Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

McLaughlin-Wilson Fund Awards $74,500 to 15 Students from Monterey

June 20, 2011

SHEFFIELD, MA—The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation announced that the McLaughlin-Wilson Scholarship Fund awarded a total of $74,500 in scholarships to 15 students from Monterey. The fund, created in 1994 by Edith Wilson in memory of her long-time friend Marjorie McLaughlin, supports the young people of Monterey as they pursue a college education.

“We were pleased to be able to help so many students this year,” said Maeve O’Dea, program director at Berkshire Taconic. “Especially in these difficult times, scholarships make a huge difference to families who face soaring college costs.”

First-time scholarships for undergraduate fall enrollment were awarded to: Gabriel Ibanez to attend Berkshire Community College; Lauren Andrus to attend Wentworth Institute of Technology; Bruce McAlister to attend Berkshire Community College and Laura Dinan to attend Salve Regina University.

Renewal scholarships for undergraduate studies were awarded to: Bennett Ferris to attend Brown University; Grace Mendel to attend Grinnell College; Fiona Lacey to attend Evergreen State College; Jessica Brown to attend University of Massachusetts, Amherst; William Casey to attend Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts; Dinah Mielke to attend University of the Pacific; Oona Sellew to attend Ithaca College; Norah Crossnohere to attend Skidmore College; Keller Dinan to attend Endicott College; Jason Duryea to attend Unity College; Oriana Raab to attend Atlantic Veterinary College.

A committee of Monterey residents reviewed applications and awarded scholarships based on academic achievement, community service, desire to achieve academic and life goals, and financial need. The next deadline for scholarship applications is May 1, 2012. Applications are available online at www.berkshiretaconic.org/grantseekers/index.shtml or by calling 413.229.0370.

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation builds stronger communities and improves the quality of life for all residents of northwest Litchfield County, CT; Berkshire County, MA; and Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County, NY, acting as an agent for positive change in the region. Since 1987, Berkshire Taconic has managed a growing collection of charitable funds created by individuals, families and businesses. Each year, the foundation distributes over $7 million through grants and scholarships for programs in the arts and education, health and human services and environmental protection, helping thousands of donors achieve their philanthropic goals and hundreds of nonprofits carry on their good work. Berkshire Taconic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity.

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