Bromfield

Since the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation was established, over $1 million in scholarships have been awarded to over 600 students, with many of those awards made possible through contributions from members of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.

Each spring, a number of the region’s most outstanding high school seniors are recognized.

Scholarships endowed through the Chamber Foundation are often named in honor of prominent members of the North Central Massachusetts business community whose philanthropy and commitment to the community have helped shape North Central Massachusetts.

This year, a total of $52,000 in scholarships, either endowed or funded by companies and individuals, are being awarded to 26 seniors from throughout North Central Massachusetts.

The Scholarship Committee selected recipients from those college-bound seniors in the Chamber’s service area, with the sole basis for selection based on the merit of the students’ endeavors, from academics and sports to volunteer work and employment.

This year’s recipients are:

Isabella Allen: A senior at Oakmont Regional High School, has been awarded the Benjamin Asher Scholarship for $2,000. Isabella is the daughter of Christine and Daniel Allen. She plans to attend John Hopkins University to study mechanical engineering. Isabella is on the National Honor Society, Robotics Club, Friends Club and participated in Best Buddies. She has played on the varsity softball and varsity cross country teams since freshman year. She volunteers her time on her church’s Outreach Committee as well as the Church Tech Crew.

Bruna Biz: A senior at Fitchburg High School, has been awarded a Chamber Foundation Scholarship for $2,000. Bruna is the daughter of Simone Madeira. She plans to attend Harvard University to study astrophysics. Bruna is president of the National Honor Society, has been on Special Honor Roll all four years as well as been a recipient of the Renaissance Award since freshman year. She is a Student Council representative as well as a student ambassador. Bruna has danced at Miss Tanya’s School of Dance for the past 16 years and was team captain in 2021.

Lily Comeau: A senior at Gardner High School, has been awarded a Chamber Foundation Scholarship for $2,000. Lily is the daughter of Susan and Richard Comeau. She plans to attend Tufts University’s School of Engineering to study computer science. Lily is on the National Honor Society and is treasurer of Gardner High School’s Student Government. She is the website designer and editor of the Gardner High News. Since 2018 Lily has been a member of the Select Choir as well as the Musical Theatre group.

Taya Corn: A senior at North Middlesex Regional High School, have been awarded the Ronald Ansin Scholarship for $2,000. Taya is the daughter of Kristen Erickson-Corn and Aaron Corn. She plans to attend UMass Amherst to study physics. Taya is on the National Honor Society and is vice president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She has taken trombone lessons since 2014 and plays on the Jazz Band. Taya has competed in Irish dancing since 2010 and has taught lessons since 2018. In her spare time, she volunteers at local food banks, town library and community events.

Elsa Cranson: A senior at Wachusett Regional High School, has been awarded the HealthAlliance Guild Scholarship for $2,000. Elsa is the daughter of Annalisa and Peter Cranson. She plans to attend UMass Amherst to study biology. Elsa is first oboist in the audition-based symphony at the Worcester Youth Orchestra as well as an English hornist. She plays the oboe in the Wachusett Symphony Orchestra and takes piano lessons through school. Elsa is also a competitive gymnastics coach at Clinton Turner Gymnastics.

Carolyn Dorman: A senior at Nashoba Valley Technical High School, has been awarded a UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital Inc. Scholarship for $2,000. Carolyn is the daughter of Maureen and Brian Dorman. She plans to attend Simmons College to study nursing. Carolyn is on the National Honor Society as well as the National Technical Honor Society. She is on the Yearbook Club and plays on the varsity soccer, track and field, indoor track and field and cross-country teams. Carolyn volunteers her time in her community and enjoys baking, reading and drawing.

Shea Divoll: A senior at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School, has been awarded the George R. Wallace Jr. and Alice G. Wallace Scholarship for $2,000. Shea is the son of Shannon and Andrew Divoll. He plans to attend Worcester Polytech Institute to study mechanical engineering. Shea is the president of the National Honor Society and is a member of both the Math Club and Chess Club. He participated in the Massachusetts Student Government Day in 2021. He is captain of the varsity baseball team and umpires for Westminster Little League. Shea has volunteered his time with Rotary International as well as various community service ventures.

Peter Epro: A senior at Leominster Center for Excellence, has been awarded one of the Elizabeth & Anthony DiGeronimo Family Scholarships for $2,000. Peter is the son of Vanessa and Brian Epro. He plans to attend Mount Wachusett Community College to study horticultural studies. Peter was Student Council president his freshman year, a student representative as well as a stagehand in the school’s theater club. He volunteers his time in the G.I.V.E. club, Habitat for Humanity as well as various farms. Peter prides himself in his personal plant collection. He has amassed well over 100 plants by different propagation methods.

Felicia Jamba: A senior at The Bromfield School, has been awarded the Adams Family Scholarship for $2,000. Felicia is the daughter of Blythe and Nicholas Jamba. She plans to attend Georgia Institute of Technology to study computer science. Felicia is president of the National Honor Society, treasurer of the Spanish National Honor Society as well as a member of the Science National Honor Society. She is secretary of the Student Council and a Student Advisory Council member on the District School Committee. Felicia is a member of the Garden Club, the school’s yearbook as well as team lead and programmer on the Bromfield Robotics Team.

Emma Kenney: A senior at Groton-Dunstable regional High School, has been awarded the Salny Family Scholarship for $2,000. Emma is the daughter of Nancy and Brian Kenney. She plans to attend Elon University to study environmental science. Emma is a member of the National Honor Society and was elected executive board president of the Student Council. She is a member of the Environmental Club, Best Buddies Club as well as a student peer trainer for the World of Difference Institute: Anti-Defamation League. Emma is co-captain of the varsity volleyball team and president of the Spanish Club.

Molly Kimball: a senior at Lunenburg High School, has been awarded a Chamber Foundation Scholarship for $2,000. Molly is the daughter of Tamsen and Christopher Kimball. She plans to attend Boston University to study education and human revelopment. Molly is a member of the National Honor Society, captain of the varsity girls ice hockey team and played on the varsity girls lacrosse team. She volunteers her time at the Learn-to-Skate Program, House Hockey Program as well as tutoring. In her off time, she enjoys beekeeping and babysitting.

Abigail Kirrane: a senior at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School, has been awarded the David L. McKeehan Scholarship for $2,000. Abigail is the daughter of Nicole and Francis Kirrane. She plans to attend Norwich University to study criminal justice. Abigail is team captain of the varsity soccer and lacrosse teams. She is the cadet battalion commander of the Marine Corps JROTC unit at her school. She participates on the MCJROTC Color Guard as well as Marksmanship Team. She volunteers a lot of her time with multiple organizations; NEADS, Salvation Army and Rotary Club of Fitchburg East to name a few.

Mackenzie Kupfer: A senior at Fitchburg High School, has been awarded the Leominster Credit Union Scholarship for $2,000. Mackenzie is the daughter of Michelle Denning. She plans to attend Bentley University to study finance and sports marketing. Mackenzie is on the National Honor Society, a 2021 Girls State alumni and Rotary Club student of the month. She is the captain of the varsity field hockey team, Ski Club president, is a member of the varsity ice hockey team and coed dek hockey team. She is the leader of the school’s food pantry, is a peer mediator and a student ambassador.

Olivia Latino: A senior at Leominster High School Center for Technical Education Innovation, has been awarded a UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital Inc. Scholarship for $2,000. Olivia is the daughter of Wendy and Anthony Latino. She plans to attend Worcester State University to study biology. Olivia is the treasurer of the National Honor Society and has been a member since her sophomore year. She has been a member of G.I.V.E. all throughout high school and was named an officer her senior year. When she isn’t working part-time at Benchmark Senior Living at Leominster Crossings or Market Basket she volunteers her time at her church, Our Lady of the Lake.

Dominic Montoya: A senior at Leominster High School, has been awarded the Edward C.J. Healey Scholarship for $2,000. Dominic is the son of Heather Leger and Michael Montoya Sr. He plans to attend Franklin Pierce University to study psychology. Dominic is on the National Honor Society as well as a member of Students for Transparency and Understanding Municipal Politics. He is on the varsity baseball team as well as co-captain of the Leominster Senior Ruth baseball team. He volunteers his time with G.I.V.E. and with the Buddy for the Little League Challenger Baseball Program.

Adam Mullaney: A senior at Leominster High School, has been awarded the Enterprise Bank & Trust Scholarship for $2,000. Adam is the son of Christina and Michael Mullaney. He plans to attend Worcester Polytech Institute in the fall. Adam is ranked first in his class and has been on High Honor Roll all four years. He is president of his school’s Math Team. Adam is on the Psychology Club, cross country team and has helped tutor students in biology, algebra, geometry and chemistry.

Callie Nelson: A senior at Leominster High School, has been awarded a M. Ruth Lee Scholarship for $2,000. Callie is the daughter of Lori and Michael Nelson. She plans to attend Worcester Polytech Institute to study biology and biotechnology. Callie is on the National Honor Society and is also on Student Government where she was treasurer her sophomore and junior years. She performs guitar and percussion in the school’s Marching and Jazz Bands. She is also band leader for the After Hours Band which is a student lead rock band. Callie volunteers her time at her local church, tutoring as well as giving music lesson.

Caroline Oswitt: A senior at Wachusett Regional High School, has been awarded the Patricia S. Alario Scholarship for $2,000. Caroline is the daughter of Jennifer and Gregory Oswitt. She plans to attend Boston College to study economics. Caroline is on the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society as well as president of the Math Honor Society. She is a Student Council representative and plays on the varsity swimming team, lacrosse team and field hockey team where she is captain. Caroline is vice president of the Wachusett Leo Club (Junior Lions) and is a mountaineer volunteer for a community service club.

Fiona Picone: A senior at Oakmont Regional High School, has been awarded the Roderick W. and Donna M. Lewin Scholarship for $2,000. Fiona is the daughter of Meghan and Chris Picone. She plans to attend Williams College to study biology. Fiona is vice president of the National Honor Society, class treasurer, and an ambassador for both Oakmont students and MIAA. She is captain of  varsity girls cross country, indoor and outdoor track teams. She is a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions Club and for the past two years has been a junior coach for Girls On The Run.

Alisha Praileau: A senior at North Middlesex Regional High School, has been awarded an Elizabeth & Anthony DiGeronimo Family Scholarship for $2,000. Alisha is the daughter of Heather Pederson. She plans to attend Fitchburg State University in the fall. Alisha is on the varsity soccer team as well as the FC Stars Club soccer team. She participates in the High School United Soccer Camp as well as the Wind Symphony. She plays for the Pep Band at all football games and has played for the National Honor Society Induction. Alisha also volunteers her time tutoring 8th grade math.

Madeline Prechtl: A senior at Groton-Dunstable Regional High School, has been awarded the Barbara Silva Scholarship for $2,000. Madeline is the daughter of Winnie and Eric Prechtl. She plans to attend Northeastern University to study biology. Madeline is president of the National Honor Society and treasurer of the Student Council. She is captain of the cross-country team as well as track and field team. She has taken piano lessons for the past 10 years. She volunteers her time at the Groton Public Library and is a math tutor. In 2020 she founded the Science 4 Fun Website where she created experiment videos to post as educational entertainment for young students.

Ekaterina Rau: A senior at St. Bernard’s Central Catholic High School, has been awarded a M. Ruth Lee Scholarship for $2,000. Ekaterina is the daughter of Irina and Douglas Rau. She plans to attend Providence College to study biology. Ekaterina is treasurer of the National Honor Society and is the Latin Club president. She is a member of the Art Club and is a peer tutor. Ekaterina is a Church Club member at Faith Lutheran Church and volunteers her time at the Gardner CAC and assists the Latin 2 teacher at her school. She is on the Athol Area YMCA swim team as well.

Margot Sonia: A senior at Nashoba Regional High School, has been awarded a UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital Inc. Scholarship for $2,000. Margot is the daughter of Sue and Mike Sonia. She plans to attend Boston College to study neuroscience. Margot is a member of the National Honor Society and has received Highest Honors every semester since the eighth grade. She is captain of the cross-country team and the karate competition team. Margot is a MIAA student ambassador and band drum major. She is a second-degree black belt and an EMT crew chief in the Nashoba Cadet Program.

Nora Swaine: A senior at Leominster High School, has been awarded the Rollstone Bank & Trust Scholarship for $2,000. Nora is the daughter of Jennifer and Matthew Swaine. She plans to attend Quinnipiac University to study marketing. Nora is president of the National Honor Society as well as president of the Student Government. She is vice president of Best Buddies, a member of Student Council and a G.I.V.E. officer. She is president of the Journalism Club and volunteers her time tutoring students and at the Leominster Police Department.

Sophie Thompson: A senior at The Bromfield School, has been awarded one of the Chamber Foundation Scholarships for $2,000. Sophie is the daughter of Lisa Rosen. She plans to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study chemical engineering. Sophie is on the National Honor Society and is vice president of the French Honor Society. She is a National Merit Commended Scholar and a member of the Reading and Writing Club. Sophie is co-captain of the varsity crew team and is on the board of directors for the Central and Western MA Girl Scouts.

Sydney VanGilder: A senior at North Middlesex Regional High School, has been awarded the Workers Credit Union Scholarship for $2,000. Sydney is the daughter of James VanGilder. She plans to attend the University of Washington to study molecular, cellular and developmental biology. Sydney is a member of the National Honor Society as well as the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She is a drum major in the Marching Band and a band manager and principal piccoloist in the Wind Symphony. Sydney is a student leader for the young Women’s Empowerment Group as well as the Pride group and a founding member of the NM Freethinkers.

The Chamber Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on assisting in the betterment of the region through charitable activities. Funds raised by the Foundation are used primarily for education/workforce development initiatives and charitable activities in North Central Massachusetts.

For more information on the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation’s scholarship program, visit northcentralmass.com or call 978-353-7600.