UPTON – As a national dialogue continues on the issue of student loans and debt, members of the Blackstone Valley Tech Class of 2014 have minimized their reliance on borrowing by securing nearly 200 scholarships and awards with a collective renewable value of nearly $1 million.
Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick noted that Valley Tech students continue their career training on a variety of pathways including employment, post-secondary education, apprenticeships, and military service. Fitzpatrick said that regardless of a student’s chosen path, a scholarship of any amount can play a significant role in continued career training.
“For the young adult eagerly entering the workforce, an award of even a few hundred dollars can purchase many of the tools and hardware needed at the start of a successful career,” Fitzpatrick said. “Larger scholarships covering tuition and fees at a college or university ensure that a student can acquire 21st century skills required in many fields without acquiring a burdensome amount of debt.”
Fitzpatrick added that the pursuit of supplemental financing is a skill Valley Tech strives to impart on its students. Fitzpatrick said the District sets an example for its students by working tirelessly in securing grants and other sources of additional revenue to complement the investment of local taxpayers. In fiscal year 2014, the District complemented its member towns’ assessments by roughly $1.9 million.
Blackstone Valley Tech extends special congratulations to this year’s Superintendent’s Scholar Award recipients Jennifer Morin of Mendon and Jake Rivard of Northbridge. Morin and Rivard are both graduates of the Drafting and Engineering Technology program and served as the Class of 2014 Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively. In addition to the annual Superintendent’s Scholar Award, the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators selected Morin as Valley Tech’s 2014 Outstanding Vocational Student in recognition of her commitment to exceeding academically and mastering the skills of her trade while taking on leadership roles in extracurricular activities. This fall, Rivard will enter the Electrical Engineering program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Morin will further her career training by enrolling in the Mechanical Engineering program of Northeastern University.
The following is a list of the scholarships and awards earned by members of the BVT Class of 2014, along with each student’s immediate plans for further career training. Students are categorized by town and listed alphabetically by last name. Scholarship amounts reflect the first-year total.
BLACKSTONE
Rachel Boisvert – Bridgewater State University (Athletic Training)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $910
Hunter Dynko – Worcester State University (Undecided)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $970
Luan Duong – Florida Institute of Technology (Electrical Engineering)
GAC/VTEF Craftsmanship Award for Electronics & Engineering Technology: $100
Lauren Fraine – Bridgewater State University (Elementary/Special Education)
Stanley F. Stachura Memorial Sports Scholarship: $200
Samantha Giffen – Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (Psychology)
Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation Scholarship: $1,000
Nicolette Haug – Bryant University (Human Resource Management)
Bryant University Merit Scholarship: $22,000
National Honor Society/National Technical Honor Society Scholarship: $500
Richard Keene – Johnson & Wales University (Culinary Arts)
Culinary Arts Alumni Scholarship: $200
Katelin Riley – Assumption College (Psychology)
Friends of Rachel Scholarship: $250
Daniel Williamson – Quinsigamond Community College (Manufacturing Technology)
Whitinsville Golf Club Award: $125
BELLINGHAM
Timothy Chartier – Champlain College (Game Art and Animation)
ANP Blackstone Energy Company Scholarship: $500
Meghan Gill – Mount Ida College (Dental Hygiene)
Catherine Philbin Public Health Scholarship: $500
Jessica Lema – Worcester State University (Elementary Education)
Dean Bank Scholarship: $1,000
Courtney Leonard – University of Massachusetts, Amherst (English/Post-Secondary Education)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $1,714
National Honor Society/National Technical Honor Society Scholarship: $500
Gregory Millette – Employed (Automotive Technician, Blackstone Automotive)
David J. Rose, Jr. Memorial Award: $500
Shannon O’Toole – University of Connecticut (Environmental Engineering)
Roger V. Burns Memorial Award: $250
Brittany Rovedo – Johnson & Wales University (Sports/Entertainment/Event Management)
ANP Blackstone Energy Company Scholarship: $500
GAC/VTEF Craftsmanship Award for Culinary Arts: $100
Samantha Sadwin – Dean College (Dance/Psychology)
Valley Tech Education Foundation Scholarship: $500
Samantha Salois – University of Massachusetts, Boston (Psychology)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $1,714
DOUGLAS
Philip Burch – University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (Crime and Justice)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $1,417
Saint Denis Catholic Women’s Council Scholarship: $300
Wendy’s High School Heisman – School Winner
Ryan Kearney – Pursuing Employment (Transportation)
Michael Martino Memorial Award: $425
Danica McCallum – The United States Coast Guard (Search and Rescue)
Joey Wilson Memorial Scholarship: $600
GRAFTON
Cole Antalek – Wentworth Institute of Technology (Civil Engineering)
Stanley Award for Tools: $200
Joshua Cederlund – Culinary Institute of America (Culinary Arts)
Culinary Arts Alumni Scholarship: $200
Adam Donabed – University of Maine (New Media)
GAC/VTEF Craftsmanship Award for Information Technology: $100
University of Maine Recognition Scholarship: $5,000
Taylor Glickman – University of Massachusetts, Amherst (Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies)
BVT Teachers Association Paul Sullivan Award: $500
Zachary Martel – West Virginia University (Chemistry)
Timothy J. Yacino, Sr. Memorial Award: $500
Jacob Ramos – Mount Ida College (Criminal Justice)
Delisle-Goulet American Legion Auxiliary Unit 92 Scholarship: $250
Sons of American Legion Post #92 Scholarship: $500
Stanley F. Stachura Memorial Sports Scholarship: $200
Edward B. Waters Memorial Scholarship: $500
Kyle Webber – Wentworth Institute of Technology (Mechanical Engineering)
Mathew L. Fleming Memorial Award: $200
Gene Haas Foundation Machining Technology Scholarship: $5,000
Wentworth Institute of Technology Merit Award: $15,000
HOPEDALE
Deanna Decoteau – Employed (Food Services/Hospitality)
GAC/VTEF Craftsmanship Award for Cosmetology: $100
Jared Talamini – Wentworth Institute of Technology (Mechanical Engineering)
Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation Scholarship: $2,500
Wentworth Institute of Technology Merit Award: $15,000
MENDON
Jared Gardner – The United States Army (Infantry)
Joseph J. Coley Memorial Tool Award: $250
Michael Godowski – University of Northwestern Ohio (High Performance Automotive)
John Lachapelle Memorial Award: $500
Saint Gabriel Catholic Women’s Club: $250
Saint Gabriel the Archangel Knights of Columbus Scholarship: $250
Jennifer Morin – Northeastern University (Mechanical Engineering)
ANP Good Citizenship Scholarship for a Mendon Student: $500
Cumberland Farms Scholarship: $1,000
MAVA Outstanding Vocational Student Award
Mendon Lions Club Scholarship: $750
Northeastern University Dean’s Connections Scholarship: $17,000
Superintendent’s Scholar Award
Valley Tech School Committee Vocational Award: $200
Wendy’s High School Heisman School Winner & State Finalist
Jessica Roberts – Mount Ida College (Veterinary Technology)
Herman Buma Memorial Scholarship: $500
GAC/VTEF Craftsmanship Award for Construction Technology: $100
Whitinsville Golf Club Award: $125
Alana Thirsk – Philadelphia University (Architecture)
Eugene Picard Memorial Scholarship: $500
MILFORD
Erik Bailey – Anna Maria College (Psychology and Music Therapy)
GAC/VTEF Craftsmanship Award for Multimedia Communications: $100
Milford Performing Arts Center Devendorf Memorial Scholarship: $300
George Bolosky IV – University of New Hampshire (Undeclared)
GAC/VTEF Craftsmanship Award for Automotive Technology: $100
Nicole DeFonzo – Regis College (Nursing)
Friends of Rachel Scholarship: $250
Italian American War Veterans Post 40 Scholarship: $500
Milford Federal Savings and Loan Association Scholarship: $1,000
George Espinoza – Pursuing Employment
Lachance Carpentry Award: $165
Whitinsville Golf Club Award: $125
Hailee Gelinas – Quinnipiac University (Nursing)
Valley Tech Education Foundation Scholarship: $500
Breno Gomes – University of Massachusetts, Amherst (Sports Management)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $1,714
Saulo Gomes – University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (Electrical Engineering)
Mass. Gas Collectors Association David Millard Memorial Award: $200
James Sochia Memorial Scholarship: $250
Deepjot Kaur – University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (Undeclared)
Milford Power Award: $500
Joseph Machado – Employed (Heavy Equipment Maintenance, Cybex International)
George R. Couillard II Memorial Scholarship: $500
Philip McHenry – University of New Hampshire (Mechanical Engineering)
Milford Power Award: $500
Cody McPhail – University of Massachusetts, Lowell (Mechanical Engineering)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $1,454
Kirollos Megala – Pursuing Employment (Automotive Technology)
Chuck Patton Memorial Tool Award: $343
Lindsey O’Brien – Salem State University (Nursing)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $910
Brittnie Blackman-Rodrigues – Employed (Equestrian Care)
BVT Teachers Association Scholarship: $250
Lachance Carpentry Award: $165
Whitinsville Golf Club Award: $125
MILLBURY
Keith Cummings – Employed (J. D’Agostino Plumbing and Heating)
Vincent G. Palermo Memorial Scholarship: $300
Sarah Gover – Southern New Hampshire University (Creative Writing and Education)
Charles F. Minney Millbury VFW Post #3329 Scholarship: $500
Giana Michelson – Worcester State University (Nursing)
Chad A. Holbrook Memorial Sports Scholarship: $500
Cassie Piscitelli – Employed (Animal Care/Training)
Joey Wilson Memorial Tool Award: $600
Scott Swenson – Employed (Auto Body)
Norman C. Fairbanks, Jr. Memorial Award: $500
GAC/VTEF Craftsmanship Award for Auto Body: $100
James Sochia Memorial Award for Tools: $250
MILLVILLE
Lindsay Beaulieu – Framingham State University (Business Administration)
GAC/VTEF Craftsmanship Award for Business Technology: $100
Chelsea Downing – University of Maine (Psychology)
University of Maine Blue & White Award: $5,000
Logan Kasper – The United States Army (Military Police)
Herff Jones Believe in You Principal’s Award
Michael Lindblad Memorial Award: $500
Michael McGee – Employed (Union Pipe Welder, Bath Iron Works)
Student Council Scholarship: $300
Lee Sgrosso – University of Massachusetts, Amherst (Undeclared)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $1,714
Christopher Smith – Wentworth Institute of Technology (Construction Management)
BVT Teachers Association Scholarship: $250
Chestnut Hill Association Clarice Daniels Southwick Memorial Scholarship: $500
NORTHBRIDGE
Kyle Buma – University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (Engineering)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $1,417
Michael J. Paulhus Memorial Scholarship: $250
Whitinsville Golf Club Award: $125
Ryan Fleming – New England Institute of Technology (Construction)
New England Institute of Technology Scholarship: $1,800
Whitinsville Golf Club Award: $125
Matthew Goldstein – Daniel Webster College (Computer Science)
DVD Pro Video Information Technology Scholarship: $500
Milford Area Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Science Scholarship: $1,000
Andree I. Pontes Memorial Science Scholarship: $1,000
Thomas McGowan – The United States Marine Corps
DAR Good Citizen Award
Jake Rivard – Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Electrical Engineering)
GAC/VTEF Craftsmanship Award for Drafting & Engineering Technology: $100
Walter J. Markham Award Nominee
MVA Presidential Award: $150
Superintendent’s Scholar Award
Telegram & Gazette Student Achiever Award
Valley Tech School Committee Academic Award: $200
WPI Merit Scholarship: $8,000
WPI Salutatorian Award: $20,000
Sierra Schotanus – University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (Medical Lab Science)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $1,417
National Honor Society/National Technical Honor Society Scholarship: $500
Samantha Prescott Memorial Scholarship: $500
University of MA Dartmouth Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship: $5,000
SUTTON
Abigail Bovenzi – Montserrat College of Art (Illustration)
GAC/VTEF Craftsmanship Award for Painting & Design Technologies: $100
Maxwell Budnick – Quinsigamond Community College (Undeclared)
Jason K. Ball Memorial Scholarship: $500
Kyle Faucher – University of New Haven (Fire Science)
MSSAA Student Achievement Award: $300
Valley Tech Education Foundation Scholarship: $500
Addison Hammond – Employed (Apprentice, Pintos Plumbing and Heating)
Central Mass. Plumbing and Gasfitting Inspectors Assoc. Scholarship: $800
Zachery Joubert – Pursuing Employment (HVAC/R)
James Franklin Memorial Award: $150
Melissa Mason – Employed (Chromatics Hair and Color Co.)
MVA Presidential Award: $150
MVA Secondary Award Nominee
Kinsale McGrath – Worcester State University (Undeclared)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $970
James Mitchell – Apprenticeship (Electrical)
GAC/VTEF Craftsmanship Award for Electrical: $100
Jason Rawinski – Nichols College (Business)
Crompton Place Scholarship: $1,000
Dudley-Gendron Post No. 414 American Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary Scholarship: $200
Dudley-Gendron Post No. 414 Ernest Chase & Samuel Vaillancourt Memorial: $500
Friends of Sutton Elders: $500
Gurney-Rafferty Waters Farm Scholarship: $500
Nichols College Merrill Leadership Award: $500
Nichols College Presidential Award: $15,000
Sons of American Legion Post No. 414 Victor Karacius Award: $1,000
Sutton Lions Club Scholarship: $500
Sutton Sargeants & Patrolmen’s Association Scholarship: $250
Worcester County Constables’ Scholarship: $500
UPTON
Samuel Linstead-Atkinson – University of Massachusetts, Lowell (Psychology)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $1,454
Matthew Bartlett – Nichols College (Business)
Nichols College N. E. Principals’ Leadership Award: $16,000
Town of Upton Ramsey Scholarship: $200
Tyler Bartlett – Nichols College (Business)
Town of Upton Bates Scholarship: $200
Whitinsville Golf Club Award: $125
Evan Bonvino – University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (Computer Science)
Edward B. Waters Memorial Scholarship: $500
Emily Boulter – University of Massachusetts, Amherst (Business Management/Accounting)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $1,714
Anthony Collari – Wentworth Institute of Technology (Construction Management)
GAC/VTEF Craftsmanship Award for Plumbing: $100
Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Contractors of MA Plumbing All Stars Award
Halle Coots – Framingham State University (Elementary Education)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $970
Upton Bloomer Girls Mary Aldrich Memorial Scholarship: $1,000
Garrett Dinsmore – Johnson & Wales University (Business Administration)
Friends of Rachel Scholarship: $1,000
Kaitlyn Drew – University of Rhode Island (Undeclared)
GAC/VTEF Craftsmanship Award for Manufacturing & Engineering Technology: $100
Gene Haas Foundation Machining Technology Scholarship: $5,000
Shane Hanzarak Memorial Scholarship: $1,000
Milford National Bank Shelley D. Vincent III Memorial Scholarship: $1,000
University of Rhode Island Centennial Scholarship: $12,000
Gavin Humes – Employed (HVAC/R, A. Duquette and Son, Inc.)
GAC/VTEF Craftsmanship Award for HVAC/R: $100
Paul Marino – Apprenticeship (HVAC/R)
James Franklin Memorial Award: $150
Kayla Merrigan – Nichols College
BVT Teachers Association Dick Bernard Award: $500
Saint Gabriel Catholic Women’s Club: $250
Sebastian Mulhern – Quinsigamond Community College (Undeclared)
Whitinsville Golf Club Award: $125
Brady Neyland – University of Massachusetts, Lowell (Biomedical Engineering)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $1,454
Lacrosse #8 Scholarship: $1,000
Madelene Picard – University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (Crime and Justice)
Town of Upton Risteen Scholarship: $500
Stephen Poirier – University of Rhode Island (Political Science)
Rotary Club of Milford Scholarship: $1,000
Town of Upton Risteen Scholarship: $500
Upton Men’s Club Scholarship: $1,000
Upton Men’s Softball League Scholarship: $300
Upton Woman’s Club Scholarship: $1,000
Upton Youth Baseball Scholarship: $500
Theresa Rook – Fitchburg State University (Nursing)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $970
GAC/VTEF Craftsmanship Award for Health Services: $100
Milford Regional Medical Center Bill Perry Memorial Volunteer Scholarship: $500
Upton Fire & EMS Association Scholarship: $500
Upton Police Association Scholarship: $500
Makayla Tamborra – Pennsylvania State University (Hospitality and Tourism)
UniBank Scholarship: $2,000
UXBRIDGE
Laurelyn Anderson – Gordon College (Biology)
Gordon College Merit Scholarship: $11,000
Courtney Britt – Rhode Island College (Radiologic Technology)
Michael J. Paulhus Memorial Scholarship: $500
James Connors – University of Massachusetts, Lowell (Business)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $1,454
Jack Coyne – University of Massachusetts Amherst (History)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $1,714
Valley Tech Education Foundation Scholarship: $500
Heather DeMers – Westfield State University (Early Childhood Education)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $970
Commonwealth Award for Exemplary Community Service
Chad A. Holbrook Memorial Citizenship Scholarship: $500
National Honor Society/National Technical Honor Society Scholarship: $500
Prudential Spirit of Community State Finalist
Rotary Club of Uxbridge: $1,000
Christopher Ferrick – University of Massachusetts, Amherst (Mechanical Engineering)
University of MA Amherst Merit Scholarship: $2,500
Matthew Hamel – University of Massachusetts, Amherst (Communications)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $1,714
Uxbridge Baseball Association Leon Belanger Memorial Scholarship: $500
Kailee Kennedy – University of Massachusetts, Amherst (History)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $1,714
Horatio Alger Massachusetts Scholarship: $1,500
Christian Herter Memorial Scholarship
Daniel Lemire – Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Mechanical Engineering)
WPI Scholarship: $3,400
WPI University Award: $10,000
Katherine Wills – University of Massachusetts, Amherst (Biology/Pre-Dental)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $1,714
GAC/VTEF Craftsmanship Award for Dental Assisting: $100
So. Uxbridge Community Assoc. & Bevilacqua Family Environmental Scholarship: $2,500
Amber Yaroshefski – Worcester State University (Chemistry)
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: $970
UPTON DAILY 