scholarship Foundation received a $10,000 check from The Fortnightly to create a scholarship fund in their name. In 1881 a small group of ladies organized to better serve the interests of Winchester. In 1890 The Fortnightly became a charter member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in Massachusetts. In the early years, the group pioneered the organization of other groups such as the District Nursing Program, The Evening School for Adults, and the Home for the Aged. They also volunteered their services during World War I and World War II at veterans hospitals and with the Red Cross. When The Fortnightly created their scholarship through the WSF, they also presented a similar gift to Hospice Care of Winchester.
The following entry was found in the 1961 Treasurer’s report from the WSF Annual Meeting. “The WSF received a donation of $2,575 which the high school students gave as a memorial to Laurence Owen, the high school senior – skilled skating champion – who was killed in a plane accident. The money resulted from the sale of tickets to a rugby game.” This donation became the basis for the Laurence Owen Scholarship Fund.
On February 15, 1961 tragedy stuck the US Figure Skating Association and the Town of Winchester. On that day, Sabena Airlines Flight 548 crashed while attempting to land in Brussels. The entire 1961 US Figure Skating Team and their coaches, on their way to compete in the World Championship in Prague, died. Among the victims were Maribel Vinson Owen and her two daughters, Maribel and Laurence Owen. Maribel Vinson Owen was a nine-time US Singles Champion and a six-time US Pairs Champion, who participated in the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Olympics. She won a bronze medal in the 1932 Olympics. Following her skating career she became one of the greatest figure skating coaches ever according to Ed Swift, a senior writer with Sports Illustrated. Her daughter Maribel won a US Pairs Championship and was a Senior at Boston University. Maribel’s younger sister, Laurence, won a US Singles Championship and was a Senior at WHS. Her teachers touted her remarkable writing talent with a particular emphasis on poetry. In 1961 a new elementary school on Johnson Road was named in memory of the Vinson Owen Family.
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.
In 1995 a contribution from the ENKA Society Inc. created the ENKA Society Inc. Scholarship Fund. The ENKA award helped the Winchester Scholarship Foundation celebrate its 50th anniversary which coincided with ENKA’s 60th anniversary. Prior to the establishment of the fund ENKA had been supporting the WSF since its inception and is the organization with the most longevity supporting the WSF. Following the establishment of the ENKA Fund, Bob Crockett, the WSF Treasurer, and Mary Ann Crockett, ENKA President, studied previous ENKA donations and transferred from the unrestricted WSF funds to the permanent ENKA Fund an amount they felt represented previous gifts. ENKA’s 50 generous bequests cemented the long-term association between the two Winchester institutions.
Applicants for scholarships need to meet the following criteria:
Graduation from Winchester Public Schools (or alternatives as noted on the application form).
Acceptance for further education at an accredited school or college
Demonstrated financial need
Characteristics including ambition, extracurricular activities, service to others, and good citizenship
Coming Soon!
On April 24, 1985 the Winchester Savings Bank donated $5,000 to the Winchester Scholarship Foundation to establish the Winchester Savings Bank Scholarship Fund. The Fund was created to honor Winchester citizens who had served the Winchester Savings Bank as trustees and had made meaningful contributions to the bank’s governance. The first honoree was William J. Speers, a respected Boston lawyer, who contributed a significant amount of his time to the Winchester Community, the Winchester Savings Bank, and the Winchester Scholarship Foundation. Another important Winchester Savings Bank trustee was Austin Broadhurst, another respected Boston lawyer, who served on the Bank’s Board and was a WSF President among his many community endeavors. The WSB has continued to make donations to the WSB Scholarship Fund to recognize Winchester residents who have made important contributions to the governance of the Bank. Today the Winchester Savings Bank Scholarship Fund is invested in a WSB certificate and is valued at $22,000.
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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.
A scholarship fund in the name of Patrick J, McDonough Jr. was established in 1995 by $10,000 in gifts from Pat’s widow, Lorraine, Pat’s family, and friends. Patrick was a man who never made headlines, but was a working class hero very concerned about the welfare of friends and colleagues. His second family was the children who passed through the doors of the Vinson-Owen School during his 33 year tenure as the school’s custodian. He was a kind and sympathetic man when a kid was having a bad time. A tree was planted at Vinson-Owen by the students in the memory of the man they loved and trusted.
Officers
President – Gerald B. O’Grady III
Vice President – Bradford M. Otis
Second Vice President – Lesley Santini Ryan
Treasurer – Edward F. Lamson
Assistant Treasurer – Timothy Nolan
Secretary – Andrew Clavette
Trustees
James R. Willing
Alan MacDonald
David Donahue
Scholarship Committee
Laura Fitzgerald
Tom Howley
Stephanie Altavilla
Michael Houllahan
Publicity Committee
Janet Damaske
Pat Mahon
Nominating Committee
Bob Trakimas
Cindy DeRosa
Fundraising Committee
Frank Fantasia
Juliane Pandolfo
Nicky Shargel
John Mariani
Julie Condron
In 1972 a group of parents from the George Washington School created a scholarship fund to honor Dr. Lenore Rich. This fund awarded 12 scholarships to Washington School graduates from the time of Dr. Rich’s retirement to 1985 when the administration of the fund was turned over to the Winchester Scholarship Foundation. For 39 years Dr. Rich taught 5th grade at the former Washington School, was an elementary supervisor, and principal of that school from 1946 to her retirement in 1972. Dr. Rich’s life was one of service and dedication. She was loved and respected by those whose lives she touched.
The Winchester Art Association’s donation of $38,800 highlighted the WSF’s last telethon in 1999 and the WSF’s 54th year. The WAA was founded in 1932 by a group of local artists and patrons of the arts. During the its first sixty years the WAA held monthly meetings, displayed its art in the Winchester Library exhibits, and had a membership that exceeded 200 members. Exhibits of art from many Boston museums were popular. High schools students exhibited their art annually. One of the WAA’s most popular programs was the picture lending program, which supported annual donations to the WSF. After 65 years during the Library renovation interest waned and the Board of Directors stepped down. In the late Nineties a group composed of past and present Board members voted to donate the WAA funds to the WSF to support a WHS graduate studying the visual arts. Christine Loomis and Sandy Richardson presented the check of $38,800 during the Telethon.
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. Review the complete list, here (linked).
Records are kept of all donations made to each named scholarship, and the individual 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.
Coming Soon!
In 1984 the Winchester Scholarship Foundation received a $15,000 anonymous donation from a Winchester Hospital physician to establish the Medical School Scholarship Fund. This special fund was particularly important to the WSF because the fund was the first endowed scholarship fund earmarked specifically for graduate medical students. During the period from 1984 to 1991, the WSF received six additional donations from the same doctor, a prominent thoracic surgeon at the Winchester Hospital. Since its creation the fund has been supporting between four and five graduate medical students annually.
In 1999, following the death of Lewis Thompson, the Thompson Family, wife Sandy and children Andrew and Deborah, in concert with Lew’s company, Vacuum Barrier Corp. of Woburn, established the Lewis B. Thompson, Jr. Scholarship Fund. Winchester residents Thornton Stearns and Lew cofounded Vacuum Barrier in 1959. “Thorny” Stearns was an engineering graduate at MIT and Lew was an engineering graduate at Princeton University where he graduated with a mechanical engineering degree. Lew had a special affinity for the WSF among his community activities. In 1991 he chaired the Scholarship Committee. That year WSF awarded $146,000 to 55 students. In 1999 with the establishment of Lew’s Scholarship Fund, Vacuum Barrier committed to donating $1,000 annually to Lew’s fund and since then has made 21 donations, increasing the scholarship fund’s value to $42,831 as of 2021.
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 (linked) for more information.
Alternatively, please explore our website or contact the Winchester High School Guidance Office (linked) for more information.
Contributions can be made to:
The Winchester Scholarship Foundation Post Office Box 174 Winchester, MA 01890
On May 9, 2000 the William Parkman Masonic Lodge of Winchester created a scholarship fund with a gift of $10,000. The William Parkman Lodge ia a fraternity of men seeking to improve themselves through assisting the needy, an orphan or someone in distress.. The members of the Lodge meet monthly and conduct charitable operations principally directed towards the benefit of Winchester children. Winchester residents such as Gerald O’Grady, Paul Gleason, and Hal Richardson were instrumental in recommending their unrestricted gift. The Parkman Lodge supports Burn Institutes, Shriners Hospitals and Orthopedic Hospitals offering free care to children.
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.
The Nikola G. Andon Scholarship Fund was created in 1986 by an anonymous donation. Harris Richardson, who at the time was the Chairman of the Winchester Scholarship Fund’s Trustees, arranged the stock sale. Harris continued to orchestrate future sales into the mid-nineties when the Nikola G. Andon Fund reached $131,025. Addition information about Nikola will be greatly appreciated.
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.
In 2000 at the Winchester High School Class of 1960 40th Reunion, the Reunion Committee announced that they would like to start a WHS Class of 1960 Scholarship Fund. The fund will be for students who plan to enter the field of education. The goal of this award was to honor their WHS teachers who had been instrumental in each of their life’s journeys. At the reunion dinner on Saturday night the purpose and intent was presented to those in attendance with the goal of raising $10,000. The response was overwhelming and the fund was established by a gift of $15,000. Class leaders President Paul DelRossi and McCall Principal Vandy French continued these efforts raising an additional $5,000 at the class’s 45th Reunion. Another donation of $10,000 was raised at the Class’s 50th Reunion. And an additional $4,000 was donated in 2015 at the 55th Reunion. This fund has supported students pursuing a careers in education for the past twenty years. The Class of 1960’s example has been followed by the Class of 1962 and the Class of 2010.
The Alfred R. Meurling and Katherine T. Meuring Scholarship Fund was established in 1986. Alfred (Mickey) came to the Winchester School System during the Depression. He spent 40 years as a physical education teacher, 7th and 8th grade Boys Basketball Coach and junior high Assistant Principal. Physical fitness, unbridled enthusiasm, good clean fun, healthy competition and a real love for his students were the hallmarks of his teaching. Mickey’s love of physical education and coaching helped stimulate enthusiastic support for his spirited intramural program. When Mickey retired he received the Outstanding Service Award. Originally Mickey’s goal was for his scholarship was to support children he had taught.
On August 12, 1986 David Mortenson of the Winchester Scholarship Foundation and Ed Goodwin of the Winchester Cooperative Bank working closely with John and Mary Murphy created a Deed of Gift to be known as the John F. Murphy, Jr and Mary E. Murphy Scholarship Fund. It was the Murphys wish that the funds be invested in a federally insured account. These funds and an additional donation were deposited in the Winchester Cooperative Bank. The recipients were to be chosen based upon need and character. A further stipulation was the recipient should be from the neighborhood where Mrs. Murphy grew up.
Of great significance to the Winchester Scholarship Foundation are the many generous donations starting in 2002 from the John and Mary Murphy Educational Foundation. This fund is managed by the law offices of Hall and Sullivan. These donations are unrestricted and as a result are expended in the year received and generally support ten student awards each year.
Edith and Leo Pistorino established the Leo and Edith Pistorino Charitable Remainder Unitrust during their lifetime. Under the terms of the Trust, a unitrust interest was payable to them until the death of the survivor. At that time the remaining property became distributable to the charitable beneficiaries listed in the will on file. Leo died in 1998 and Edith died in 2002. As a result of having no children, their entire estate was distributed to charity. The Pistorinos were longtime residents of Winchester. They worked closely with Bob Willing to assist with the distributions. The Winchester Scholarship Foundation received a 5% distribution to establish the Pistorino Family Scholarship Fund.
Applicants for scholarships need to meet the following criteria:
Graduation from Winchester Public Schools (or alternatives as noted on the application form).
Acceptance for further education at an accredited school or college
Demonstrated financial need
Characteristics including ambition, extracurricular activities, service to others, and good citizenship
Harry E. Chafalo was a well-known and highly respected Winchester resident. Harry was known to some as “Mr. Winchester.” Harry began serving Winchester in 1947 when he became a Town Meeting member. From that point he served on nearly every Winchester board or committee including two terms as a Winchester Selectman. He was President of the Rotary and Rotarian of the Year three times. In 1987 Harry was honored by the Chamber of Commerce as the “Citizen of the Year.” Harry was a graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology. After graduation he established and ran a successful plumbing business for 50 years. Harry also received an honorary degree from Wentworth. Harry was 94 years old when died in 2001. At that time he was survived by his wife Betty and two daughters Marilyn Preston and Alice Perkins and four grandchildren. A huge number of contributions were received by the WSF in Harry’s Honor. A scholarship to be known as the Harry E. Chafalo Memorial Scholarship Fund was established with a donations of $10,000. The fund will support an annual award to a WHS student attending Wentworth. Since 2002 additional gifts increased the Chafalo Fund to $37,963.
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.
On May 22, 1988 Allan G. Rodgers and Sandra S. Rodgers established the Michael Wade Rodgers Scholarship Fund. Michael died in an automobile accident at the age of 22. At the time of the accident, Michael was a graduate student studying physics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Rochester, New York. The initial donation was followed by many additional donations in Michael’s memory. It is Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers intent that the recipients of Michael’s Fund be interested in studying A) physics, B) biology, or C) other physical sciences.
Officers
President – Gerald B. O’Grady III
Vice President – Bradford M. Otis
Second Vice President – Lesley Santini Ryan
Treasurer – Edward F. Lamson
Assistant Treasurer – Timothy Nolan
Secretary – Andrew Clavette
Trustees
James R. Willing
Alan MacDonald
David Donahue
Scholarship Committee
Laura Fitzgerald
Tom Howley
Stephanie Altavilla
Michael Houllahan
Publicity Committee
Janet Damaske
Pat Mahon
Nominating Committee
Bob Trakimas
Cindy DeRosa
Fundraising Committee
Frank Fantasia
Juliane Pandolfo
Nicky Shargel
John Mariani
Julie Condron
Following graduation from Harvard Medical School and residency at Children’s Hospital of Boston, Donald E. McLean and his wife, Jeanne, moved to Winchester where he practiced pediatrics for 40 years. Dr. McLean was affiliated with Winchester Hospital where he was Chief of Pediatrics. Dr. McLean will always be remembered for his close relationships with his patient’s families and children when house calls were the standard. Donald shared 63 happy years with his wife Jeanne. They raised three children in Winchester. In 1989 the Winchester Chamber of Commerce honored Dr. Donald E. McLean as Winchester’s Citizen of the Year. Dr. McLean was honored because of his dedication to Winchester where he has helped many people in his various roles. The ABC House, Winchester Scholarship Foundation, Jenks Senior Center, Mount Vernon House, and The Parish of the Epiphany benefited from Dr. McLean’s dedication of his time and expertise. On the occasion of the Citizen of the Year honor, his friends and patients started a fund to celebrate Dr. McLean’s interest and devotion to the young people of Winchester. In 1990 this effort resulted in gifts of $10,208 to create the Dr. Donald E. McLean Scholarship Fund. . Dr. McLean died in 2008. Additional donations of $3,455 were added to Dr. McLean’s fund which had increased in value to $54,687 at that time.
Clara C. Bavuso died on May 17, 2009 at age 87. She resided in Winchester with her husband Joseph in excess of 60 years. Clara and Joseph, who worked for the Winchester Water Department, lived on Cross Street. Clara volunteered with many town and church organizations mostly focused on children’s issues. Starting in her teen years Clara worked on the assembly line at National Radio in Malden. After retiring she often met with friends at Nelson’s Bakery, which she thought of as a second home. Clara always wanted to make a contribution to the young people of Winchester. She did not have the benefit of a formal education having gone to work at a young age. When her husband died her finances were difficult. Her wishes were that the money from her estate would be left to the Winchester Scholarship Foundation to help with student’s education, especially females. Upon her death her home on Cross Street was sold and the net proceeds were used to fund her endowed fund.
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. Review the complete list, here (linked).
Records are kept of all donations made to each named scholarship, and the individual 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.
In 1989 a donation of $30,000 from Damon Mezzacappa to the Winchester Scholarship Foundation established a scholarship fund in the name of Damon’s parents Antonio L. and Venezia A. Mezzacappa. Damon’s goal on his father’s 90th birthday was to honor his parents’ lifelong interest and participation in the education of youth. Professor Mezzacappa was born in Italy and grew up in Wakefield. He studied at Amherst College and Harvard University receiving a BS, a MS, and PHD, all from Harvard. Professor Mezzacappa taught at several institutions including Boston College and Northeastern where he was the Chairman of the Department of Modern Languages for 17 years. Venezia received a Masters Degree in French from Boston University and then taught high school French in Weston and Belmont. Professor and Mrs. Mezzacappa continued to teach and write during retirement and were active at the Jenks Center.
Their son Damon graduated from Winchester High School, Class of 1953. Following graduation from Harvard, Damon began a career in financial services ultimately becoming Vice Chairman of Capital Markets at Lazard Freres and later forming Mezzacappa Capital Markets. He died of lung cancer in 2015 at age 79. Their daughter Felicia Hall, WHS Class of 1951, is a graduate of Tufts University and a recipient of a WSF scholarship. Felicia taught Spanish at WHS and at the McCall Middle School. Felicia and her husband Andrew Hall were longtime residents of Winchester. Andrew was an active officer in the WSF in the Nineties. When Professor and Mrs. Mezzacappa died in 1995, additional gifts of $15,630 and $14,905 were received in their honor. At that time the Mezzacappa Fund was valued at $68,977.
Coming Soon!
In 1989 Guy and Adeline Mingolelli, longtime residents of Winchester, established a scholarship fund in the memory of their daughter Regina Mingolelli Pekoz. Besides Mr. and Mrs. Mingolelli’s gifts, gifts from Regina’s two brothers, Erol and Kenan, her two sons, Richard and Robert, and her husband Teoman were received to create the scholarship fund with a total value of $18,584. Regina graduated from WHS Class of 1957 and Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School Class of 1959. Following her marriage to Teoman, a Cornell University professor, she travelled throughout the world. During a period when Teoman taught in China, Regina led English classes in China. Regina is remembered by family and friends as a happy, creative, skilled, and active person. Regina succumbed to cancer in 1984 at the age of 44.
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 (linked) for more information.
Alternatively, please explore our website or contact the Winchester High School Guidance Office (linked) for more information.
Contributions can be made to:
The Winchester Scholarship Foundation Post Office Box 174 Winchester, MA 01890
On May 1, 2002 when Shirley Stowell Duffy died, she requested in a written “wish list” that a scholarship fund be established in the memory of her son James Stowell Duffy. James was a member of the Winchester High School Class of 1980 and a freshman at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst when he died in a boating accident. The James Stowell Duffy Scholarship Fund supports two to three UMASSA students each year.
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.
The Sandra Sheppard Rodgers Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 following Sandy’s passing. The Fund was created to recognize Sandy’s lifelong contributions to the Town of Winchester and the WSF. Sandy’s passion as a landscape designer is evident in many permanent local landmarks such as the Town Common, Winchester Public Library grounds and numerous town parks. Sandy led campaigns for the planting and maintenance of Winchester’s rotaries and roadway islands. She designed and funded the island on the Aberjona River, which is known as “Sandy’s Island.”
Sandy was very active in town government having served for 6 years on the Winchester School Committee and 25 years on the Design Review Committee. She served the Griffin Center for Photographic Art, ENKA Society, and the Board of Overseers of the MFA in Boston. Sandy became the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2003. The same year the Winchester Rotary Club awarded her its Distinguished Service Award.
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The Francis X. Finigan Scholarship Fund was created by donations from in excess of 140 donors from across the United States and Germany. Frank built the science department in Winchester by actively engaging the student with hands-on science activities. During his tenure, Winchester High School received many national awards. Frank was inducted into the Massachusetts Hall of Fame for Science Educators in 1973. In 1953 Frank founded the hockey program at Winchester High School. His leadership ultimately led to his induction into the Winchester High School Sports Hall of Fame. In addition Frank was an active contributor to town government in his hometown of Belmont. Former Frank Finigan Class of 1957 student, Steve Powers, commented that “Frank was a teacher, coach, mentor and friend to all students he taught and coached. Frank was outstanding in academics and sports.”
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.
On May 1, 1991 Warren D. and Carol A. Butt established the Karen Lee Butt Scholarship Fund in the loving memory of their daughter. Karen Lee graduated from the Mansfield Beauty Academy. Following graduation she began her career at Winchester’s Rolando’s Hair Design Salon where her skill and friendly personality won her the friendship of many clients. Karen Lee had a wonderful flair for her work and her love for her work was a perfect match for her clients and Rolando. Her parents Carol and Warren are WHS Class of 1960 graduates and were instrumental in the establishment of the Class of 1960 Scholarship Fund. Carol and Warren are longtime residents of Winchester and their son David is a graduate of WHS. Karen Lee died in an automobile accident in August 1986. It is the Butt’s wishes that the income from the Karen Lee Butt Scholarship Fund be awarded to students interested in cosmetology, the trades, or nursing.
Applicants for scholarships need to meet the following criteria:
Graduation from Winchester Public Schools (or alternatives as noted on the application form).
Acceptance for further education at an accredited school or college
Demonstrated financial need
Characteristics including ambition, extracurricular activities, service to others, and good citizenship
On March 2, 2000 Doctor Peter Mencher died suddenly while jogging. His wife Mary-Jo Adams and his two sons, Samuel and Nicholas, survive Peter. Following family discussions Peter’s sons decided donations in Peter’s memory should become the basis for a scholarship fund administered by the Winchester Scholarship Foundation. Forty-seven donations established the Peter Mencher Scholarship Fund with a beginning value of $10,650. The large outpourings of donations were received from patients, friends, colleagues, the Winchester Hospital Medical and Dental Staff, and The Winchester Hospital, where Peter was a respected and admired member of the Psychiatry Department. The establishment of the Peter Mencher Scholarship Fund was truly a community effort of many varied people and organizations that admired Peter.
On May 27, 1941 the Noonan School Mothers Association established a Trust to be known as the Elizabeth L. Naven Award. Annual gifts from the fund were to be awarded to former Noonan School students graduating from Winchester High School based upon merit (highest scholastic rating}. The Trust was amended in 1956 and 1960. On May 7, 1991, many years after the Noonan had closed, the surviving trustee, Janet Manzie, executed a Deed of Gift to the Winchester Scholarship Foundation. The remaining Noonan School funds of $3,225.68 were transferred to the WSF and the Elizabeth L. Naven Scholarship Fund was established.
Coming Soon!
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.
In August 2011, the Winchester Scholarship Foundation received a $183,186.04 check from the Melissa Mason Scholarship Trust Fund. This Fund had been established in 1999 to recognize Melissa’s contributions to many Winchester residents including cleaning houses. Her estate of $1,000 formed the basis for her fund. Five trustees, Edward Goodwin, Edward O’Connell, Barbara O’Connell, John Clark, and Marcia Russell governed the Trust. Fundraising events and community contributions allowed the Fund to grow to more than $183,000 while fulfilling its goal to support Winchester High School college-bound seniors who were economically disadvantaged. Preference was to be given to minority students and women. In 2009 the Melissa Mason Trustees began the process of transferring its assets to the Winchester Scholarship Foundation. It had become impractical and uneconomic for the trustees to continue to operate the Melissa Mason Scholarship Fund. This conclusion was developed due to the death of three trustees and the cost of the administration as a separate charitable entity was disproportionate to its size. After approval by the IRS and the Massachusetts Public Charities Division in August 2011, two separate payments were received to consummate the transfer.
On April 28, 2006 Katherine B. Hood passed away, predeceased by her husband Harry P. Hood. Katherine lived her entire life in Winchester attending the Wyman School and Winchester High School when it was located on the site of today’s McCall Middle School. She and Harry raised four children in Winchester. She was an active member of the Winchester community contributing her time to the Winchester Library, The Jenks Center, and the First Congregational Church. For many years she donated regularly to the Winchester Scholarship Foundation and the Winchester Sports Foundation. Reflecting her love of Winchester, the WSF received a generous contribution from her estate to create the Katherine B. Hood Scholarship Foundation.
Officers
President – Gerald B. O’Grady III
Vice President – Bradford M. Otis
Second Vice President – Lesley Santini Ryan
Treasurer – Edward F. Lamson
Assistant Treasurer – Timothy Nolan
Secretary – Andrew Clavette
Trustees
James R. Willing
Alan MacDonald
David Donahue
Scholarship Committee
Laura Fitzgerald
Tom Howley
Stephanie Altavilla
Michael Houllahan
Publicity Committee
Janet Damaske
Pat Mahon
Nominating Committee
Bob Trakimas
Cindy DeRosa
Fundraising Committee
Frank Fantasia
Juliane Pandolfo
Nicky Shargel
John Mariani
Julie Condron
The Winchester High School Class of 2010 was a very unique class from the moment they arrived at WHS in their freshman year. Led by Class President Matt Marrotta and Parent Advisor Cindy DeRosa began raising funds for their Senior Prom and class activities. Fund raising and helping others in Winchester and beyond became a passion for the class. During their senior year the class recruited Captain Richard Phillips of the Mearsh Alabama which was hijacked by Somali pirates in 2009. Over 400 people attended with the proceeds split between Winchester Hospital and the class’s treasury. WHS Principal Gwin said they gave a great deal back on a local, national and global scale. He also said they showed a greater commitment to service than any other WHS class that he could remember. Following graduation the class established their fund with a donation of $10,000 from moneys remaining in their treasury.
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. Click here for the complete list. (link)
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.
Since 1945, the WSF has depended on the continuing personal and financial commitment of Winchester citizens like you. To learn more, we invite you to contact any of our current board members or 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
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.
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.
Applicants for scholarships need to meet the following criteria:
Graduation from Winchester Public Schools (or alternatives as noted on the application form).
Acceptance for further education at an accredited school or college
Demonstrated financial need
Characteristics including ambition, extracurricular activities, service to others, and good citizenship
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.
Officers
President – Gerald B. O’Grady III
Vice President – Bradford M. Otis
Second Vice President – Lesley Santini Ryan
Treasurer – Edward F. Lamson
Assistant Treasurer – Timothy Nolan
Secretary – Andrew Clavette
Trustees
James R. Willing
Alan MacDonald
David Donahue
Scholarship Committee
Laura Fitzgerald
Tom Howley
Stephanie Altavilla
Michael Houllahan
Publicity Committee
Janet Damaske
Pat Mahon
Nominating Committee
Bob Trakimas
Cindy DeRosa
Fundraising Committee
Frank Fantasia
Juliane Pandolfo
Nicky Shargel
John Mariani
Julie Condron
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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. Click here for the complete list. (link)
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.
Since 1945, the WSF has depended on the continuing personal and financial commitment of Winchester citizens like you. To learn more, we invite you to contact any of our current board members or 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
In 2016 the Winchester Scholarship received an anonymous donation from a Winchester family in the honor and memory of Mary Jean Weylman. Jeannie Weylman was born in New York in 1935 and moved to Winchester after earning an undergraduate degree in American History from Mount Holyoke College followed by a masters degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education. She married Walther “Bud” Weylman in 1960 and began teaching in Concord for a short period before raising four children in Winchester. In Winchester, she always found time to celebrate her many friendships while at the same time serving two terms on the Winchester School Committee. In 1988, Jeannie began a twelve-year teaching career at the Ambrose School in Winchester. She pursued education and teaching with great passion. Jeannie was known for many innovative and enjoyable methods to stimulate her students to enjoy learning. Reading was her passion and it became her student’s passion. Jeannie retired in 2000 and died thirteen years later. The endowed fund was created to recognize Jeannie’s outstanding contributions to the development of her students. She taught fifth grade at Ambrose School from 1988 to 2000. The donors commented, “We are pleased to honor Jeannie’s remarkable commitment toward educating Winchester students. Jeannie made a difference.” Follow-up donations in honor of Mary Jean have allowed Mary Jean’s fund to increase to $104,935.
Charles J. Allen, a longtime Winchester resident, died on January 1, 2011 at the age of 72. Upon his death an endowed scholarship in his memory was created and named The Charles J. Allen, Class of 1956 Winchester High School Scholarship. Charlie was the president and founder of Allen Color Inc. of Cambridge, MA. Charlie served in the US Army in Germany in the late 50s. Charlie’s wishes were that two annual scholarships of $5,000 would be awarded to a male and female. Each of the recipients must have been a Winchester resident for the previous five years and have been a member of at least one varsity athletic team during his or her high school career. Mr. Allen participated in the Winchester Sports programs and was a member of the 1956 undefeated football team. It was his wish that recipient did not have to be the best, but an important teammate to the entire team.
The Miriam Reid Scholarship Fund was established in 2009 to honor the memory of Mim Reid, a beloved member of the Winchester Public School System for over thirty years. During her career Mim worked at all levels; as a reading specialist, an English teacher and finally as a staff member in the Special Education Department at Winchester High School. Mim’s special talent was seeing potential in her students and convincing the students that could reach that potential through her personal connection. A group of teachers led by Susan Brooks created this scholarship fund raising $12,123. Teachers, students, and parents contributed to the fund raising with projects such as car washes. The Mim Reid Scholarship will be awarded to a Special Education student recommended by the Special Education Department. The award will recognize students who have faced and overcome challenges and shown exceptional growth, both personal and academic, during their high school years. The WHS’s Special Education teachers will annually recommend candidates for the Mim Reid scholarship.
At the Winchester High School Class of 1962 50th Class Reunion the classmates expressed an overwhelming desire to make a gift to represent their deep gratitude for their years at WHS. The Class of 1962 determined that the best why to express their love of Winchester and WHS was through a scholarship gift for future WHS students. Led by Reunion Committee Chair Jim Moran, Judy Yore Fleming, Albie Macdonald, Roger MacNeill, Leslie Sanger French and John Lane, the class was able to raise $10,400 to establish the Class of 1962 Scholarship Fund. It is the class’s hope that the annual award will support a WHS graduate pursuing a career in education or healthcare.
On April 6, 2013, Bernard F. Crowley passed away after a long battle with cancer. The Winchester Scholarship Foundation received many donations to honor Bernie and to create the Bette and Bernard Crowley Scholarship Fund. Bette and Bernie were born and raised in Winchester and are graduates of the Winchester High School Class of 1951. Bernie completed his education at Norwich University and remained active with the Norwich Alumni Association. He proudly served in the U. S. Army for several years before beginning a 45-year career in the insurance business as the co-owner of Child-Genovese Insurance Company in Boston. Following graduation, Bette travelled west to Stanford University and graduated in 1955. Bernie and Bette raised five children while living in Reading and later in Melrose. In addition four Crowley grandsons have graduated from Winchester High School. Bette began teaching in the Winchester School System in 1970 and remains a fixture at Winchester High School today where she is a substitute teacher.
In 2014 the Winchester Scholarship Foundation received an unsolicited gift of $25,000 from the Chester and Muriel Dawes Charitable Foundation. The grant from the trustee, The Cambridge Trust, was given to create a scholarship fund, named the Chester and Muriel Dawes Scholarship Fund, restricted to college students pursuing degrees in engineering or healthcare. Chester and Muriel were long-time residents of Winchester. Muriel was born, raised, and educated in Ontario, Canada. Following graduation from the University of Western Ontario, she migrated south to the Boston area. She became a secretary in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Harvard University where she met her future husband, Chester. During Muriel’s retirement she volunteered in Winchester, regularly at Winchester Hospital every Friday.
Chester graduated from MIT in 1909 and later received a doctorate from Northeastern. He began his teaching career at MIT and moved to Harvard University in1911. He became an associate professor at Harvard and held that position until retiring in 1953. Chester was best known as an author of textbooks on electricity and as an inventor. His books can be found on the Internet today despite being published one hundred years ago. During World War I he taught electronics at the Naval Academy. When World War II began, he became head of a Harvard program to instruct servicemen in electronics. Following retirement, Chester became a director and consultant for Doble Engineering. Chester died at age 90 in 1977. Muriel died at age 98 in 2011.
In October 2001 the Winchester Scholarship Foundation received the following letter from a scholarship recipient, Scott Campbell: “Thank you for my very generous scholarship. Your financial award has made it possible for me to become a member of the Syracuse University community. My experience here has been fabulous. I am excelling in my classes as a student in the School of Management. I am taking full advantage of on-campus clubs and some intramural sports. I have met some wonderful people and I am just having the time of my life. Your support has made this all possible for me. I truly appreciate the opportunity the Foundation gave me, and I would just like to thank you again.”
On June 16, 2016, the WSF received an unexpected surprise in the mail. We received a $25,000 donation from the same WSF scholarship recipient who had written the thank you letter fifteen years earlier. The letter expressed gratitude to the WSF for investing in him as well as his desire to invest the money that was awarded to him back into the WSF to support future generations of WSF scholarship recipients. As a result, the WSF created The Campbell Family Scholarship Fund.
In 2017 the Kyra Koman Creativity and Kindness Scholarship Fund was created by donations from 104 friends to honor Kyra Koman, an extraordinarily gifted music student at Winchester High School. Kyra, Class of 2015, was a talented and vibrant member of the WHS Music Program, specifically as a singer. She thrived on the stage because of her angelic singing. Kyra was also an integral member of the WHS Volleyball Team and would sing the National Anthem before volleyball games. During the summer a volleyball fundraiser raised $1,275, which was added to Kyra’s Scholarship Fund. A committee composed of three members of the WHS Staff, Joel Buford, John Fleming, and Kristen Woodlam, will nominate a candidate for Kyra’s scholarship each year. The award is to support the continued development of students pursuing interests in the artistic and creative field, such as music, film, theater, photography or creative writing,
On March 9, 2016 Grace Raneri died at age 89. Under the terms of Grace’s estate, she requested that her executor, her sister Jean, distribute 10% of her estate to charity. The WSF was one of the charities chosen by Jean and the Grace Raneri Scholarship Fund was established. In 1948 Grace and Jean Raneri along with their mother immigrated to the United States from Italy. Their father had previously immigrated to the United States settling in Belmont. With the family reunited Grace and Jean began working in the Boston garment industry as seamstresses to support the family in addition to attending night school to learn English. After a few years of working in factory settings, Grace and Jean were motivated to better their lives and achieve more. While still working their full time jobs as seamstresses, both sisters enrolled in the Kree Institute of Electrologists of New York City. After completing their certification and license requirements in Electrolysis, they started working for the Kree Electrolysis salon located in Filenes in Boston. In the late sixties, Grace and Jean started their own electrolysis business on Winter Street in Boston. In 1979 Grace and Jean purchased a home in Winchester, where Jean continues to reside. They both retired from their successful business in the early nineties. Grace had aspired to be a teacher, but due to World War II was not able to complete high school or further her education. Her wishes for her scholarship fund were to focus on special education students of Winchester High School being accepted to college and for Winchester High students pursuing an Education degree with a concentration in Special Education teaching or administration.
In July 1974 Elizabeth Lois Leland Gardner created a trust in which one third of her trust’s annual income would be used for student scholarships to be distributed to Winchester High School students upon her death. In 2009 Elizabeth died and the trust began generating income to Winchester High School. This created a problem for WHS and Winchester in that there was no structure to analyze and distribute scholarships at WHS. Working with the School Committee the WSF was able to modify the trust document to allow the WSF to use its organization to analyze applications and award scholarships from the Gardner funds. Bank of America manages the Gardner Trust and distributes its income to the WSF.
Between the time of Mrs. Gardner’s death and the settlement of her estate, multiple income checks were received by the Winchester Town Treasurer. Upon the completion of the modification of the trust, funds of $144,317.75 were deposited in the WFS treasury. These funds became the basis for a separate endowed fund named the Robert Ellsworth Gardner and Elizabeth Lois Leland Gardner Scholarship Fund created and managed by the WSF. The Gardner Funds now contribute to our annual scholarships from income distributed quarterly by the Bank of America and from the scholarship fund managed by the WSF trustees.
JoAnn Roberto Luongo DeNapoli lived most of her life in Winchester and was a graduate of Winchester High School. She died in 2015 at the age of 95. Upon her death, the JoAnn DeNapoli Charitable Foundation, Inc. was formed and in 2020 it created an endowed scholarship in her memory. JoAnn’s family were the owners of the Luongo Vegetable Farm which was in operation from approximately 1920 to 2000 at what is now the location of the Willows Condominiums, off Cross Street. According to Attorney Stephen Politi, grandson of the Politi Family at 94 Highland Avenue, Winchester and President of the DeNapoli Charitable Foundation, JoAnn and her husband, Louis DeNapoli, not blessed with children, had a special interest in benefitting children. Mrs. DeNapoli’s will made specific charitable bequests benefitting hospitals and homes for children, Catholic charities, dog shelter organizations, organizations for veterans and the blind, and other charities.
In 2020 a gift of $10,750 from the Friends of Art organization created the Winchester Friends of Art Scholarship Fund. The Friends of Art was incorporated in 2000 with assistance of Winchester High School Art Director David Ardido. The organization was created to encourage excellence in and an appreciation of art among the residents of Winchester, to promote active participation in art, and to recognize achievement in art. During the recent years interest waned. The group disbanded and turned over its Treasury to the WSF to be used toward the support of the recipient’s further art education.
For fifty years John J. Sullivan was one of Winchester's most impactful citizens. In recognition of John’s life-long love of Winchester and his extraordinary service to Winchester, John’s family has created the John J. Sullivan Scholarship Fund to become one of the Winchester Scholarship Foundation's endowed funds.
John spent 37 years, nearly half of his life, as the Winchester Town Moderator. During this period he was able to guide Winchester through multiple school renovation projects, develop a flood mitigation program, and negotiate many tax override debates. In recognition of John’s many community contributions, the Winchester Chamber of Commerce awarded him the 1985 Citizen of the Year award. John continued to moderate Town Meetings for 32 years after receiving this award. John was extraordinarily effective because of his community knowledge, diligent preparation, and love of Winchester.
During the 1970s John entered town politics. He was elected to three successive terms as a Selectman. John also contributed to Winchester as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Winchester Cooperative bank for 31 years from 1986 to 2017 when he moved to Florida.
Other highlights of John’s life were: Winchester High School, Villanova University, US Navy, Vietnam War Veteran, multiple leadership roles in private industry, Boston College Law School, estate lawyer at Hall and Sullivan and marriage to Leah. John will always be remembered as a great family man, friend, and integral part of Winchester. We hope you will consider a contribution to the John J. Sullivan Scholarship Fund to honor John’s great legacy and his many contributions to Winchester.
Tyler graduated from Winchester High School in 2014. From the time he was a young child, he viewed everything with a creative eye. He loved woodworking, sculpting, and sketching and had a keen eye for colors, textures, and interesting lines. Tyler also had the knack of taking things apart and fixing them either by intuition or research. Fusing the creative passion with his ability to understand how things worked, Tyler taught himself how to design and cast jewelry. Dedicating himself to his craft, he tirelessly honed his skills and absorbed as much as he could from mentors in Boston and New York City. Tyler was very proud of his Armenian heritage and launched his jewelry career under the name Tyler Kupjian. The purpose of the Fund will be to provide college or graduate school scholarships to aid deserving Winchester High School students, who are pursuing education in the arts – visual, dramatic, or musical. The student may demonstrate a passion for the arts while pursuing another course of study. It is the Antonevich and Kupjian families’ wish that special consideration be given to applicants who may be forging a non-traditional path or who may need the funds to support their craft.
In August 2020, Bob Bigelow died unexpectedly at age 66. In recognition of Bob’s extraordinary career and his important contributions to Winchester basketball programs, a group of current and former Winchester residents created a Memorial Fund through the Winchester Basketball Association (WBA) to honor and preserve Bob’s legacy.
The project raised funds to renovate the outdoor basketball courts at Manchester Field and endow the Winchester Scholarship Foundation’s Bob Bigelow Scholarship Fund with a donation of $20,000. Future contributions made via the WBA’s webpage will be added to the Winchester Scholarship Foundation’s endowed fund in Bob's name.
Bob Bigelow was a lifelong resident of Winchester, an accomplished student-athlete at Winchester High School and the University of Pennsylvania. His basketball prowess led him to the National Basketball Association, where he became a first round draft pick of the Kansas City Kings. Later, Bob played for the San Diego Clippers and the Boston Celtics. Following a short coaching career at Tufts University and a business career at the MarComm Group, Bob returned to his true passion of sports, coaching and developing research-based practices to help both players and coaches. In the early 1990s, Bob founded the Winchester Basketball Association for young players. Ten years later, Bob spearheaded the planning, fundraising, and restoration of the Manchester Field courts.
Ultimately, Bob guided and influenced generations of young athletes, parents, and coaches, both locally and internationally. He conducted more than 2500 clinics around the globe. Bob also authored two ground-breaking books as well as multiple DVDs. His books, Just Let the Kids Play and Youth Sports: Still Failing Our Kids - How to Really Fix It each offered unique critiques and remedies for your sports.
The Donna Gildersleeve Scholarship Fund was established to recognize Donna's 45 years as a physical education and health teacher at the Lynch Elementary and McCall Middle Schools, as well as her more than 30 years as the athletic trainer at Winchester High School.
Donna's great strength was her ability to build meaningful relationships with her Winchester High School students, which she did through her training and care for members of the WHS sports teams. In testimony to her impact, nearly all WHS varsity sports teams donated to Donna's fund which was established with donations of $35,388.25.
The Kathleen Bodie Scholarship Fund was created to inspire and support outstanding Winchester High School students who wish to pursue teaching careers. The Scholarship Fund was the idea of several friends and admirers of Kathy's commitment to education during the past fifty years of her life. The scholarship will honor Kathy as a dedicated school educator and administrator, and public servant. Among Kathy's career highlights are 15 years as an elected member of the Winchester School Committee, 13 years as Superintendent of the Arlington Public Schools, 5 years as President of the Winchester ABC Program, and 27 years as an elected member of the Winchester Town Meeting. Kathy has consistently encouraged young people to pursue careers in teaching. It is hoped that recipients of this award will be inspired to emulate Kathy's exemplary life of service.
The Joseph M. Murphy, III Fund was created to provide college scholarships to Winchester High Students who have participated in WHS varsity sports. The Murphy Scholarship Fund was created by contributions in Joey’s memory by family, friends, teams, Associations and the Winchester Community at Large. Scholarships from the Fund have supported both male and female varsity WHS athletes during the past 25 years.
Joey Murphy was a 1999 graduate of Winchester High School. He played three varsity sports: football, basketball and lacrosse while being an honor roll student and a member of the National Honor Society. He was a tri-captain of the 1999 State Championship Lacrosse Team and was recruited to play lacrosse at College of the Holy Cross. In Joey’s honor the Boston College/Holy Cross lacrosse game was played at Winchester Knowlton Field. Joey’s Number 22 was retired at the end of the 2000 season.
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.
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.
Applicants for scholarships need to meet the following criteria:
Graduation from Winchester Public Schools (or alternatives as noted on the application form).
Acceptance for further education at an accredited school or college
Demonstrated financial need
Characteristics including ambition, extracurricular activities, service to others, and good citizenship
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.
Officers
President – Gerald B. O’Grady III
Vice President – Bradford M. Otis
Second Vice President – Lesley Santini Ryan
Treasurer – Edward F. Lamson
Assistant Treasurer – Timothy Nolan
Secretary – Andrew Clavette
Trustees
James R. Willing
Alan MacDonald
David Donahue
Scholarship Committee
Laura Fitzgerald
Tom Howley
Stephanie Altavilla
Michael Houllahan
Publicity Committee
Janet Damaske
Pat Mahon
Nominating Committee
Bob Trakimas
Cindy DeRosa
Fundraising Committee
Frank Fantasia
Juliane Pandolfo
Nicky Shargel
John Mariani
Julie Condron
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. Click here for the complete list. (link)
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.
Since 1945, the WSF has depended on the continuing personal and financial commitment of Winchester citizens like you. To learn more, we invite you to contact any of our current board members or 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
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 might otherwise be unable to afford college or post-graduate studies. In the 78 years since our founding, we have awarded nearly $10,542,527 million. In 2023-24 alone, we were able to award $551,300 to 118 students.
The Foundation is funded primarily by Winchester residents, organizations and businesses, many of whom 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. At present, WSF maintains a total of 56 endowed funds.
Applicants for scholarships need to meet the following criteria:
Graduation from Winchester Public Schools (or alternatives as noted on the application form).
Acceptance for further education at an accredited school or college
Demonstrated financial need
Demonstrated quality of character, including ambition, involvement in extracurricular activities, service to others, and good citizenship
Yes. Because individual family circumstances can change, and the amount of support you recieve from your school may fluctuate, the WSF requires that students apply each year.
Yes! The WSF has one endowed fund established to support medical graduate students exclusively, and the WSF will support graduate students in other fields with our general funds.
The student must visit with their student advisor or bursar at the beginning of each semester to ensure that the WSF is billed for each semester. It is the student's responsibility to assure the WSF funds are used completely. Every year some unused funds are returned to the WSF Treasury.
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.
OFFICERS
President - Stephanie Altavilla
Vice President - Karen Garrett
Asstistant Vice President - Michael Rauseo Secretary - Bernadette Kearney
Treasurer - Lesley Santini Assistant Treasurer - Michael Houlahan
TRUSTEES
David Donahue
Alan MacDonald
James R. Willing
Absolutely! Establishing a named scholarship is a beautiful way to make a lasting tribute – to an individual or an organization – and we are thrilled to have 56 such funds at present. View the complete list here, or learn more about how to establish a scholarship.
Since 1945, the WSF has relied exclusively on the continuing personal and financial commitment of Winchester citizens like you, and we welcome your support and involvement! Your can learn more by visiting our Support page, connecting with any of our current board members, or contacting the Winchester High School Guidance Office.
Contributions can be made to:
The Winchester Scholarship Foundation Post Office Box 174 Winchester, MA 01890
Our Impact
We believe firmly that access to education ignites potential and prepares WHS graduates to affect positive change in their community and around the world. Because an investment in even one student can make a difference for generations to come, we are able — through the extraordinary generosity of Winchester individuals and organizations — to make far-reaching impact.
2024-25 By The Numbers
$638,895
Total Awarded
155
Total Awardees
$4,122
Median Award Total
20-Year Review
The growth of our scholarship awards is closely correlated with the growth of our endowed funds and the support of the John and Mary Murphy Educational Foundation.
"I was so excited and grateful to receive such a generous contribution…Thank you again for all of your support. I am working hard to earn it, and can't wait to give back to Winchester down the road!"
- A WSF BENEFICIARY