2020 Scholarship Recipients
The Scholarship Fund received 17 applications for the graduating class of 2020. There were many excellent candidates but at the end of the process two scholarships of $2500.00 each were awarded to Kate Bailey and Eric Bergeron.
While all 17 applicants were extremely qualified, the selection committee found these two individuals stood out. Our goal is to honor Kyle’s life by selecting students who we feel will continue the work that he had just started. With the depth and breathe of their achievements, we feel their character, goals and aspirations will do just that.
Kaitlin Bailey
Kate’s application stood out in a variety of ways. She is a three sport, scholar athlete with extensive volunteerism and extracurricular activities. She is known for her work ethic, positive attitude and lending a helping hand wherever needed. This student held leadership roles and doesn’t shy away from new challenges. But more importantly her leadership and kindness is demonstrated by putting herself out there, even when it’s not the popular thing to do! Some of her biggest accomplishments include spearheading a movement to end bullying, captain the WMass Championship Soccer team and volunteering at a local hospital. The committee agreed that she was one of our winners when we read her essay describing how self rewarding volunteering was for her and the impact she made on a patient while volunteering at the Pediatric Unit of Baystate Medical Center. Kate is attending Fairfield University where she is studying Nursing. Her goal is to become a Pediatric Nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Eric Bergeron
Eric’s recommendation letters highlighted him as a scholar athlete, whose determination, work ethic and perseverance is unwavering. This young man was involved in many clubs and organizations, active in his church, and works part-time to help fund his college education. He is known for leading by example and “going the extra mile,” whether to help tutor his teammates or achieve academic success. One of his most notable achievements was winning the gold medal at the 2020 WMass Wrestling Championships, after dedicating countless months in a rigorous training program. The committee agreed that Eric’s application demonstrated his determination to succeed and “Grit.” Eric is attending the University of Massachusetts, Isenberg School of Management where he is studying Finance. His future plans include starting his own line of small restaurants, implementing a socioeconomic business model to employ those in need of re-employment.
We were honored to award our first recipients…. Kate & Eric the Kyle Thibodeau Memorial Scholarship!!! Congratulations and best wishes in your future endeavors.