Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation - [image of young people in drum circle]
Grant Seekers

Grant Guidelines: Myrtle and Raymond Mercier Scholarship Fund

Myrtle and Raymond Mercier came to live in Stockbridge in 1951 where they raised the last seven of their eleven children. Four children graduated from Williams High School and two from Monument Mountain Regional High School. Raymond was the first Building Superintendent of Monument Mountain Regional High School from which he retired in 1975. He was an avid gardener, using the produce to feed his family and provide for others in the community. Norman Rockwell frequently stopped by on his bike rides to visit with Ray in his garden. He also enjoyed fishing. Myrtle who lived to be 100, she worked in the kitchens of West Stockbridge Grade School, Stockbridge Plane School and Monument Mountain Regional High School until she was 72. She was a member of Stockbridge, Southern Berkshire Pomona, Massachusetts and the National Grange. She was one of the leading members who built the present Grange Hall in Stockbridge. Myrtle and Raymond made a gift through their estates to establish this scholarship at Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

Eligibility

Applicants must be graduating high school seniors who are residents of Stockbridge (including Glendale and Interlaken) and who are entering their first year of a two year or four year accredited college or university to pursue a Technical, Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree.

Because there are scholarships already designated for students with a 1st and 2nd place class ranking, those students will not be eligible to apply for this scholarship.

Awards

If funding is available and there are eligible candidates, the fund will award $4,500 or more annually to one graduating senior. Additional awards are given as funding allows. Awards will be paid for the student’s second semester (provided evidence is submitted of being enrolled and in good academic standing).

Applicants will be informed of Berkshire Taconic’s decision within two months of the deadline date.

Review Criteria

The committee will review requests for scholarships according to the following criteria:

The primary criterion is financial need.

Other criteria are:

  • The student’s motivation to succeed in pursuing a college degree or certificate as evidenced by:
    —His or her ability to overcome challenges,
    —Exhibition of a strong work ethic,
    —Exceptional dedication to his or her area of interest.
  • Participation in extra-curricular activities such as 4-H Club, Grange, Scouts, Girl Guides, Church groups or other community volunteer organizations.
  • Participation in school activities such as sports, school newspaper, Class office, and vocational or technical organizations such as the FFA (Future Farmers of America).

    • Applications will be reviewed by a Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation Scholarship Committee. This is a committee of area residents who are active in community affairs. Their recommendations will be reviewed by Berkshire Taconic’s Board of Directors.

    If you have any questions, please contact grants@berkshiretaconic.org.