Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

New Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation Scholarship Recognizes Student’s Well-Rounded Character

September 13, 2010

SHEFFIELD, MA—The Myrtle and Raymond Mercier Scholarship Fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation announced its award to a graduating senior who demonstrates the ability to overcome challenges, exhibits a strong work ethic, shows exceptional dedication to his or her area of interest, and participates in extracurricular activities that include volunteering and involvement in other vocational or technical organizations.

The fund was established in 2009 through the estate of the Mercier family, long standing residents of Stockbridge. Myrtle and Raymond Mercier came to live in Stockbridge in 1951 where they raised the last seven of their eleven children. Raymond was the first building superintendent of Monument Mountain Regional High School and 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. Myrtle, who lived to be 100, worked in the kitchens of Stockbridge Plain School and Monument Mountain Regional High School until she was 72. Myrtle was instrumental in organizing the construction of the present Grange Hall in Stockbridge. Prior to their deaths, Myrtle and Raymond made a gift through their estate to establish this scholarship at Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

“The Merciers have given an extraordinary gift to Stockbridge,” said Maeve O'Dea, Berkshire Taconic program director. “This remarkable couple lived and worked in the town for over fifty years and now through their fund they will be supporting young people in Stockbridge for generations to come. We hope their story will inspire other families to think of leaving a legacy to their communities. It is easier than you think!”

Eligible applicants must be a graduating high school senior and resident of Stockbridge (including Glendale and Interlaken) who are entering their first year of a two- or four-year accredited college or university to pursue a technical, associate’s or bachelor’s degree. The first award winner is Alicia Cooper of Stockbridge who will attend Cazenovia College in Syracuse, NY. The deadline for the next application is May 1, 2011.

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation builds stronger communities and improves the quality of life for all residents of Berkshire County, MA; Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County, NY; and northwest Litchfield County, CT. Berkshire Taconic connects donors with causes they care about by administering and investing their charitable funds. Thanks to its generous donors, in 2009 Berkshire Taconic distributed nearly $7 million in scholarships and grants for programs in the arts and education, health and human services, and environmental protection. Berkshire Taconic is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

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