Mary Macedo, Neighb News Correspondent
Eighteen students received 25 scholarships at the Fairhaven Dollars for Scholars Ceremony at the Century House on May 24. BACK ROW, L-R: Colton Fitzsimmons, Andrew DeMello, Sierra Canastra, Eagan Cabral, Sean Flynn, Jacob Cabral, Matthew Foster. FRONT ROW, L-R: Lauren Arbec, Leah Major, Kamryn Lanzoni, Daniela Ochoa, Brooke Douglass, Alyssa Botelho, Madyson Pires, Kennedy Silva. NOT PICTURED: Hailey Simon, Alexis Duarte, Leah Stevenson Photo by Brandon Medeiros.
Eighteen students, 25 scholarships, and more than $20,000 were awarded to graduating seniors at the Fairhaven Dollars for Scholars Ceremony at the Century House on May 24.
Fairhaven’s Dollars for Scholars is a non-profit organization that is part of Scholarship America. With more than 500 chapters across the country Dollars for Scholars raises money within their communities to create scholarships for local students.
Fairhaven’s Dollars for Scholars (FDS) helps to provide financial assistance to local graduating seniors who are pursuing a college education. Sherry Lopes, FDS President, welcomed and congratulated the families, students, and scholarship donors.
Fairhaven High Senior Lauren Arbec was awarded three scholarships. She received the Barton B. Leach Memorial Scholarship in memory of the Fairhaven High School graduate who was a star basketball player. Ms. Arbec received the award for showing integrity, honesty, citizenship, and sportsmanship.
Ms. Arbec was also awarded Leroy L. Wood-Victoria Pilling Aguiar Scholarship, in memory of Victoria Pilling who was a dedicated member of the Parent-Teacher Organization and the community. Ms. Arbec was chosen for the award because she is a graduate of Wood School who participates in community service activities.
Ms. Arbec and FHS senior Leah Major each received the Carl Pacheco Memorial Scholarship, awarded in memory of Mr. Pacheco who was a graduate of FHS and was very passionate about soccer and golf. The money for this scholarship is raised by an annual golf tournament.
Fairhaven High Senior, Andrew DeMello received the Donald Martin Memorial Athletic Scholarship, in memory of the star basketball player and lifelong fan of the Blue Devils.
Mr. DeMello received this scholarship because he is a basketball player who leaves it all on the court and shows great determination and leadership.
FHS senior Sean Flynn was awarded the Fairhaven High Class of 1950 Scholarship, which is given to an all around student who is involved in extracurricular activities, gives back to the community, and has a solid GPA.
The Fairhaven Improvement Association Scholarship went to Eagan Cabral for being a well rounded student who shows pride in the town, is a leader, and has been a part of community service throughout his four years in high school.
The FIA’s Scholarship in Memory of Malcolm M. Cummings, Jr. went to FHS senior Alyssa Botelho.
The FDS Curtis L. Lopes Memorial Scholarship went to Hailey Simon.
FHS senior Brooke Douglass was awarded two scholarships. She received the Myra A. Lopes Scholarship because she has great character, leadership, and is involved in community service.
Ms. Douglass also received the Fairhaven Road Race Scholarship. She was chosen because she is good student who also participates in track and field.
FHS senior Matthew Foster was also awarded a Fairhaven Road Race Scholarship.
Mr. Foster also received two other scholarships: The Leroy L. Wood-Victoria Pilling Aguiar Scholarship; and the FDS Fairhaven Public Safety Scholarship, which is awarded to a student who is either interested in a public safety program or has a family member who works in a public safety department. The money for this scholarship is raised at the Firemen’s Ball.
FHS senior Colton Fitzsimmons also received an FDS Fairhaven Public Safety Scholarship.
FHS senior Jacob Cabral received two scholarships: The Fort Phoenix 5K Road Race Scholarship in Memory of Curtis L. Lopes II, and the Rogers School Alumni Scholarship. Mr. Cabral received this award because he is a graduate of Rogers School who has high academics, community involvement, as well as special interests and activities.
FHS senior Sierra Canastra received the scholarship in memory of Kathleen M. Rocha, who always helped others, was selfless, hardworking, and was a huge participant of activities at the Rogers School. Ms. Canastra was chosen because she is a graduate of the Rogers School and exemplifies the same traits as Kathleen Rocha.
The Rotary Club of Fairhaven Scholarships went to Old Rochester Regional High School Senior Daniela Ochoa and FHS senior Madyson Pires. The scholarships go to seniors who exemplify the motto of the Rotary Club, which is service above self.
FHS senior Leah Stevenson received two scholarships: The Paul Powers Murphy/M.O.L.I.F.E. Scholarship, and the Ronald J. Tavares Scholarship. She received these awards for showing the ability to overcome challenges and obstacles and for being involved in the community.
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High School Senior Kennedy Silva was awarded the Fort Phoenix Polar Plunge Scholarship Honoring Firefighters and Emergency Medical Responders. She was chosen because she is a good student who is involved in extracurricular activities.
FHS senior Kamryn Lanzoni received the Fort Phoenix Polar Plunge Scholarship, which is given in memory of domestic violence victims. This scholarship is awarded to students who are in good standing and are looking for an education in social sciences, such as psychology or criminal justice.
A second Fort Phoenix Polar Plunge Scholarship was awarded to Alexis Duarte.
The Fairhaven Dollars for Scholars organization is helping 18 students go to over 12 different schools all over the country ranging, including UMass Dartmouth, Mass College of Art/ Design, Florida State, West Michigan, and many more.
Ms. Lopes congratulated all the students on their hard work, and thanked the family, friends, and scholarship donors for participating in the organization.
“Best wishes on your college careers,” Ms. Lopes said. “The best is yet to come!”
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