During this difficult time, the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT Foundation increased the number of scholarships awarded to 2020 graduates. Granting a total of $7,500, the foundation recognized the achievements of six local students. These students have demonstrated dedication to their education and to their community. The scholarship program focuses on students from the region who plan to continue to contribute to eastern CT through their future work.
Cassandra Cannon, Angie Correa, and Sara Beth Bouchard graduated from the Science and Technology Magnet High School of Southeastern CT. Cannon will study nursing at Salve Regina University, Correa will study to become a physician assistant at the University of Saint Joseph, and Bouchard will study biology and genetics at Wesleyan University.
Stonington High School graduate Hope Sowle will attend Carnegie Mellon University to study neuropsychology.
Monn Pierre and Kali Whitford graduated from Norwich Free Academy. Pierre will study psychology at Three Rivers Community College, and Whitford will study architecture at Virginia Tech.
“This year has been challenging for students and impacted many families financially,” said Louis Ziegler, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT Foundation’s Board of Directors. “The Chamber Foundation provided two additional scholarships to help families during these trying times. Our mission to support eastern CT’s rising workforce is just as important as ever, and we are pleased to be able to provide this financial assistance to promising high school seniors pursuing higher education or exploring vocational training that will lead to careers in the region.”
Scholarship funding comes from annual Foundation events supported by local businesses: the spring Bowl-a-Thon, held at Foxwoods Resort Casino, and the Holiday Gala, hosted by Mohegan Sun. The Foundation is designing a creative approach to this year’s Holiday Gala, which will be announced soon.