Awards are made from the endowments and grants listed below. Each endowment's balance determines the amount of the award. In some cases awards may not be given every year.
In addition to these endowment and grant scholarships, a number of awards are given each year from chapter general funds raised through community fund raising.
Generally, awards are based on scholarship, school activities, community service and need. Endowments and grants may have different (or additional) criteria upon which awards are based.
The single, on-line Student Profile is used to apply for all available endowments and grants.
Bernard Rosenberg Memorial Scholarship
To recognize a graduating senior with outstanding academic accomplishments and a well-balanced interest in the arts and sciences. This was our first endowed scholarship.
Awarded to a Woodbury and Nonnewaug graduate who has overcome hardship and shown exceptional accomplishment during their high school career.
Scholarship is made available through the generosity and in recognition of Wayne Pratt Antiques. Awards based on overall scholastic performance, community service and financial need.
Award is sponsored by the Woodbury Democratic Committee in memory of our former Governor. Available to a student with an interest in public service, government or political science. (rev. 1/10/2024)
Awarded in memory of Beatrice and Roland Manzi Sr. Family to a student interested in any of the following: horticulture, environmental science, gardening, Agra-science, nature, politics, cooking, business or music.
To recognize and support a student who has demonstrated a strong interest in history and intends to pursue history as a major in college. The scholarship is awarded in memory of Education Chairman, Janet Bartow.
To recognize and support a student motivated in his/her field of interest.
Awarded in commemoration of the life of John G. Fleming to a student interested in a government or political science career.
Drs. Virginia & Harold Perkinson Memorial Scholarship
Established to preserve the memory of the Drs. Virginia and Harold Perkinson through the awarding of a scholarship to a deserving high school graduate majoring in the sciences.
To honor a family who has been involved in Woodbury education for many years. Awarded to a student with outstanding character and scholarship attainment.
Awarded to commemorate the life of Christopher Ciriello and to support a student pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering, Computer Science or Visual/Graphic Art.
Award in memory of Reed Weyburn who was a founding member of Woodbury Scholarship Fund to a student based on academic record, community service and financial need.
Awarded to commemorate the lives of Donald Cook Seymour, a driving force for his family's advanced education and Edith Minkwitz Seymour, a beloved teacher. Student must be pursuing a major in education.
Awarded in commemoration of the life of Dianne DeFeo (a beloved teacher at Woodbury's Mitchell and Middle Schools) to a student pursuing a degree in education or mathematics.
Award made to a student pursuing a major in English.
Mitchell School PTO Scholarship
Awarded to a deserving Mitchell School graduate based on academic record, community service and financial need upon graduating from Nonnewaug High School.
Awarded to a graduating Nonnewaug High School student pursuing a career in environmental sciences, natural sciences or teaching.
Award to aid a high school senior from Woodbury to further his or her education in political science, history and/or public service.
Choate-Musgat Scholarship
To preserve the memory of Mr. James Choate, photojournalist, and of Mary Jane Musgat, publisher of Voices from 1984 to 1989. Award to be made to a student majoring in journalism, professional business, technical or scientific writing.
Awarded to commemorate the lives of Mary Elder and Arthur Dwight Chaffee and support a student majoring in any one of the following; arts, music, architecture, engineering, construction, or religious studies..
Awarded to support further education costs for a graduating Woodbury senior with intellectual curiosity, a spirit of adventure and outstanding motivation.
Awarded to support a student who has had a record of service to others and the community and who is pursuing a career in History or Historic Preservation.
Awarded to a student pursuing a career in Mechanical, Land or Environmental Engineering.
Awarded to commemorate Dr. Marcus E. Cox, an outstanding pathologist, to a student pursuing a degree in Health or the sciences.
Awarded to recognize an outstanding Woodbury student going to an accredited college or trade school and is a member of North Congregational Church.
Awarded to commemorate the life of Christine Story Ribeiro and support a student based on their academic record, community service and financial need.
Awarded to a Woodbury student who has strong motivation and has the level of academic performance commensurate with their goals. Must have financial need.
Awarded to a caring student demonstrating good citizenship.
Awarded to honor the memory of Stedman T. Hitchcock and provide a scholarship to a student majoring in engineering , Science, Mathematics or Public Service.
To commemorate the life of Marjorie F. Jones, beloved Nonnewaug Home Economics teacher, mother of five outstanding boys, and active citizen of Woodbury for nearly fifty years; also her husband, Robert F. Jones, insurance executive, state legislator, chairman of the Woodbury Library and it's building committee, chairman of the Woodbury High School building committee, deacon of the North Church and Boy Scout Troop 54 chairman for over ten years. Scholarship awards based on scholastic achievement, community and school service, and financial need.
To provide financial assistance to a Woodbury resident college student who is pursuing a career in Business.
Roger Devino Scholarship
Award made in memory of Roger Devino to a student attending the University of Connecticut and planning to major in Business Management.
To recognize a student with outstanding accomplishments who is attending a four-year college/university and is majoring in the profession of economics, finance or business management.
Awarded to commemorate the life of Ruth Wheeler Travers and support a female student with career interest in horticulture, agriculture, forestry or culinary studies.
Award to honor an academically sound graduating senior pursuing studies in the field of science.
Awarded to a graduating high school student who has overcome a handicap and gained acceptance to a four-year college or trade school.
To create a memorial for Earle W. Lovering, P.E., M.I.T. graduate, metallurgist, professional engineer, Manhattan Project pioneer in radioactive metal extrusion, linguist (fluent in French, Portuguese, Spanish), surveyor and president of the American Wire Institute. Award to be made to a student majoring in Engineering, Metallurgy or languages.
Awarded to commemorate the life of Sherwood W. Travers to a student pursuing a career in Banking, Accounting, Finance or Business.
Awarded in memory of the life of Vera T. Elsenboss to a student interested in volunteerism and the love of history and travel.
Awarded to commemorate the lives of Arthur Ludwig and Whittier Wright and to foster the appreciation and knowledge of art; particularly commercial art. Recipients must be pursuing a bachelor's degree in commercial art or comparable discipline. Other forms of art may be considered.
Awarded in memory of Henry Hart to help educate a student from Woodbury interested in a career in public service.
Awarded to memorialize the life of Mary Ellen Callahan and support a student that is interested in guidance counseling, psychology or teaching/education and has been involved in community service.
Awarded to a student pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or other engineering major.
To commemorate the life of Peter J. Dowling, a World War II Combat Engineer in Germany, and outstanding athlete, a Yale scholarship recipient, English major and classmate, and a fellow Scovill Manufacturing Co. executive. Award based on academic record, community service and financial need.
Awarded to recognize an outstanding graduating senior with interest in arts and sciences or Architecture or Medicine.
Kohler-Perez Fallen Hero Scholarship
Awarded to a student who has lost a parent or other relative in combat, or other protective service such as fire or police.
To recognize an outstanding graduating senior with demonstrated accomplishment/interest in art or architecture.
Awarded to preserve the memory of Ronald Yarusavage, an outstanding Nonnewaug High School teacher, by means of an endowed scholarship and to support a student with a career interest in teaching.
Awarded to recognize and support a female Woodbury student who has recognized academic achievement and community service, and is entering the field of business.
Awarded to assist a Woodbury male student who has recognized academic achievement and community service and has a broad interest in communications including writing, education and the arts.
Robert J. Corsico Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to recognize an outstanding graduating senior or graduate with outstanding academic achievement and well balanced interests. Student must show an interest in linguistics and/or an international outlook/diversity.
Awarded to assist a student resident pursuing a career in music, music production or business.
Newtown Savings Bank Scholarship
To provide for a student who has demonstrated financial need and a willingness to help others.
To help students achieve their educational goals.
To promote kindness, empathy, and inclusion at Nonnewaug High School by recognizing students who display those characteristics throughout their high school career.
To provide financial support to a college student in their 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of undergraduate pursuit of a fine arts degree.
Established by the McLaughlin family in honor of their parents. Awarded to a student pursuing a nursing or related healthcare profession and has had high academic achievement and involvement in school and community activities.
To encourage and support a Woodbury student pursuing their educational fields of biology, botany, zoology or environmental sciences in general and that exhibit academic excellence.
Awarded in memory of Richard Hubbard to support a student with a record of community service and volunteerism.
Established in memorial of Dawn Hochsprung; past principal of both Bethlehem Elementary School and Mitchell Elementary School who gave her life fearlessly to protect the students of Sandy Hook Elementary School. Awarded to a student that attended Bethlehem Elementary or Mitchell Elementary School, and graduated from Nonnewaug High School. Student must embody the motto, "I am safe, responsible, respectful, prepared".
To recognize an outstanding Woodbury graduating senior with a desire to pursue a degree in mathematics or computer science and has demonstrated academic accomplishments in these areas. Applicants must be graduates of Nonnewaug High School or Holy Cross High school.
Awarded to a graduating Nonnewaug High School student from Woodbury and pursuing an education at a trade or vocational post secondary school. Freemasonry is the oldest fraternal organization in the world and is dedicated to improving the character of its members. A Mason is taught to be a good citizen, be of good character, to care for the less fortunate and to give back to the community.
Awarded annually to a Nonnewaug graduate or college student planning to continue her/his education in the fields of horticulture, botany, environmental and agriculture-related sciences.
To provide financial assistance to enable a worthy student to continue his/her career in engineering.
To assist a Nonnewaug High School graduate (Woodbury or Bethlehem resident) in continuing his/her education to become a nurse, (RN or LPN), Certified Nurses Aide (CNA) or Home Health Aide (HHA).
Awarded to honor the life of Judy Frew and her dedication to volunteerism.
Awarded to a student whose interests are similar to Charles Hart's; an Eagle Scout, academics or business achievement.
Awarded to a male student pursuing a the field of biological sciences or education. Applicant must have high scholastic standing, have played varsity sports, been active in Church and have demonstrated volunteer service.
Awarded to a student pursuing a Liberal Arts Education with majors in Library Science, Modern Languages, English Literature, History, International Studies, Psychology or the arts.
The purpose of the Community Theatre at Woodbury Scholarship is to support the education and achievement in both performance and technical theatre arts. Scholarship awarded to a high school student who has had formal study and/or substantial involvement in theatre performance or technical arts.
Awarded to a Woodbury student who is majoring in Engineering and Engineering Technologies, has a strong record of community volunteerism and has participated in Scouting.
Supports graduates of Nonnewaug High School pursuing studies in an Agriculture or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math} discipline.
Awarded to support a student's college pursuits and aspirations. George Roberts was a founding member of Woodbury Scholarship Fund Dollars for Scholars.
To honor the memory of John R. Margaitis, a dedicated teacher in Region 14. Awards to be made to male and female graduating Nonnewaug High School seniors or college students in any field of study and residing in any Connecticut town. Awards are based on academic record, community service and financial need with emphasis on perseverance and respect toward others.
Awarded to a Woodbury graduating high school senior or college second, third or fourth year student with an expressed interest in teaching.
Awarded to a Woodbury graduating high school senior or college student who plans to major in Engineering, Computer Science, Art or Music.
Richard M. Clarke Memorial Agricultural Scholarship
This need based scholarship is to be awarded to a Nonnewaug High School senior or college second, third or fourth year student who participated in Clubs, Organizations, Future Farmers of America (FFA) and is majoring in Agricultural studies.
Richard M. Clarke Memorial Conservation Scholarship
This need based scholarship is to be awarded to a Woodbury resident and Nonnewaug High School senior or college second, third or fourth year student majoring in Natural Resources and Conservation.
Awarded to a Nonnewaug High School senior who will be attending college or trade school. Applicants must be a 4-year athlete; wrestlers given preference.
The scholarship is to be awarded to a high school senior or college student based on their academic record, community service and financial need.
Awarded to a student who participated in interscholastic sports at Nonnewaug High School and demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship.
Awarded to a student attending the University of Connecticut University and has demonstrated good character and a financial need.
In honor of Val Gallagher, this scholarship to be awarded to an individual pursuing a career in education.
Alfred R. Corsico Memorial Scholarship
Open to graduating Woodbury high school seniors and college students in their second, third or fourth year pursuing a degree in Education, History or Social Sciences. Student should also demonstrate commitment to community through volunteering, extra-curricular activities, sports, and clubs.
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Dairy Delite Ice Cream Shop of Woodbury Scholarship
Established May 1, 1993
By The Dairy Delite Ice Cream Shop
To many Woodbury Residents, the annual opening of the Dairy Delite Ice Cream Shop or "Charlie's" on Route 6 marks the end of winter. The shop opened and operated by Charlie and Wendy White celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2004.
The Whites made their ice cream shop a family business. Their daughters, brothers, nephews and even grandchildren worked at the shop. Additionally, the Whites employed many young Woodbury residents who became part of their extended family.
With their interest in supporting the areas youth, it's not surprising that the Whites would sponsor a scholarship endowment. Although they have retired and the shop is under new ownership, they remain Woodbury residents and continue their scholarship support.
Over the years, Dairy Delite has seen many changes. The Whites noted that years ago, it was not unusual for children to come to the shop on horseback to buy ice cream. Many of their employees would arrive at work on the town school bus, although now most have their own cars.
While there have been changes, the Whites always insisted that certain things remain the same. Customers can always depend on friendly service, and delicious, homemade ice cream.
The Dairy Delite Ice Cream Scholarship is awarded to a Woodbury resident and Nonnewaug High School student who has overcome hardship through significant accomplishment. Eligible students should show a commitment to continued learning and have demonstrated continuing improvement in their GPA. They must have been accepted into a recognized college or university.
Wayne Pratt Scholarship
Established May 1, 1994
By Mr. Wayne Pratt
Wayne Pratt was a noted antique furniture dealer in Woodbury.
Wayne Pratt grew up in South Easton, Massachusetts, where his interest in antiques was sparked at an early age. Mr. Pratt bought his first 18th century Windsor chair when he was 7, and sold his first antique when he was 15. He spent his summer vacations finding and researching American antiques. Mr. Pratt was educated at Oliver Ames High School in North Easton, Mass., and Bryant & Stratton College in Boston. He worked for Ingersol-Rand and an office furniture company while moonlighting buying and selling antiques.
He opened Wayne Pratt & Co. in 1969, an antiques dealership, in Marlboro, Massachusetts. Mr. Pratt opened a seasonal antique shop on Nantucket Island in 1991, and then opened his antique store in Woodbury in 1993.
Over the years, he became known for being a recognized authority on Windsor chairs, Nantucket baskets and New England high style furniture. Mr. Pratt gained national notoriety by appearing on the PBS program, "Antiques Roadshow", as an appraiser for six years.
Wayne Pratt greatly enjoyed traveling with his family. Along with his wife, Sarah Shinn Pratt and their two sons, they skiied, toured Europe, and stayed on Nantucket every summer. He loved to watch his sons play Little League baseball, flying his Navajo Chieftain aircraft, and was an avid Boston Red Sox fan.
Wayne Pratt contributed generously to many local charities before his death in 2007, and Sarah Shinn Pratt has continued that tradition. They have been great supporters of the Woodbury Baseball and Softball Association and the Woodbury Scholarship Fund.
The Wayne Pratt Scholarship was established in 1994, and is awarded annually to a Woodbury resident who meets the general criteria of the Woodbury Scholarship fund.
Ella T. Grasso Memorial Scholarship
Established May 1, 1996
By Woodbury Democratic Town Committee
The Woodbury Democratic Town Committee named their scholarship in honor of Ella T. Grasso, who was committed to understanding the social and economic problems in her community and state, and who promoted practical solutions to improve the lives of working people.
Ella Tambussi Grasso grew up in Windsor Locks, the daughter of a baker. Because of her studiousness at St. Mary's School, she was awarded a Rockefeller Scholarship to attend the Chaffee School. Her graduation with honors from Chaffee earned her a scholarship to attend Mt. Holyoke College.
At Mt. Holyoke, Ella's course work in labor economics was supplemented with practical experience working on projects with working women at the local YWCA, and as an undergraduate assistant at the Hudson Shore Labor School, which provided classes to women employed as domestics and in factories. Her senior thesis on workers' compensation law in Connecticut suggested two major reforms: state funding for work-related illness and injury compensation and standardization of compensation law.
While at Mt. Holyoke, Ella also promoted interest in current events while she was president of the American Student Union. At monthly meetings, the club discussed domestic and international issues, and Ella also published a weekly article about current affairs, promoting books and on campus lectures.
Ella's subsequent service to her community, and to the state of Connecticut is not surprising given her early background. She spent her life working for the public good, in all her elected positions as a State Assemblywoman, Secretary of the State, Congresswoman, and as Governor of Connecticut. The Ella Grasso Scholarship encourages Woodbury high school graduates to continue their education in memory of Ella Grasso's commitment to public service.
Beatrice and Roland Manzi Family Scholarship Fund
Established October 8, 1997
By the Roland Manzi Family
Beatrice S. Manzi
Beatrice Santagati Manzi grew up in Waterbury and graduated from Crosby High School in 1946. Bea became a successful businesswoman in an era in which it was not only unusual but also went against cultural norms. Bea became a licensed insurance agent and real estate broker and joined her husband, Rolly and his brother, Edward, in establishing Woodbury Insurance Agency, a business they owned and operated for over 50 years.
Bea was a loving and wonderful parent, a great cook, and was known for her kindness and generosity to her family, friends, and community. In addition to her very active family, social, and business life, Bea was a member of the Woodbury Business Association including serving terms as treasurer and president. She was also a member of the Southbury Business Association where she served as Scholarship chairman for many years. She was a member of the Advisory Board for Colonial Bank and the Community Advisory Board for Vocational Education, which worked with the Guidance Office at Nonnewaug High School.
Roland Manzi Sr.
Roland Manzi Sr. grew up in Woodbury and graduated from Woodbury High School in 1940. After serving his country in World War II, he returned to Woodbury. He became a real estate broker and a licensed insurance agent and joined his wife, Bea and his brother, Edward, in establishing Woodbury Insurance Agency, a business that they owned and operated for more that 50 years. In 1981 he was voted Realtor of the Year for the Litchfield County Board of Realtors and was elected president of the organization in 1984.
Roland was a very active volunteer in the community of Woodbury including the American Legion, the Republican Town Committee, the Woodbury Male Chorus, and the Woodbury Town Players. He was a parishioner of St. Teresa's Church where he sang in the choir and was a member of the Holy Name Society.
He was also a member of the Lions Club where he served in many club capacities for more than 56 years including secretary and president. In 1995 he was honored to receive the Melvin Jones Fellowship, the highest award given by the Lions Club International Foundation for his dedicated humanitarian services.
Roland Manzi Jr.
Roland Manzi Jr. grew up in Woodbury and graduated from Woodbury High School in 1968. He lived in New York City for many years and later came home and worked in sales in the family insurance business, Woodbury Insurance Agency.
His many interest included gourmet cooking and gardening, and he especially liked growing flowers. In fact, he often said that if he weren't in insurance, he would have loved to own his own garden shop.
Roland took an active interest in politics and was a member of the Woodbury Democratic Town Committee. He was also a justice of the peace.
Old Woodbury Historical Society Scholarship
Established May 1, 1997
By Abby Grondona, President, Old Woodbury Historical Society
The Old Woodbury Historical Society is dedicated to the preservation and education of the history of Woodbury, CT. The organization, comprised entirely of volunteers, operates the Hurd House Museum and District No. 2 Schoolhouse. Both of these buildings are used on a regular basis by the Old Woodbury Historical Society to educate and demonstrate the day to day activities of people during various points in Woodbury's history. In addition to tours, costumed docents also demonstrate hands-on activities, allowing visitors to experience these activities.
The Hurd House Museum, built in approximately 1680 and located in the Hollow, is the oldest house in Litchfield County on its original foundation. It was inhabited until 1967, when it came into the possession of the Old Woodbury Historical Society. Today the Hurd House resembles the home built by John Hurd and, together with the barn located adjacent to the house, is furnished with antiques and other items of significance to the town, giving a representation of how people may have lived in the early days of Woodbury.
The District No. 2 Schoolhouse, built in 1867 and used until 1900, is one of the many one room schoolhouses remaining in Woodbury. Since being donated to the Historical Society in 1977 and renovated by 1984, it now houses classroom items such as desks and maps which were located in similar schoolhouses around Woodbury. Very often local school groups can be found in the schoolhouse, allowing students to experience what it would have been like to attend a one room school.
In addition to the Hurd House and District No. 2 Schoolhouse, the Old Woodbury Historical Society also maintains the former Town Clerk's office, located across from the North Green, and utilizes the facility as an archives building, housing many items of interest and significance in the history of Woodbury.
Community activities include participation in the History Bites lecture series, Fourth Grade History Day with Mitchell School students, the Colonial Fair, the Woodbury Christmas Festival and an annual reading of Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol," all events to which both volunteers and visitor look forward each year.
Participation in the community also includes a scholarship set up in the name of the Old Woodbury Historical Society with the Woodbury Scholarship Fund, to which members have donated annually since 1997.
Knowlton Family Scholarship Fund
Established in1990
By Patty Knowlton and family
The Knowlton Family Scholarship Fund was started in 1990 to recognize graduating Nonnewaug High School seniors whose marks are average but whose character and motivation are superior.
Students interested in pursuing musical careers are particularly considered.
John G. Fleming Memorial Scholarship
Established May 1, 1999
By The Woodbury Democratic Town Committee
Mr. John G. Fleming was born in 1914 in Tarrytown, NY. As a child, he was a Boy Scout, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Mr. Fleming received his bachelor's degree from NYU, then did graduate work at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute and Trinity College in Hartford, CT. Mr. Fleming became a professional engineer, and held several positions in his business career. These included: Development Engineer at Cambridge Instrument Co. in Ossining, N.Y.; Manager, Product Planning at Bristol Co. in Waterbury; Manager, New Business Planning at IBM Corp. in New York; Director and Assistant Secretary at Lewis Corp. in Oxford, CT; Director at New England Energy Cong. at Tufts University; Director of Connecticut Product Development Corp.; Director and Treasurer of Sunny Valley Foundation in New Milford, CT; and Secretary of Carten Systems in Danbury, CT.
Mr. Fleming was active in various political organizations in the state, as well as the Woodbury Democratic Town Committee. He was a town moderator, member of the Board of Finance, secretary of the Woodbury/Waterbury Resource Management Committee, the Planning Commission, the Lions Club and the Woodbury Conservation Commission.
Mr. Fleming was an avid conservationist. He was on the steering committee to develop the Whittemore Sanctuary of the Flanders Nature Center. He won the Environmental Merit Award.
Additionally, Mr. Fleming was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Woodbury. He served in various capacities for the church: Sunday school teacher, moderator, deacon, member of the board of Christian Education, Stewardship Committee, Pastoral Search Committee, and a member of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee.
Mr. Fleming was interested in the youth population of the church, and worked to create the Youth Recognition Award to encourage the youth of the church to participate in community service.
Per the sponsors of the scholarship:
"The Woodbury Democratic Town Committee remembers John Fleming for his wide ranging interests, his deep involvement in the community and his ability to motivate others to be similarly involved, his commitment to the democratic process, his encouragement of individuals to develop their unique talents, and his belief in the power of each of us to effect change."
"The John G. Fleming Memorial Scholarship is awarded in recognition of those qualities for which we honor him, to a graduating senior who is a resident of Woodbury and meets the general criteria of the Woodbury Scholarship Fund."
Cushman Family Fund Scholarship
Established May, 1999
By Jane Cushman
Jane Elizabeth Cushman was born in St. Paul, Minn., daughter of the late Howard and Lydia Farwell. A graduate of St Margaret's School in Waterbury, she was a summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wheaton College and received a master's degree in psychology from Columbia University.
A Woodbury resident since 1948, she volunteered with the Connecticut Heart Association, the Red Cross and the Junior League of Waterbury, where she was heavily involved in the Children's Theater.
She was a guidance counselor and college admissions advisor at New Milford High School from 1973 until her retirement in 1988, and previously taught high school English in the Danbury school system.
While at NMHS she received a number of awards from the faculty and student body and the Outstanding Citizen Award by the New Milford Area Rotary Club.
Following her retirement, she had a private college counseling practice and was a substitute counselor for Nonnewaug High School. In her later years she advised local people on a pro bono basis.
She was a member of the first Region 14 Board of Education, a charter member of the Woodbury Scholarship Committee and founder of the Cushman Family Scholarship.
Christopher Ciriello Memorial Scholarship
Established August 8, 1999
By Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Ciriello
Christopher grew up in Woodbury, Connecticut, and graduated from Nonnewaug High School in 1992. During his formative years he developed his passion and innate talent for computer sciences and the arts. He fostered his technical interest, exploring computer technology and programming. He was a decorated trumpet player and dedicated member of the Oakville/Watertown Junior Diablos Drum Corp. In his free time, Christopher also enjoyed drawing and painting.
Christopher pursued these interests at the University of Connecticut, where he joined the Chi Epsilon School of Engineering Fraternity, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 1996.
After graduation, Christopher joined Milone and MacBroom, Inc. in Cheshire, Connecticut as a civil engineer. He quickly developed a good reputation for his technical genius, professionalism and drive. This earned him the opportunity to participate in the start-up of the company's South Carolina regional office.
Christopher died in a car accident one year later.
In his honor, Milone and MacBroom, Inc. established the Christopher R. Ciriello Scholarship to be awarded annually to a graduate of Nonnewaug High School pursuing a career in civil engineering, computer sciences or art. In 2004, the Oakville-Watertown Junior Diablos Drum Corp established the Christopher Ciriello Award. This perpetual trophy is given annually to the top junior male horn player.
At only age 24, Christopher was charismatic and poised for great success. He had a zest for life, a warm sense of humor, and compassion that managed to touch the lives of many.
Reed A. Weyburn Scholarship
Established May 1, 1999
By Elsa Weyburn
A biography of Reed Weyburn, written by H. W. Hart with Elsa Weyburn, his wife.
Reed Weyburn was special. He was one of the founding fathers of the Woodbury Scholarship fund. Two of his compatriots, George Robert and Henry DeVries continue to serve on the scholarship board up to the present time. Mr. Weyburn died several years ago. In 1975, Nonnewaug High School Guidance Counselor, Mr. Piper went to three parents of the school: Reed Weyburn, George Roberts and Henry DeVries and told them there were students who desperately needed scholarships. These three gathered seven more and each contributed twenty dollars for the first Woodbury scholarship of $200. In 2009 the Fund awarded $80,750 to seventy students for an average award of $1,153. Great oaks from little acorns grow.
Reed's background was outstanding. It is obvious that his parents valued education, as they sent their son first to Exeter and then to Yale, where he graduated in the class of 1940. That class produced the famous Mayor Lindsey of New York. Reed had seen the war clouds gathering and therefore had taken naval ROTC at Yale. When World War II broke out in 1941, he immediately went on active duty. The navy, which had lost much of its Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor, stationed him in Washington, where his extensive education could come into full play. He rose from ensign to the rank of full lieutenant. After the war, he moved first to Seattle, then Guilford and finally Woodbury in 1963. Mr. Weyburn was promoted to vice president of Waterbury Foundry, a major producer of the country's cast iron catch basins and manhole covers. As an engineer, I was to meet Reed and buy a number of his products.
In Woodbury, Reed and his wife Elsa, in addition to raising a family were very active in a number of community activities. They devoted much time to St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Reed joined the Woodbury Lions Club; Elsa, the Girl Scouts. They were very active in AFS, which involved exchange students from abroad. Not satisfied with all of the above activities, Reed became a Mason and then as noted, a founder of the Woodbury Scholarship Fund.
In summary, Reed Weyburn's life exemplifies that of the Good Samaritan and his scholarship stands as a guiding light for its recipients to go and do likewise.
Donald and Edith Seymour Memorial Scholarship
Established March 1999
By Mrs. Gail Seymour
Edith Minkwitz Seymour was the third daughter of four children born in 1915. Her two sisters and she were all musical, playing the piano and singing. Her older sister paid for vocal lessons for her and she became a frequent paid soloist at local churches both during and after she completed school at New Britain Teacher's College in 1933. In fact, Edith sang with her future father-in-law, Harold Seymour, a tenor soloist, at the First Baptist Church in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Edith was also interested in antiques and purchased an antique maple rope bed. Edith was asking for help in converting the bed to use springs and a mattress, and Harold Seymour suggested that his son Donald might be able to help her. Edith always said that she met her future husband when he was sitting in the middle of her bed! Her daughter still owns the rope bed.
Donald Cook Seymour was born in 1918 in Watertown, Connecticut. He completed high school at Oliver Wolcott Technical School and worked for Watertown Building Supply after serving in the United States Army in the Philippines during World War II. Donald and Edith married in 1947 and the five children arrived soon after, from 1954 to 1961.
Both Edith and Donald shared a strong conviction about the importance of education that was instilled in all their children. Donald was a driving force in his family for advanced education in part because he never achieved that goal for himself. Through his and Edith's efforts, their five children have thirteen degrees among them, and are all lifelong and continuing learners. Their children continue to help educate their children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends.
Diane DeFeo Memorial Scholarship
Established March 1999
By Ms. Sandra DeFeo
From her earliest days in elementary school, Diane DeFeo dreamed of being a teacher. She realized her dream when she began her career teaching math at Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury, Connecticut. She taught at Sacred Heart for eight years before taking a position at Woodbury Middle School, where Ms DeFeo taught math. After over eight years at the middle school, Diane was transferred to Bethlehem Elementary School for one year, then to Mitchell Elementary School for the remainder of her teaching career.
Diane spent 18 years teaching in the Region 14 School District and enjoyed every one. Her love for math was obvious as Diane deemed math class at Mitchell School "The Sacred Hour." It is because of her love of teaching and math that the Diane DeFeo Scholarship is given to a student pursuing a career of teaching mathematics.
Diane will always be remembered for her smile, infections laugh, and love of teaching, math and Mickey Mouse.
Balsavage Family Scholarship
Established by the Balsavage Family
Bio written by Elizabeth Johnsen, in the words of her mother, Martha
You might ask, why English?
The Balsavage family lived in Woodbury during the 1950's and 1960's. They lived for a period of time in Hotchkissville, on Catswamp Road and on Flanders Road. During that time, John was a tool engineer at Scovill Manufacturing Company in Waterbury and Martha was a stay at home mom. All three of their children attended the Woodbury Public Schools. They were an ordinary hard working family filling their lives with church, Garden Club, Junior League, sailing, ice skating, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Little League, Drum Corp and activities with their many friends.
This is Martha's story. It all started with discovering that my eldest daughter was dyslexic. Dyslexia is a language difficulty involving learning to read, spell or write. In our case, that language is English. The condition is hereditary and I had struggled with the same problem as a child, but was not diagnosed. Remedial lessons were recommended for my daughter to help with the condition. The lessons were more expensive than the family finances could support, so I asked to be trained to help my children. As I learned, I helped my children and even took on other students outside of my family. I also trained other new teachers in the Orton Gillingham method of dealing with dyslexia. I worked for a period of time at various private schools and a clinic I established in my home. I was limited in my teaching by the fact that I did not have a college degree. So in middle age I went to college. I attended Southern Connecticut University where I earned a BS in Special Education and an MS in Learning Disabilities. I developed my own teaching strategy and teaching dyslexic students became my life.
Another area of interest in my life is Genealogy. This also turned out to bring a connection to the English language. I discovered and am very proud of the fact that my eighth great grandmother, Anne Bradstreet, was the first woman whose work has come down to us from colonial time and who is at least the grandmother of American literature.
Lastly, it is very important to me that English remain the official language of the United States. U.S. English is the nation's oldest and largest non-partisan citizens' action group dedicated to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. I support this organization.
Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust Scholarship
Established January 4, 2000
By the Flanders Nature Center
Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust was founded in 1963 by Natalie Van Vleck.
Miss Van Vleck was an accomplished artist, businesswoman, and environmentalist. She moved to the area in 1926 from New York, when her well-to-do family purchased a farm in Woodbury. She started the Flanders Nature Center in 1963, when suburban encroachment began to threaten Woodbury's agricultural traditions. Soon after, funds were raised by the Junior League of Greater Waterbury to build the Trail House on Church Hill Road, where numerous environmental educational programs have been offered to community residents and schools.
Flanders received its first gift of land in 1973, the Manville Kettle in the center of Woodbury. It was one of the first land trusts in the area.
Miss Van Vleck died in 1982, and bequeathed her 200-acre farm and woodlands to the Nature Center. At that time, professional staff was expanded, and programming, special events and access to the trail system were developed year round.
Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust currently manages almost 2,000 acres of open space areas in Woodbury, Bethlehem, Middlebury and Southbury.
For more information about the Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust as well as Miss Van Vleck, please visit their website, at www.flandersnaturecenter.org.
The Flanders Nature Center Scholarship was established in 2000, with the purpose of furthering the study of the environment and nature. The scholarship is awarded annually, to a Woodbury graduating senior who is planning to major in environmental studies, natural sciences or teaching.
Woodbury Republican Town Committee Scholarship
Established March 1, 2000
By Woodbury Republican Town Committee
The Woodbury Republican Town Committee has a long tradition of concern for the young people of Woodbury. It has sponsored Citizenship Days, patriotic writing contests, internship programs, and other civic activities for young people designed to encourage their participation and interest in government.
Education is important for those participating in government. It provides exposure to history, political theory, the arts and sciences, and especially the ability to reason clearly.
The Woodbury Republican Town Committee has chosen to provide opportunity for young people of Woodbury to further their education. To this end it has established the Woodbury Republican Scholarship Fund through the auspices of the Woodbury Scholarship Fund.
Mary Edler and Arthur Dwight Chaffee Scholarship
Established 2001
By Joseph Chaffee
Art Chaffee, a powerful six-foot, broad-shouldered Connecticut native, began his civil/mechanical engineering career building the massive oil docks at Galveston, Texas. Galveston was hot, humid and below water level, particularly during frequent hurricanes. The weak need not apply.
At the start of World War II, Art went to work for the Manhattan Project building the Atomic Bomb Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This was a job where plans were made as the steel columns went up. The scientists at Los Alamos hadn't even invented a workable bomb, but the engineers had to dream up a plant to manufacture one. One criterion was: "Don't blow up the plant." Einstein had written President Roosevelt that the Germans had started atomic experiments. The pressure was intense. The bomb was invented, built, tested and finally exploded over Hiroshima just eleven weeks before the invasion of Japan was to start, an invasion that was estimated to cost 200,000 American casualties.
After the war, Art returned to Connecticut as Superintendent of Mechanical Trades at Scovill Manufacturing Company in Waterbury. Scovill was the largest independent brass company in the world at that time. Oddly coincidental, Scovill had the same 150 buildings as the Hiroshima arsenal.
When Scovill shut down after approximately 175 years, it had become the longest dividend-paying company in America. Former employees like Art, late in their careers, had to find jobs. Art began to build houses in Woodbury. They were more than houses, they were works of art. And they were beautifully engineered. They were generally low and interesting. They fitted into the landscape. They were Art Chaffee's personal monuments, and they gave warmth to Woodbury.
His wife Mary was active in the church and local gardening and arts groups.
The Woodbury Scholarship Fund, therefore, takes great pride in commemorating a scholarship to one of its outstanding citizens, Arthur Dwight Chaffee Jr.
Scott Lawrence Pond Memorial Scholarship
Established October 14, 2000
By Lawrence and Gloria Pond (Parents)
An enthusiastic high school science teacher, Scott Lawrence Pond shared his curiosity and spirit of adventure with students, friends and family. Graduating high school with academic honors and a state wrestling title, he became an Astronomy teaching assistant at Williams College, majored in Geology, and during a Junior Year semester at the University of Lund in Sweden, helped research geothermal heating for the city.
In high school, he captained wrestling and sailing and he pursued these sports in college. He was Waterfront Coach at Camp Treetops, Lake Placid, and he taught at North Country School, then Proctor Academy, where he also coached wrestling.
After summers climbing in Peru, Bolivia and the western United States, he started graduate study at Dartmouth College. He married Patricia Ann Coombs, a Mathematics instructor in 1989, and became the proud father of Caroline Moriah Pond in 1991. A licensed pilot, paraglide and experienced skydiver, Scott died in a freak midair accident in a New Hampshire charity show at age 30.
Harlan H. Griswold Memorial Scholarship
Established February 8, 2001
By the Harlan H. Griswold Family
The family of Harlan H. Griswold and the Woodbury Scholarship Fund has established an endowed scholarship with an initial annual award of $500, in memory of Harlan H. Griswold.
Mr. Griswold's professional career, like his father's before him, was in banking. For the last 20 years of his career he was Chairman and President of the Waterbury National Bank and a noted innovator. At the dawn of the commercial computing era, his bank was the first in the United States to get permission from the Federal Reserve Bank to offer electronic data processing services to outside customers of the bank for accounting and payroll. He also served as Vice President of the Connecticut Banker's Association and as Vice Chairman of the Connecticut Commission for Economic Development.
Harlan Griswold believed that success in life is measured by how much we are able to help other people, and to be sure that whatever we do leaves the people whose lives we touched better for having known us. As he put it, what matters is not how much you get out of life, but how much you give to it, and to other people, whether in love, knowledge or service.
He was active in many community and state organizations, but is perhaps best remembered for his passion for history and historic preservation. He served as Chairman of the State Historical Commission, of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, and of the State Bicentennial Commission. The Connecticut Trust's award for individuals or groups which have made notable achievements in historic preservation is known as the Harlan H. Griswold award. There are countless individual buildings and streetscapes in the state which were preserved from the wrecking ball because of his intervention. At the same time, however, he was no opponent of modern architecture, and believed that every building should be true to the period when it was built, not merely a reproduction of the architecture of an earlier age. His approach was not that of the antiquarian who believes that old is always better than new, but rather that we should preserve the evidence of the past so that we could learn from it intellectually, socially, morally and aesthetically, even as we gave full rein to our creativity in finding new forms and ideas.
The evidence of his efforts is all over the state. Si monumentum requires, circumspice (if you seek his monument, look around you).
James Bragg Scholarship
Established 1999
By Nadine Newell
Jim Bragg was the quintessential Connecticut Country Gentleman. He lived in a 200-year old Connecticut farmhouse formerly owned by the Strong family, who were among the original settlers of Woodbury. (Fred Strong, the Woodbury Town Historian, passed away in 2010 at 99 years of age.) Jim and his wife restored the house so that it could have easily been displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. During the depression of the 1930's, Jim purchased adjacent acreage so that he had pasture for a considerable number of cattle. He kept his fences in beautiful condition.
But behind Jim's well-kept farm and farmhouse was a secondary Henry Ford. He equipped a special barn just for maintaining his cars and a second one for their storage. The maintenance barn held a complete machine shop with Monarch lathes; Bridgeport millers and a complete spray-paint shop. The storage barn held cars as distinguished as the antiques in his home. Almost every year Jim won the State Antique Car contest with his Rolls Royce Silver Cloud. For driving around Woodbury, Jim had a 12 year old Buick that was spotless.
Jim moved to Woodbury from Long Island around 1933, where he had a successful foundry business. He lived a long and useful life well into his nineties. In his later years, he spent much of his time carefully subdividing his considerable land.
Jim did not live long enough to see his scholarship take shape, but from his love of Woodbury, its land and its people, I'm sure he would have been most pleased.
(Written by Henry Hart, 10-03-2010)
Dr. Marcus E. Cox Memorial Scholarship
Established November 12, 2000
By Adeline Streck Cox
Dr. Marcus E. Cox was born on October 23, 1910 in Greenfield, Ohio. He attended Xavier University in Cincinnati and Studied medicine at the University of Cincinnati. After interning at the University of Wisconsin, he studied pathology at Tulane University in New Orleans and was invited to teach at the University of South Carolina in Charleston.
During World War II, Dr. Cox was sent to the Army Medical Museum, now known as the Armed Forces Institute in Washington, D.C. He transferred to the 2,000 bed Veterans Administration Hospital in Wichita Falls, Texas where he was chief pathologist. After two years he was again sent to the Washington, D.C. area, serving at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and at the Armed Forces Institute.
In 1945, Dr. Cox was recruited by Yale University to teach and serve as chief of pathology at St. Mary's Hospital in Waterbury. He settled with his wife in Woodbury and became active in the community, acting as the area's medical examiner for many years.
After he retired from St. Mary's in 1975, Dr. Cox served on a state committee evaluating the standards of area nursing homes. He was an active member of the American Association of Blood Banks.
To commemorate the scientific achievements of Dr. Cox, Adeline Streck Cox, his wife of 65 years, has established a scholarship to be awarded to a student who will study in the areas of health or science.
North Congregational Church Scholarship Fund
Established January 9, 2001
By the North Congregational Church
A very brief history of the North Congregational Church, prepared for recipients of the Woodbury Scholarship Fund by Henry W. Hart, a trustee of the WSF and former treasurer of the North Church.
Please see "One Hundred Fifty Years in an old New England Parish", 1816-1966, prepared December 1966 by Charlotte H. Isham, PhD, Principal, Mitchell School and life-long church member; Arthur N. Johnson, Deacon and Chairman Woodbury Democratic Party; Fredrick T. Strong, Deacon and Town Historian.
For brevity and accuracy, excerpts from the 1966 history have been selected.
"In the beginning…" Genesis 1:1
"What better day to organize a church society than on December 25? Imagine, if you can, a cold crisp day in 1816, when thirty-one hardy souls braved the elements to be present at the formal organization of the Strict Congregational Church."
"At the time the church was organized, the laws forbade the existence of two churches of the same denomination in one town. At first it was proposed to organize a Baptist Church, and the only reason for not doing so was that there were no Baptists to organize."
"An appeal was made to Judge Phelps, a Lawyer in Woodbury, who suggested the name, 'Strict Congregational Society.'" From the petition to the General Assembly we learn the following history: "That in the year of our lord 1690, the first meeting house was erected in said town. That the towns of Southbury, Roxbury and part of Middlebury belong to said town of Woodbury, and to said Ecclesiastical Society."
The following are excerpts from the church web site:
"Our church has its foundation in the Congregationalist Way. We are the direct 'spiritual decedents' of the Pilgrims, who came to these shores seeking religious freedom. That freedom in Christ is the essence of our church today. We respect the inherent dignity of each individual, and affirm that each person is on his or her own journey in God. Therefore, we do not dictate what individuals must believe, nor do we force a set practice of faith on anyone.'
"We stress the importance of each person's direct relationship to the living God, rather than dogma or ritual. So our church is a 'gathered' community of individuals, who seek a spiritual home while on earth with kindred souls. We laugh, cry, and work together to share God's truth and love with one another, and to share God's blessings and justice with all the world. We gather around God's Word to discern God's presence in our lives and in the great issues of our times. In all of our worship, church school and sermons, we strive to be people with a compassionate heart and open mind, and an eternal vision. Indeed, we believe that this will give us abundant life in this world and life everlasting in the world to come."
This scholarship is made possible by the church in order to assure financial support for college students. The church particularly would like to make awards to their church members who have been outstanding students and exhibit a combination of motivation and need.
Christine Story Ribeiro Memorial Scholarship
Established February 2001
By The Woodbury Ambulance Association
After graduating from Nonnewaug High School in 1987, Christine Story Ribeiro went to work in the travel industry. She strove for excellence in all areas of her job. Her customer service, diversity, accuracy and quality were areas for which she was recognized. She earned the American Express Pacesetter Award for four years, placing in the top 5% of the company nationally. She displayed integrity, loyalty, honesty and dedication on the job and in her daily life.
At twenty-nine years of age, she was diagnosed with fourth state ovarian cancer. It is the way she faced this greatest challenge - with grace, dignity and a smile that rarely left her face - that will be remembered by all who knew her. The day after she was diagnosed with cancer, Chris wrote in her journal, "I realized right away that my life might have to change in some ways for obvious reasons, but this did not have to change me. I knew my strength and my positive thinking, and I knew I could do this. I view this as a challenge no different from the challenges that so many families face every day." She believed that people have a choice each day about how they will live their lives. She did not choose to have ovarian cancer. She did have a choice about how to respond to it. She wrote, "I control my mind and my spirit. My mind and my spirit will only have cancer if I allow them to. My mind and my spirit have not changed. They are still happy, healthy and positive and will stay that way forever."
This scholarship will be presented to someone entering the field of health or medicine. These people have an opportunity to make a difference in people's lives each and every day. The person receiving this scholarship is someone who has shown personal growth during their four years of high school; someone who has perhaps also faced challenges and made the right choices in facing them.
Cody-DeVries Family Scholarship
Established March 13, 2001
By Jane and Henry DeVries
As one of the organizers and a trustee of the Woodbury Scholarship Fund since 1975, it was important for Henry DeVries to contribute to the fund in a tangible way.
Henry and his wife, Jane, established the Cody-DeVries Scholarship to honor the memory of both of their mothers and fathers, who were strong supporters of higher education for their children, even though Jane's mother and Henry's parents did not have the opportunity to attend college themselves.
In turn, Jane and Henry encouraged and supported their own children to strive for the very best education they could achieve. Scholarship and motivation were considered equally important. The Cody-DeVries Family Scholarship selection criteria allows for a scholarship to be awarded to a motivated student who might otherwise be overlooked by conventional class rank or career choice criteria. Over the years, the Cody-DeVries Family Fund Scholarship has achieved this objective.
First Congregational Church Scholarship
Established July 18, 2001
By The First Congregational Church
First Congregational Church has been supporting the growth and development of Woodbury's young people for over 340 years, ever since members of the church first settled the area and founded Woodbury and its daughter towns.
In the days before there was any kind of separation of Church and State, the Church leaders believed that it was their responsibility to provide moral, spiritual and practical guidance and support to Woodbury's citizens, and did so according to the understanding of their time.
First Church, with its handsome 1819 building prominently placed on Main Street, right in the middle of town, has continued to be an important part of the life of the community ever since, though the town's growth both in numbers of citizens and in their diversity of religion, ethnic background and ancestry has made Woodbury a very different place than it was so long ago.
We continue to recognize that the future is in the hands of our young people, and that we owe it to them, and to ourselves, to give them every opportunity to develop their gifts by making educational opportunities available to them.
Stedman T. Hitchcock Memorial Scholarship
Established July 18, 2001
By Mrs. Katharine M. Hitchcock
Stedman Hitchcock grew up in Woodbury, attended the wooden clapboard Mitchell School (in front of the present brick one) from first to twelfth grades, spent one year at Taft, and graduated with honors as a civil engineer from Yale in 1929. His picture was shown on the Yale Alumni Magazine in 1994, the same year he died, shaking hands with Yale's president Levin. Normally, only Nobel Laureates or United States Presidents are so honored. And, Stedman was a shy man!
With his civil engineering degree, Stedman's first job was with the U.S. Department of Transportation building the nations roads, a job he held until he retired. His job was immense. In 1930, in contrast to the roads of today, the nation's highways were entirely gravel, bumpy, dusty, corduroy gravel, from Minneapolis to just outside Los Angeles, which boasted of the first concrete highway in the west. It could be said that the small-town boy from Woodbury paved America. While he moved frequently, Stedman ended up in Washington, DC as one of the men who designed the nation's super highway system.
After retiring to Heritage Village, he became chairman of the Southbury Planning Commission for twenty long years. The Town of Southbury presented him with a plaque and an exhibit in their showcase for such distinguished service. It was interesting to watch this quiet Yankee run the Planning meetings. Someone would get up and object violently to a proposed subdivision. After the speaker's first outburst and after he started to repeat himself, Chairman Hitchcock would quietly say that the speaker had made that point, did he have any new ones - otherwise, "Thank you very much". And the protestor, still red in the face, would have to sit down. The audience, particularly the professionals, loved Stedman's cool, unruffled performance.
And then, there was the providing of land for Woodbury's elderly housing at Spruce Bank. Stedman sold his property at a bargain price so that the project, which he ardently believed in, could proceed.
Marjorie M. and Robert F. Jones Scholarship
Established March 30, 2003
By Professor Richard Jones and Kenneth Jones
Robert Franklin Jones, a veteran of Woodbury town politics and a two-term member of the State House of Representatives in the 1960s lived in Woodbury for nearly 50 years. He was a member of the Republican Town Committee, a past president of the Woodbury Parent Teacher Association, a member of the high school and library building committees, a committee chairman with Boy Scout Troop 54, and a member of the Lions Club.
From 1962 - 66, he represented Woodbury in the House. Those were the days of unit representation, when towns sent either one or two representatives to the House. That system changed in the 1967 session, which convened with 177 House districts apportioned by population.
Mr. Jones also was a member of North Congregational Church and served on the board of deacons as well as the Stewardship Committee.
He was born August 21, 1912 in Ludlow, Massachusetts, and was a Mayflower descendant. He graduated from Brown University in 1934, and spent his career in the insurance industry, retiring in 1984 as executive vice president of W. J. Burton Insurance Agency in Woodbury and Pomperaug Valley Associates in Southbury.
Marjorie E. Jones was born February 5, 1914 in Naugatuck, daughter of the late William and Ann Clark (Moody). She attended Naugatuck schools, graduating high school in 1931, and in 1935 received a bachelor's degree from Simmons College in Boston, Mass.
Mrs. Jones worked at the YMCA in New Haven, operated a nursery school in her home for many years, and after her youngest son was in high school, she want back to school to receive a teaching certificate. She taught home economics at Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury for 10 years.
A Woodbury resident for nearly 50 years, she was a member of the North Congregational Church and its woman's fellowship, the Woodbury Women's Club, Woodbury Jury Selection Committee, Woodbury Park and Recreation Committee, the Heritage Village Country Club, and Woodbury Club.
Mrs. Jones enjoyed making clothes and traveling with her husband to Europe, the British Isles and the homes of two foreign exchange students they hosted in Greece and Finland.
She was a member of a bridge club that formed in the 1930s and held bi-monthly games in several states and Canada until the 1980's.
Evan Hunter Gillette Memorial Scholarship
Established 2002
By Eleanor & Earl Gillette (Parents)
Evan Hunter Gillette, a Woodbury Native who lived on Manhattan's Upper East Side, was among the more than 6,300 people missing and feared dead in the September 11th terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York.
Evan was Vice President for Sandler, O'Neill & Partners located on the 104th floor of the South Tower when the building was struck by an airplane piloted by terrorists. He was born May 5, 1961 and at that time resided in Milford. In 1964 his family moved to Woodbury, where their ancestors had settled in the 1850s. Mr. Gillette was schooled in Woodbury and graduated from Nonnewaug High School in 1979. He was a conscientious student, had taken a keen interest in the outdoors and enjoyed spending time with his lifelong friends. He was very active in scouting, and became an Eagle Scout in 1978 after he turned 17.
At election time, he volunteered at Republican headquarters in Woodbury and became very friendly with the late Malcolm Baldridge, then president of Scovill Manufacturing in Waterbury. When Evan was deciding where to go to college, Mr. Baldridge suggested he look at colleges in his home state of Wyoming. He decided to enroll at the University of Maine at Orono. After 2 1/2 years, he transferred to the University of Connecticut at Storrs to be closer to his family and friends. He graduated from UConn in 1983. His first job was in the business office at Scovill, where he worked for one year until the company was sold.
He wrote to Mr. Baldridge, who was then U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President Ronald Reagan, and asked for career advice. The two corresponded for about a month, until Mr. Baldridge told Mr. Gillette to "follow his nose". Evan took Mr. Baldridge's advice and enrolled in the master's of business administration program at the University of New Haven. He graduated in 1986 and went to work at Centerbank, which has since merged with First Union, then Wachovia. He worked as a financial analyst, helping to invest the bank's money at its main office in Waterbury. Five years later he applied for a job at the Federal Credit Union Administration in Washington, DC. Out of 48 applicants, he was chosen for the position. He traveled to federal credit union offices, audited their books and suggested ways to invest their money.
In 1996, Mr. Gillette accepted a job as vice president at Sandler O'Neill & Partners at their office at The World Trade Center in Manhattan.
Tracey Blair Sadik Memorial Scholarship
Established November 2001
By James and Flora S. Sadik (Parents)
After graduating from Watertown High School, Tracey went to Wheaton College for her B.A. in Economics. There, through an internship program on Wall Street, she earned her stock broker license. She then went on to Boston College for her MBA followed by three more years of study to be recognized as a Certified Financial Analyst. Tracey rose quickly to become a Vice President in the Private Asset Management Department at the Mellon Bank in Boston.
Her interests were as numerous as her degrees. At Watertown High School, Tracey was on the tennis team and was involved in student government. In college she was involved in residential affairs and was head resident for several years. One of her greatest loves was "Outward Bound" on Hurricane Island in Maine. Later, she devoted much time and effort to this challenging program of survival and of "knowing thyself". It became Tracey's number one charity. Because of the spirit of adventure nurtured in "Outward Bound", she explored on foot the outback of central Australia.
After being diagnosed with lymphoma, Tracey devoted much time to volunteering in the Education Department at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and as a fund raiser for the "Jimmy Fund".
Awards will be made from a fully endowed scholarship to a student graduating from high school and attending a four year college who intends to major in finance, economics or business.
Ruth Wheeler Travers Memorial Scholarship
Established 2002
By The Travers and Wheeler Families
Ruth Wheeler Travers, 86, of 46 Church Street, Woodbury, CT died on Monday, May 13, 2002 at her home. She was the wife of Sherwood W. Travers.
Mrs. Travers was born April 7, 1916 in Waterbury, the daughter of the late Myron and Martha (Wellman) Wheeler of Watertown. She was educated in Watertown schools and graduated from Watertown High School in 1934.
In earlier years she was a volunteer in the Woodbury schools and an active member of the North Congregational Church. A lifelong homemaker, her interests included her family, cooking and flowers.
In addition to her husband of sixty years, she leaves her sons Robert Travers of Woodbury and James Travers of Newtown, three grandchildren Richard, Jeremy and Lauren Travers, two sisters Edna Wheeler and Doris Salvatore and a sister-in-law Marie Wheeler, all of Watertown and several nieces and nephews.
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Edward F. White Memorial Scholarship
Established November 13, 2002
By Mrs. Edward F. (Dale) White (Spouse)
Edward F. White was born May 26, 1933 in Bronx, NY, son of the late Charles F. and Johanna (Marshner) White. A graduate of Naugatuck High School, he held bachelors and master's degrees from the University of Connecticut and Southern Connecticut State University and a sixth year administrative education degree from the University of Connecticut.
A U.S. Army veteran, he served from 1956 to 1958 at Ft. McArthur, California. He lived in Naugatuck and Oxford before moving to Woodbury, where he was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
He taught math and science at Woodbury Middle School for 36 years and worked at his family's ice cream shop, Dari Delite, for most of his life.
He enjoyed golf, travel and skiing. He played football while at UConn and was a member of the UConn Alumni and Huddle Club, and was an avid fan of UConn's men's basketball and football teams.
He had coached the WMS ski team and was instrumental in forming the Pop Warner Football League in Woodbury.
He was a member of the Woodbury Lions Club, the Naugatuck Valley Ski Club, the Woodbury Conservation Committee and the Waterbury-Derby Chapter of the Society for the Preservation of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America for 22 years.
James R. Somers Scholarship
Established February 2003
By Mrs. James (Judy) Somers
Jim always loved music: he sang in church choirs, was a member of the Glee Club at Taft, and sang with the small "Oreocos" group there. When we were ready to retire, and I was intent on coming to Woodbury, he wanted to know why, when we could go anywhere in the world. I told him: "Because it is home"
I believe that in the ten years he lived here, it truly became home to him. He immediately joined local groups such as the Kiwanis, Community Services Council, Friends of the Library, Meals on Wheels and the Finance Board. He quickly became an integral part of each organization. Jim liked people and enjoyed helping them. He used his truck to help with book sales, food drives and other community activities. When he wasn't doing that, he sat home and listened to operas, chopped down trees and hauled and split them for our wood stove. He also helped our neighbors with their wood.
Jim was given the Rosenberg Award as Volunteer of the Year by the Woodbury Planning Commission. His name is on the Rosenberg Plaque in the Boyd Building.
Earle W. Lovering Memorial Scholarship
Established March 29, 2003
By Mrs. Sarah Lovering Johnson (Daughter)
Earl Ward Lovering was born May 14, 1917 in Arlington, Massachusetts and died March 4, 2003 in Tacoma, Washington. Between those two points in time and place, he traveled widely in Europe and South America, and lived in six states and three foreign countries. A metallurgical engineer, educated at MIT, he taught those he supervised in the United States, in Brazil, in Mexico, and in Peru. His teaching, his work and his whole life were hands on, at the center of things. He did not believe in sitting in an office issuing orders, and had little patience with those who did.
Despite very poor hearing, he learned languages easily and well. He studied French in high school but learned it most from the French Canadians about him in Lowell, Massachusetts. He learned Portuguese in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Spanish in Peru and Mexico. He spoke in those languages of extrusion presses and groceries, and studied history, literature and poetry in them as well, acquiring and appreciating the culture about him.
He loved hunting, fishing and boats of all sorts, especially sail boats, sailing with family and friends in Long Island Sound, off the coast of Maine, and in the Caribbean. He enjoyed maps and charts, and the plotting of compass courses, and eventually became a surveyor. He loved fine furniture, and refinished and restored early American antiques, and built sea chests. His knowledge of metals and eye for fine design led to a love of jewelry and a hobby in numismatics.
He had a profound respect for learning and education, and to the end of his life, delighted in his ability to recall facts, quotations and poems in four languages. He left, when he died, a house full of books, a collection of antique coins and poetry that rings in his own voice in his children's ears.
Sherwood Wells Travers Memorial Scholarship
Established March 2003
By Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Travers
Sherwood Wells Travers was born June 16, 1919 in Woodbury, son of the late James and Edna (Wells) Travers. He was educated in Woodbury schools and graduated from Becker College, Worcester Massachusetts in 1939.
He served with the U.S. Air Force from 1941 to 1945, spending two years in India. He was employed by the Woodbury Savings Bank, the New Milford Savings Bank and served as a senior examiner for the State Banking Department from 1950 to 1955. He then joined Savings Bank of Ansonia, later Great Country Bank, where he rose to the office of president, CEO and director prior to his retirement in 1981.
He was a member of the Woodbury Republican Town Committee, chairman of the Woodbury Pension Committee and the Woodbury Board of Tax Review.
He was a director of Junior Achievement, the Naugatuck Valley Chamber of Commerce and treasurer and vice president of the Board of Directors of Griffin Hospital, Derby.
He was a member of the North Congregational Church where he served as a deacon and superintendent of the Sunday school program.
Vera T. Elsenboss Memorial Scholarship
Established June 27, 2003
By Mary Tyrrell (Daughter)
Vera T. Elsenboss, registered pharmacist and long time owner of Canfield Corner Pharmacy, was born December 4, 1917 in New York City. She had been a resident of Woodbury since 1950 when she bought a 122-year-old Victorian building on Canfield Corner. Living on the second floor, she opened a pharmacy where she was the pharmacist until 1986. Her daughter, Mary Tyrrell bought the pharmacy, after her mother had carefully taught her the business. Canfield Corner Pharmacy remains the oldest Connecticut pharmacy still in its original building.
She volunteered many hours of community service in Woodbury, and was the recipient of the 1999 Dr. Bernard Rosenberg Award from the Woodbury Planning Commission, which is given each year to an individual who has done exemplary volunteer work. Her gift of example taught the importance of volunteer work and commitment to the community, not only to her own family, but to anyone around her. Her daughter, Mary remembered, "She was an inspiration and became a mother to anyone who walked in our doors. She always put the town's interest ahead of her own."
Vera served on the Woodbury Zoning Commission on and off for more than 30 years. Her love of history and rustic Woodbury fueled her passion for the Zoning Commission. She once said, "You have to care about the town to serve on the Commission", and she certainly did, said her daughter.
She also served on the Democratic Town Committee, Woodbury Parent Teachers Association and Woodbury Junior Rifle Club. She ran for first selectman in the 1980s and led the Old Woodbury Historical Society as president from 1989 to 1997.
She was a member of Trumbull-Porter chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Connecticut Society of Genealogy. As dual member in Pomperaug and Naugatuck Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star, she was past worthy matron and grand representative in Massachusetts. She further volunteered her time with the American Heart Society and the American Cancer Society.
Arthur Ludwig-Whittier Wright Scholarship
Established Nov. 14, 2001
By the will of Arthur Ludwig, Feb. 23, 2001
Arthur Ludwig and Whittier Wright purchased a weekend home in Woodbury, intending to make this their retirement home. Unfortunately, Whittier Wright passed away before his retirement. They both had illustrious careers in art.
Arthur Ludwig was born in Glastonbury, CT. After his military service, he enrolled at the Parsons School of Design and became an illustrator artist. His first position was with the New Yorker Magazine. He finished his career as Vice-President of the Art Department of Suttler and Hennessey Advertising in New York City. In retirement, he did free lance paintings which were sought after. His artistic family included a brother, William, who became a successful sculptor.
Whittier Wright was born in Philadelphia. After his military service he attended the Beaux Arts School in Paris. He returned to New York to become a professional photographer for various advertising firms. While the major part of his work was in NYC, he did photography shoots all over the world. Mr. Wright came from a very illustrious family. His grandfather was the first African American quartermaster in the US Army, began an all black college and founded a bank.
They had both attended exhibits at Nonnewaug High School and were impressed with the quality of the work. This led them to want to help with the education of some of the students. A generous bequest was made in the will of Arthur Ludwig. It carefully delineated that the preference would be for a student who would pursue a degree in commercial art at Pratt Institute, Rhode Island School of Design or Yale University with a goal of advertising design, industrial design, architecture, theatre design, photography, painting or sculpture.
Hart Scholarship Fund
Established 1997
By Henry Hart
Enlisted as a private in the army in 1942, Henry Hart served with the 41st Infantry Division as a rifle platoon leader in Mindanao, the Philippine Islands, and Japan. He reentered the army in 1950 for the Korean War and served with the Connecticut National Guard's 102nd Infantry Division, at Camp Pickett, Virginia, Alaska and Augsburg, Germany. He remained with the Army National Guard for a total of 22 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.
After graduating from Yale in 1949 as a civil engineer, Hart was an engineer for the First Archaeological Expedition to Afghanistan searching for prehistoric man for the American Museum of Natural History of New York. He then worked on building the world's largest earth filled dam, the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River in North Dakota.
After the Cold War duty in Germany, he built his own home in Woodbury, and worked for Scovill Manufacturing Company in Waterbury where he became Chief Engineer for the General Manufacturing Division. Beginning in 1957, he planted and sold Christmas trees for forty years on Quanopaug Trail. When Scovill ceased, Hart designed waste treatment systems for cleaning up Connecticut's rivers. With this experience he was hired by the General Electric Company, Bridgeport, to clean up their pollution.
In 1976, Hart, a professional engineer and registered land surveyor, formed his own engineering and surveying business in Woodbury where he helped build the town's Hollow Park, was chairman, while on the Board of Education, of building Nonnewaug High School, worked on Bethlehem's Memorial Hall, and Taft School's new gym and Science building. He was active in both the Connecticut Association of Land Surveyors and the Surveyors' Proprietors Council of Northwest Connecticut.
Having been an Eagle Scout in Minneapolis, Hart reentered scouting in 1961 in Troop 54, North Church, serving as assistant scoutmaster, scoutmaster, Mattatuck Council vice president and troop committeeman for nearly forty years. He was also active in Woodbury Little League where he coached and then became president. In the North Church, he served as treasurer for five years and later designed the new parking lot. With his wife, Hart donated 100 acres of open space to Flanders Nature Center. He wrote one book: "A Road Less Traveled." In 1999 both he and his wife Virginia were awarded Woodbury's Bernard Rosenberg Volunteer citation.
Mr. Hart has been a trustee for the Woodbury Scholarship Fund since 1998. He has been primarily responsible for developing many of the endowed scholarships providing funds for students now.
Mary Ellen Callahan Memorial Scholarship
Established Nov. 13, 2004
By The Callahan Family
Mary Ellen Callahan was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio by parents who emigrated from Ontario, Canada. Her early education was in catholic schools where she was accelerated in grade level twice, based on test results. She enrolled in Fenn College, the nucleus of Cleveland State University, at age 16.
Fenn College featured a Cooperative Education Program wherein Mary Ellen majored in Psychology and had a full year of relevant work experience upon her graduation. She then enrolled at Michigan State University where she earned a Masters Degree in Counseling and Psychology while serving as a Resident Advisor in a residence hall.
Mary Ellen was best known for her work as a Guidance Counselor at the Newtown CT Middle School for over 20 years. She participated in many programs and workshops held on weekends and during the summer to bring the best counseling concepts to the NMS. She was described by several of her Principals at "the first car into the lot in the morning and the last to leave in the evening". She loved counseling and spent many evenings on the telephone with parents, guardians and social workers to assist her students in every way possible. She impacted the future of hundreds of students over the years.
Mary Ellen was a watercolor artist who enjoyed gardening antiques and travel to visit her grandchildren in Ohio and California as well as many relatives in Canada. She was married to Richard Callahan, an FBI Agent, for 36 years until her death at age 61 in 2003. She was the proud mother of Michael Callahan, now the General Counsel at Yahoo, Inc. in California; and Patrick, now General Manager of Recreational Products at Progressive Insurance Headquarters near Cleveland, Ohio. Both sons are products of the Woodbury School System. Mike went on the Georgetown University and UCONN Law School while Pat earned a Mechanical Engineering Degree at Lafayette College followed by an MBA at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.
Gardella Family Scholarship
Established in 2001
By the Gardella Family
Cameron and Bonnie Gardella are long time Woodbury residents. They moved to Woodbury after their marriage in 1969, and raised two daughters, Jennifer and Emily.
Cameron and Bonnie strongly believe in the importance of serving and giving back to the community; they have been active in various organizations, including Woodbury Bethlehem Youth Soccer, the Historic Commission, Region 14 Parent Teacher Organization, and St. Teresa parish choir, among others.
Cameron became involved in the Woodbury Scholarship Fund in 1987 and has served as the Fund's President for close to 20 years now. Through the dedicated work of the Board of Trustees and the generosity of many Woodbury residents, Cameron has helped the Fund grow its endowments and grants from just 1 in 1990 to over 60 in 2009.
Now retired, Cameron had a long and distinguished career in mechanical engineering, working for the Timken Company for 38 years. His experience made it clear that a quality post-secondary education is essential for a successful career in the technical vocations.
The Gardella Family Scholarship was established to support the continuing education of students interested in mechanical engineering as well as to contribute to the growth of the Woodbury Scholarship Fund's endowments. Recipients should also have a demonstrated need and be active members of their communities.
The Gardella family is pleased to have established this endowment and its perpetual awards.
The Peter J. Dowling Memorial Fund
Established April 5, 2005
By his children: Margaret, Dorothy and Jane
Peter Dowling grew up in Waterbury and attended Crosby High School. His athletics and high marks got him a scholarship to Yale University. Entering Yale in 1942 in the class of 1945, Peter was soon in the army. In early 1943 he was assigned to the 1255th Combat Engineers. He served in the campaigns of northern France and Germany building bridges and roads, as well as anything else that needed doing. Peter returned to Yale in 1945, where he majored in English and played intramural football. Being on scholarship in 1945 meant he had to wait on tables. After the war, the GI Bill provided tuition, room and board. As an antidote to the demanding Yale curricula, Peter and his roommates put on great parties, singing World War II repertoires from all over the world.
Upon graduation, Peter went through the training course at Scovill Manufacturing Company in Waterbury. Scovill employed 7,000 people and stretched over a mile along the Mad River where the Brass City Mall now stands. After several years learning production control, he was placed in charge of Scovill's highest tech Relay Department. Here, high altitude relays with gold contacts were manufactured under high vacuum, high heat, and under "White Room" conditions. Peter's diplomacy and good humor were severely stretched to keep his employees to meet the highest standards of quality and cleanliness.
Sadly, the once great Scovill lost more and more jobs to overseas competition, and like the great ship Titanic, gradually sank out of sight. Peter retired to take up his chief love of sailing, and spent much time with his family sailing along the Connecticut coast. He was also extremely helpful to his many friends, assisting them in everything from getting jobs to building their houses.
Peter combined scholarship, philosophy of life and humor in a mix almost impossible to duplicate but most worthwhile to emulate.
Rick Moisan Memorial Scholarship
Established May 1, 2005
By Lisa Moisan
The Rick Moisan Memorial Scholarship is an endowed scholarship which provides his family, (wife Lisa and daughters Claire and Jill) with the opportunity to honor his commitment to education and community involvement by helping a worthy student pursues his or her college dreams.
Recipients of this scholarship must demonstrate the highest level of academic achievement and an interest in the Arts or Sciences.
Virginia & Gardner Murray Scholarship
Established 2006
By their children:
Jill, Joan, Stephen, Betsy, Craig and Andrew
The Gardner and Virginia Murray Scholarship was established as a memorial in 2006 by their six children - Jill, Joan, Stephen, Betsy, Craig and Andrew. Virginia was an accomplished artist who trained at the Art Students' League in New York City and painted in oils and watercolor, and created stunning ceramics, both majolica and raku. She also created silkscreen works, etchings, and mosaics. While raising six children, Virginia made time to work in her studio every day. She enjoyed traveling throughout the world, with her husband and with her children, and her travels provided inspiration for her art. At one point, Virginia helped students at Nonnewaug High School to design and paint areas above the hallway lockers.
Virginia devoted seven decades to creating art and was always interested in encouraging young artists to find self expression and a sense of joy in their art.
Virginia exhibited her work and won awards in shows with the New Haven Paint and Clay Club, Connecticut Women Artists, Silvermine Guild, Washington Art Association, Good News Café, Mattatuck Museum, Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts, and the Hartford Art League, among others..
Her husband, Gardner, trained at MIT as an architect and worked as an architect/engineer at American Brass Company in Waterbury for many years. He designed his family's home in Woodbury and loved to garden and attend local Reggae concerts.
Ron Yarusavage Scholarship
Established August, 19, 2006
By Mark Linehan
The Ronald Yarusavage Scholarship was established in memory of Ronald Yarusavage, an English teacher at Woodbury and Nonnewaug High Schools for over 30 years.
The scholarship was first organized by fellow teachers, friends and family in memory of Ron's great commitment and dedication to education. He was a beloved member of the faculty and an outstanding teacher who was best known for his love of the classroom as well as his great sense of humor. Ron was an avid and accomplished golfer and a friend to many.
Ron would be very pleased to know that a scholarship in his name has been established to help a deserving student to further their education. It should also be noted that the Woodbury Scholarship Fund was instrumental and indispensable in promoting and supporting the establishment of this scholarship.
Mary Jane Naylor Scholarship
Established February 15, 2008
By John (Jack) Naylor
Mary Jane (Jane) Naylor was born in Waterbury, and attended area schools. She and her husband Jack lived in Woodbury for many years. Jane worked at McDermott Chemical Corporation for many years, as an administrative assistant. She was a self-made woman, achieving a great deal of success both personally and professionally although she was not able to attend college.
Jane had a "business mind", and her husband considered her to be the brains behind their success in financial investments. She was always good with mathematics.
Jane and Jack enjoyed traveling, and saw much of the world. They had friends in all corners of the country.
Although Jane and Jack never had children, they had many young friends. They were always interested in area children's accomplishments, and believed strongly in assisting them in pursuing higher education.
Jane Naylor died in June, 2003.
John (Jack) Naylor Scholarship
Established February 15, 2008
By John Naylor
John (Jack) Naylor was born September 3, 1928 in Waterbury. Jack attended local schools and obtained his bachelors degree from Quinnipiac College. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving honorably during the Korean Conflict. Jack worked for the Woodbury Telephone Company for over 25 years, most recently as a purchasing manager.
Jack was a "renaissance man." He had high moral standards, and believed strongly in serving his country and his community. Jack was a lifetime member of the Catholic War Veterans of Danbury and the Lions Club of Woodbury. He served as president of the Lions Club, and was the recipient of many awards for his devotion to man and country. Jack was a member of the St. Teresa's Men's Club, and received the Christian Neighbor Award for his work with the church. He cared about and supported many charitable organizations.
Jack was an avid golfer and sports fan. He loved baseball and college basketball, especially the New York Mets and the UCONN Huskies. Jack was a musician and a music lover. He was a supporter of the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra for many years. Jack and his wife Jane loved to travel, and had friends across the country.
Jack was devoted to his family and his many friends. Although Jack and his wife never had children, he loved young people. He believed strongly in education, and was adamant that those interested in attending higher education have the chance.
Jack died on September 21, 2008.
Joe Beck Scholarship
Established in 2008
By Marsi Beck
Joe Beck was a gifted guitarist, musical composer, arranger and producer.
His long and varied career spanned five decades and included performing and recording with musicians such as Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, Gloria Gaynor, Esther Phillips, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Laura Nyro, James Brown, Paul Simon and David Sandborn. The album he recorded with Paul Simon went gold.
He made thousands of recordings, including commercial and movie scores and instructional videos. Joe conducted seminars and workshops, and gave guitar, piano and voice lessons.
Joe toured the world many times over, with his own bands. He was asked to perform for the king of Thailand's birthday party, and stayed in the king's summer palace.
Joe Beck was nominated for Grammys five times. He was honored with the "Most Valuable Player" Award by the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences from 1984 through 1989.
He designed and invented the Joe Beck Signature Model Alto Guitar, and was a Martin Guitar Artist.
He moved to the Woodbury area in 2000 with his family, and continued touring and recording music. Joe spent a good deal of time in the Region 14 schools giving seminars and establishing clubs designed to encourage children to become involved in music.
Joe Beck died on July 22, 2008.
His wife Marsi established the Joe Beck Scholarship to annually benefit a student interested in pursuing music, music production or business.
Michaels Family Scholarship
Established May 13, 2010
By Richard H. Michaels
Anna Michaels arrived in Woodbury in 1935 with her then 15 year old son, Richard W. Michaels. He was attending Peekskill Military Academy at the time, and went on to the University of Connecticut.
In 1943 Mr. Michaels joined the US Army Air Corps and served as a captain in the South Pacific during World War II. After discharge he joined the family business, Michaels Jewelers, that his grandfather, Abraham founded in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1885. In 1960, Mr. Michaels became the first certified Gemologist in the state and headed one of the first Accredited Gem Laboratories in New England. In 1986, Michaels was awarded the Shipley Award by the Gem Society for dedication to the field of gemology and exemplifying the high purpose and ideals of the society.
His distinguished community service included time as President of the Kiwanis Club and Waterbury Symphony Orchestra as well as serving on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce, Center Band, Salvation Army, Easter Seals, United Way, Woodbury Board of Education, and The Waterbury Foundation. He was a Corporator of Waterbury Hospital and served on the UCONN Board of Visitors. .
Mr. Michaels was instrumental in establishing the Michaels Jewelers Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Connecticut, which awards scholarships yearly. He was inducted into the University of Connecticut Business School Hall of Fame in 1998.
Mr. Richard W. Michaels was an avid golfer, a fifty year member of the Country Club of Waterbury. He was club champion in 1960 and played as an amateur in the 1945 Houston Open.
Mr. Richard W. Michaels and his wife, Betty Jane raised five children, all of whom graduated from Woodbury schools: Dale (1967), Patti (1968), Karen (1970), Jyll (1971) and Richard H. (1976).
Richard H. Michaels, a member of the fourth generation of the Michaels family, became president of Michaels Jewelers in 1993. The company currently operates ten Michaels Jewelers locations as well as ten Pandora Jewelry locations in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Arizona.
Richard H. Michaels and his wife Laurie have 3 children all of whom graduated from Nonnewaug High School: Justin McGregor (2007), Bryce (2017) and Jarrett (2019).
Shane Condon Scholarship
Established February 2010
By Vincent and Jane Condon
Shane grew up in Woodbury, Connecticut and graduated from Nonnewaug High School in 2009. He was an excellent student and a terrific athlete who was two-year captain of the cross-country team and senior captain of the basketball team. He was named to the Berkshire League All Star teams for both cross country and track and field. Twice in his senior year Shane received the Nonnewaug Grid Iron Club Award. He went on to run cross-country at the University of Vermont.
Shane passed from this life suddenly in January, 2010.
Shane enjoyed all types of music, especially country. He loved to dance and play the guitar. He was an avid crossword buff and read books on philosophy. Some favorite pastimes were camping, fishing, swimming, and waterskiing. During high school, Shane had numerous part-time jobs which included washing dishes, stacking hay and painting fences. The summer of his senior year he worked as a counselor at Camp Harkness with individuals with disabilities. This inspired him to set his goal to become proficient in sign language and get his education in a field where he could help others. Shane also had a sense of civic-mindedness. He volunteered for many town activities, some of which included the "Ride for Rick", the Lions Club Hay Ride, and lighting the luminaries on Christmas Eve at St. Theresa's Church.
More importantly, Shane was a friend and often a mentor to anyone he met. He touched many people with his gentle nature and irrepressible smile. His calling card was his wit and his laughter. His legacy was his ability to include, inspire, and to encourage other without ever judging them.
We dedicate this scholarship in Shane's name. We would like to offer it annually to students who have shown a willingness to help others and demonstrate respect and compassion for their fellow man.
The Parris Memorial Scholarship
Established December 2010
By Clifford P. and Eleanor P. Swanson
Carolyn Jean Parris was born in Philadelphia on September 10, 1941 to Clifford and Eleanor Parris. She moved to Woodbury in October of 1948 at age seven, where she attended Mitchell Elementary School.
Carolyn loved writing and illustrating stories at an early age.
In 1949, following her eighth birthday, Carolyn and her mother were stricken with polio during the epidemic in Woodbury. Carolyn died within 48 hours of being stricken with the disease.
This memorial scholarship celebrates the promise of this young girl.
Claire D. and James F. McLaughlin Scholarship
Established 2010
By their Seven Children
Mrs. McLaughlin was raised in Saugus, Massachusetts. Upon graduation from high school, she entered the nursing program of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy at Carney Hospital in Dorchester, New England's first Catholic hospital. The skills she learned, the values she developed and lifelong friendships she made while becoming a young nurse were a very formative part of her life. She met her future husband James, a native of Winchester, and a graduate of Winchester High School. The couple was married at St. Joseph Parish in Medford in 1952.
In 1961, the family moved to Woodbury, Connecticut. Mr. McLaughlin had accepted a position with Wesson, Inc. in Waterbury and would play an important role in the significant growth and success of their service station, and later convenience store, business until his retirement. Mr. McLaughlin lived in Woodbury with his beloved wife until his death in March 2003. Mr. McLaughlin was active in Woodbury Little League Baseball and with Boy Scout Troop 54.
Mrs. McLaughlin devoted herself to raising their seven children and would live in Woodbury for the next forty-four years. She was very active in her church, St. Teresa of Avila, including serving as president of the ladies guild. Mrs. McLaughlin was also a scout leader with both her sons and daughters, helping them to develop an appreciation for the outdoors and community service. While raising her seven children, she continued to serve in her nursing profession, including at the Taft School and in private duty where she provided attentive, compassionate care for youthful and elderly patients alike. Mrs. McLaughlin would join her husband in eternal rest in 2010, buried by his side in the Old North Cemetery.
Both Mr. and Mrs. McLaughlin imparted a love of learning to their children with an emphasis on academic achievement. They were very proud that their children graduated from Woodbury schools. Their children would pursue a wide range of post-secondary studies. All would earn college degrees, with several graduate degrees in business administration, law and public affairs.
To honor the memory of their parents and to support and encourage post-secondary academic achievement for deserving, motivated students in the Town of Woodbury, the McLaughlin children thank the Woodbury Scholarship Fund for the privilege of being part of this wonderful community organization.
Bruce A. & Janet M. Bunch/GE Foundation Scholarship
Established January, 2011
By Bruce and Janet Bunch
Bruce and Janet Bunch lived in Woodbury from 1984 to 2010. They were active in town politics and Janet served on the town's Planning Commission for many years. She also represented the Town of Woodbury on the Regional Planning Commission. Both were long-term volunteers at Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust and contributed in the efforts to acquire the Whittemore Property and the Fleming property for the Nature Center.
Bruce worked for the General Electric Company and at the time of his retirement was the Manager of Corporate Media Relations for the company located in Fairfield. The General Electric Foundation over the years enabled the Bunches to make significant contributions not only to Woodbury agencies, but in support of many environmental efforts.
The Fund was created to recognize the GE Foundation's contributions to Woodbury, and to encourage and support Woodbury's students in pursuing their education in the fields of biology, botany, zoology and environmental sciences in general.
Woodbury has been a wonderful place to live, and our students are our future. We are grateful for both.
Marjorie and Richard Hubbard Scholarship
Established September 2011
By Marjorie I. Hubbard
Richard Hubbard was born and raised in Springfield, MA. He was educated at the Northfield Mount Hermon School, in Mount Hermon, MA, and then received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northeastern University in Boston. Mr. Hubbard got his MBA in Finance from Colombia University in New York.
Mr. Hubbard was a member of the New England Governmental Finance Officers Association, the Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, and the Public Citizen.
He held various finance positions with Corning Glassworks, Baxter Travenol Laboratories and the Bristol Company, as well as with the Towns of Granby and Woodbury, CT.
Mr. Hubbard was a volunteer on the Town of Woodbury Board of Finance, and was the chair for several years. He was the moderator of the Finance Committee and on the Board of Trustees of the North Church in Woodbury.
He enjoyed tennis, racquetball, swimming, sailing, photography, politics, science and reading. Mr. Hubbard was an avid UConn Huskies fan, of both the men's and women's teams.
Dawn Hochsprung Memorial Scholarship
Established in Feb. 2013
By LaBonne's Markets and the Woodbury Community
In response to the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT and the death of Principal Dawn Hochsprung, who gave her life to protect her students, a memorial scholarship has been established in her honor through the Woodbury Scholarship Fund.
Ms. Hochsprung was a Woodbury resident and principal of both Woodbury and Bethlehem Elementary Schools from 2004 to 2010, before going to Sandy Hook.
Ms. Hochsprung was a principal and educator who dedicated her life to her students, referring to them as her "children," wanting school to be a positive place.
"I am safe, responsible, respectful and prepared" was the code with which her students started their days.
She inspired her students, their parents and those who worked with her to strive to reach their fullest potential, through her love of learning, and caring and nurturing nature.
Ms. Hochsprung was fond of recognizing students who were "caught being excellent."
She graduated from Naugatuck High School, received her bachelor's degree in special education from Central Connecticut University and was posthumously awarded her Ph.D. in education leadership from the Esteves School at the Sage College in Troy, NY.
She lived and embodied her passion for learning and teaching children and her legacy for that will be carried on through the Dawn Hochsprung Memorial Scholarship Fund.
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Charlie Rutledge Memorial Scholarship
Established November 14, 2013
By Kathrine Rutledge
This scholarship was established in memory of Woodbury resident Charlie Rutledge (1945-2010).
Charlie Rutledge was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland and graduated from the University of Baltimore with a degree in criminology. He subsequently began a 37 year career at IBM in Baltimore (and then in New York) where he worked on security systems and programs and later, on emergency preparedness.
In 1992, Charlie and his wife Kathrine moved to Woodbury following another employment reassignment at IBM.
With his great love for life ad a strong belief of giving back to the community, Charlie became an active community volunteer. He was a member of the Woodbury Lion's Club and also a co-chair for the Woodbury People of Faith. He served as vice president of the Woodbury Community Services Council and became a communicant at St. Theresa's Church. He used his valuable work experiences as Woodbury's Director of Emergency Planning and was largely responsible for instituting the "Code Red" emergency notification system that keeps residents abreast of emergency conditions in the town.
In addition to Charlie's extensive interest and contributions to the community, he still had time to enjoy his avid interest in cars and wine. He also loved photography.
This endowment was established by Kathrine Rutledge as part of her generous Go the Distance sponsorship arrangement with Woodbury Scholarship Fund Dollars for Scholars.
King Solomon's Masonic Lodge #7 Scholarship
Established February 28, 2014
King Solomon's Lodge # 7, perched high on the rock on Main Street Woodbury is one of the oldest operating masonic lodges in CT being chartered in 1765. In 2015, King Solomon Lodge will celebrate its 250th anniversary.
Freemasonry traces its roots back to the Middle Ages. Masonry originated from associations of stone masons who built some of the most magnificent cathedrals, castles and monasteries of Europe. Eventually, they began to accept non-working masons and thereafter, adopted the term "Free and Accepted" Masons which still remains today.
Freemasonry is dedicated to promoting the improvement in the character of its members. A Mason is taught to be a good citizen, to be of good character, to care for those less fortunate and to give back to the community. The Masonic Fraternity contributes over $750 million each year to its philanthropic pursuits in the U.S. The Crippled Children's and Burn Hospitals sponsored by Shrine Masons are world famous. In CT, Masonicare of Wallingford and Newtown, is a non-profit organization with more than 100 years of experience. It is the state's leading provider of healthcare and retirement living communities for seniors.
Pomperaug Valley Garden Club Scholarship
Established November 2014
By The Pomperaug Valley Garden Club
The Pomperaug Valley Garden Club, located in Woodbury, Connecticut, was founded in 1927, and was one of the first garden clubs to be established in the state of Connecticut. We are a charter member of both the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc., and National Garden Clubs, Inc.
The mission objectives of the club are to promote an interest in gardens, horticulture, floral and landscape design; to cooperate in the protection of native flora and fauna; and to encourage public plantings, beautification and conservation.
We sponsor many local beautification projects, including the installation and maintenance of plantings at many of the town's parks and greens. Club members also maintain the award-winning Botany Trail at Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust and the new Monarch Waystation, a registered MonarchWatch.org habitat restoration project, also at Flanders.
Daniel J. & Jean V. Carnese Scholarship
Established February, 2015
By Daniel J. & Jean V. Carnese
Daniel J. Carnese was born in Greenwich, CT and grew up in Rye Brook, NY. He graduated from MIT as an aeronautical engineer and worked in aviation for most of his career, primarily at Republic Aircraft and then Sikorsky Aircraft. Following a master's degree from the University of Bridgeport, he joined the faculty of UB, where he established and administered its Co-operative Work/Study Program for several years. Returning to aviation, his first love, he worked briefly for the US Navy office at Sikorsky and ultimately back to Sikorsky itself until his retirement.
A long-time resident of Westport, CT, Dan was an active participant in a number of political and civic activities, including terms on the Westport Representative Town Meeting. He also pursued his hobbies of horticulture and photography.
Jean Viering McGuire Carnese was born and raised in Hamden, CT and graduated from Albertus Magnus College, with subsequent graduate work at SCSU and Sacred Heart University. Following a brief career in teaching she married and moved to Monroe, CT, where she began her many years of involvement in civic and political activities including the Monroe Library Board and later the Board of Police Commissioners. Widowed with two young children, she returned to her teaching career and taught kindergarten in Monroe for 25 years until her retirement.
In 1994 Dan and Jean married, sold their respective homes and built a home together in Woodbury, where they continued their interests and activities in civic and political affairs.
Virginia Golymbieski Nursing Scholarship
Established March 2015
By Lisa Golymbieski
Virginia "Ginger" Golymbieski lived from 1931 to 2015, passing away at the age of 83. She attended Wilby High School before graduating from Lee High School in Lee, Massachusetts. After graduation from the Waterbury Hospital School of Nursing in 1952, Ginger "did it all", to use her own phrase at her retirement from nursing.
Ginger was staff nurse, head nurse, private duty nurse, per diem nurse, and instructor at both the Waterbury Hospital School of Nursing and the Department of Nursing Education. Additionally, she was a nurse recruiter, developed the Golden Years Senior Wellness Program, and served as Assistant Coordinator of the Evergreen Club 50.
Ginger was past president and board member of the Waterbury Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association and a member of the board of the Waterbury Hospital Auxiliary Association.
Ginger was also a Girl Scout Leader and a long time member of the Democratic Town Committee in Woodbury.
Judy Frew Memorial Scholarship
Established December 2013
By Allan (Whitey) Frew
Judy Frew was born and raised in Waterbury and graduated from Middlebury College in Vermont with a bachelor's degree in American Literature. She and her husband Whitey were classmates there. She later pursued a master's degree in American Literature from Southern Connecticut State University. After college, Judy worked as an assistant editor at Simon & Schuster in New York.
In 1951, Judy and her husband Allan (Whitey) moved to Woodbury where they raised their three children.
Judy was passionately involved in the greater Woodbury community and early on was a full time teacher at the former Woodbury High School. She served as president of Planned Parenthood of Connecticut, as president of the Waterbury YWCA, and as vice president of the Woman's Auxiliary at Waterbury Hospital. Judy volunteered at the Avon School Rehabilitation Center for wounded veterans during World War II. She actively participated in the Junior League of Waterbury and the League of Women Voters. Judy became an EMT at age 65 and served on the Woodbury Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Additionally, she volunteered at the former Waterbury Hospital abortion clinic. She served on the advisory board of The Banking Center formerly the Waterbury Savings Bank.
Judy had a lifelong interest in music and dance. She studied the piano for many years and gave free lessons to inner-city children from Waterbury. Judy and Whitey were enthusiastic members of the Over Thirties Club in Waterbury, a dance organization, and co-hosted a well attended annual square dance over the Christmas holidays at the Woodbury Town Hall. Judy was a serious reader and enjoyed talking about books. She enjoyed bridge and tennis, and her many dogs.
Judy was a warm and generous hostess who enjoyed entertaining and relished having international students live with her family when her children were in school.
Charles W. Hart Memorial Scholarship
Established March 18, 2015
Established by the Henry Hart Family
Charles W. Hart was born December 22, 1952 in Torrington, the son of Virginia (Walker) Hart and Henry W. Hart. He grew up in Woodbury, became an Eagle Scout in Troop 54 and attended Woodbury High School before transferring to the Hotchkiss School, where he graduated in 1971. He attended Tufts University (BA 1975), New York University (MBA 1977), and the CBS School of Management (1980-1981).
A deep love of books led him to a career in book publishing. He worked for several publishing companies in New York, including Simon & Schuster and Henry Holt. For the last 17 years he was employed by Kensington Publishing Corporation, the last remaining independent publisher of hardcover, trade and mass-market paperback books in the U.S. For most of those years he served as Kensington's general manager.
Charlie was a generous and gentle soul who enjoyed mountain climbing and camping, gardening and landscaping, fly fishing and carpentry. One of his favorite places was a family camp on Lake Webb in Weld, Maine where, for years, he hiked and fished.
Frank A. DeLessio Scholarship
Established January 2016
Established by the Mimi DeLessio-Matta
This scholarship is in memory of Frank A. DeLessio (Nov. 1, 1943-Nov. 8, 2001) who lead his family by example.
He was a scholar athlete in high school winning the prestigious IronMan Award at Don Bosco High School and was the state champion in NJ for Hurdles in 1961. He competed in Division 1 track and soccer at St Francis University of Pa and graduated with a BS in Psychology in 1966, and a Masters in Psychology in 1968 from Seton Hall University. He loved children and was an advocate for children with special needs and troubled youths.
Frank raised his family in Hyde Park, NY. Up until his untimely death he was a devout member of his Catholic church and an active community volunteer. He served on the Hyde Park Central School District Board of Education for 8 years and was the President for four of those years. He loved athletics and coached all his children during their childhood.
He inspired his children to be good citizens and to always help their fellow neighbors, so it is in this scholarship that his work can be continued.
Robert Blake and Marcella Frances Jackson Scholarship
Established July 12, 2017
Bob and Marcy have lived in Woodbury since 1970. Bob received a B.A. degree in Psychology from Amherst College and an M.S. degree in Library Science from Columbia University. He headed the Adult Division of the East Orange Public Library and coordinated all Adult Services in the community after which he began writing full-time at home in Woodbury. He authored and illustrated with his photographs 40 nonfiction biographies for boys aged 8-12 about baseball, football, soccer, hockey, golf, cycling and automobile racing heroes.
Marcy received a B.A. degree in French from San Francisco State University after studies at Rosary College (now Dominican University) and its Junior Year Abroad Program in Switzerland. She received her M.A. degree in French from Middlebury College after studies in Paris. She received a Sixth-Year Degree designation in French at an NDEA Institute in France and advanced studies at Middlebury College. She minored in Spanish through course work at Yale University. She taught French at Wilton High School and was an Instructional Leader there for ten years.
Bob served on the Woodbury Library Board and Marcy has been a member of the Women's Club of Woodbury and the Pomperaug Valley Garden Club. They have loved living in Woodbury and wanted to create this fund to be remembered as having been a part of a beautiful community.
Community Theatre at Woodbury Scholarship
Established December 1, 2018
Established by Daniel Denver
The Community Theatre at Woodbury (CTAW) was formed in 2013 in response to the community's expressed desire for quality live theatre. CTAW's mission is to involve local artists and businesses in providing and promoting quality entertainment and community service through the theatre arts, including children's theatre. CTAW is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers. With a nod from the Woodbury 's town leaders, we have made our home in one of Woodbury's most distinguished buildings: the Historic Town Hall at 5 Mountain Road, Woodbury, Connecticut. Our desire is to involve as many people within our communities as possible. Whether you're an actor, artist or craftsman, enthusiast or a member of the audience, it doesn't matter what you bring to the table or what your skill level is - just bring it!
David Monckton Memorial Scholarship
Established December 7, 2018
Established by Cathy A. Monckton
Dave Monckton, and younger twin siblings, Dianne and Donald. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School and Woodbury High School, from which he graduated in 1965. He received an Associate's Degree in Civil Engineering from Hartford State Technical College in 1967. Dave began working for the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation with summer jobs in high school, but he became a full time DOT employee in 1967. Over the years his positions included Highway Construction Inspector, Town Aid Construction Inspector, Assistant Town Aid District Supervisor, and Transportation Engineer. While working for the DOT, Dave also took evening courses at the University of New Haven, beginning in 1969, eventually earning a Bachelor's Degree in 1977. He became the Assistant Director of Public Works for the Town of Woodbury in 1987, the Director of Public Works in 1994. He retired in 2012.
Dave was very involved with the Connecticut Association of Street and Highway Officials (CASHO), serving on the Board of Directors for approximately 30 years. In addition to a term as President of the organization, he served on committees such as Education, the annual Equipment Show, Bylaws Review, and was Editor of the CASHO newsletter. Dave also served on the Technology Transfer Institute of Connecticut Board of Directors for 20 years and was a member of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Scouting was a very important part of Dave's life. He became a Cub Scout in 1955 with Pack 59, then a Boy Scout with Troop 59, both in Bethlehem. In 1963 he joined Troop 54 in Woodbury, the troop with which he stayed the rest of his life. He served as Assistant Scoutmaster from 1965 - 1980, then as Scoutmaster from 1980 - 2001. As a Boy Scout he also served as the Order of Arrow Advisor for the Mattatuck Lodge from 1971 - 1976 and was a longtime member of the Mattatuck Volunteers. He loved sharing the joys of scouting with others, participating in countless camping and canoe trips, camporees and Klondike Derbies. With Boy Scouts he hiked the trails of Connecticut as well as parts of the Appalachian Trail and White Mountains David B. Monckton (1947 - 2017) grew up in Bethlehem, CT with his parents, Richard and Eleanor. Under his leadership, troop members participated in leader training, national Boy Scout jamborees, Order of the Arrow national conferences, became camp counselors in training and staff, and travelled to the Philmont Scout Ranch. He reveled in "his boys'" service projects, courts of honor and accomplishments.
Volunteering in the community was a large part of what made Dave the man he was. In addition to scouting, he was involved with the Woodbury/Bethlehem Youth Council, Woodbury Shade Tree and Sidewalk Committee, and the Woodbury Emergency Management Committee. He was an active member of the First Lutheran Church in Waterbury, serving on the church council, then became a member of North Congregational Church in Woodbury, where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher and usher. He was a Life Member of the Bethlehem Fair Society, with which he volunteered from childhood.
Dave shared his life and love of community with his wife, Cathy, to whom he was married in 1970, as well as his daughters, Jamie and Lindsey. Dave could often be found with his family during community activities, everyone participating in some way. He also became an active volunteer with Girl Scouts of Connecticut, The Old Woodbury Historical Society and the Woodbury FFA, supporting his wife and daughters, sharing the knowledge and enthusiasm from his own endeavors.
Over the years Dave received several awards, including the District Award of Merit for the BSA Blue Trail District and the BSA Silver Beaver Award. He also received Woodbury Planning Commission's Bernard Rosenberg Award for his contribution to the community through volunteering. Perhaps the best tribute, however, was the plaque given to Dave by some of his Boy Scouts when he retired as Order of the Arrow Advisor:
To Our Brother Dave
Who was never one
To shirk a job
Or a task to shun:
Our heartfelt thanks
for lots of fun
and unselfish service
in a job well done.
Thomson Scholarship Fund
Established November 2018
By Alexander and Janet Thomson
The fund was created to support graduates of Nonnewaug High School pursuing studies in Agriculture or a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math}.
Alex was an agriculture educator and mentor to young people for 30 years at the Ellis Clark Regional Agriscience and Technology Program at Nonnewaug High School.
Janet began her career as a pharmacist. Always learning and open to new opportunities in academic and corporate settings, she held non-traditional and managerial roles in healthcare IT, health informatics, and data science.
The George Roberts Family Scholarship
Established January, 2005
Established by George Roberts
Born in Barton, VT, George attended a one-room school house while living on a farm near Evansville where he spent his high school years at Barton Academy graduating as Valedictorian. He went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry Cum Laude from the University of Vermont and later completed a Phd in Physical Chemistry from Northwestern University. He began his career with the Uniroyal Chemical Co. and remained with the company until his retirement in 2007.
In 1969, George and Barbara moved to Woodbury placing family above all else, as evidenced by rich experiences in civic engagement, raising animals, music lessons, sports, travel, exchange student experiences and scouting to name a few.
In 1975, George was a founding member of the Woodbury Scholarship Fund and over the years was active in many organizations in the area. These included the American Field Service, Woodbury Democratic Town Committee, Child Guidance Clinic, Boy Scouts, the Denan Project and the Woodbury Scholarship Fund Board.
He often identified with organizations that allowed him to aid others in overcoming adversity. He forged his own path - exploring, aspiring, negotiating, reinventing and making sure everyone was included.
George passed away at the age of 82 in 2020 the result of a skiing accident he experienced in 2015.
The John R. Margaitis Memorial Scholarship
Established January 24, 2020
By Marion Margaitis
The John R. Margaitis Memorial Scholarship has been established in memory of long-time Region 14 educator, John R. "Jack" Margaitis. During his nearly four decades teaching elementary and middle school students in the Connecticut Region 14 system, Jack's intellectual depth, his sense of humor and his gentlemanly demeanor endowed within him the true essence of what it means to be an educator.
For those students fortunate enough to be assigned to his classroom, he unlocked in them their maximum potential for achieving academic excellence. As both an educator and as a coach, Jack helped his students gain the skills and knowledge required to become capable and creative lifelong learners. Region 14's motto: "Your Future Begins Here!" had real meaning for him and his legacy speaks for itself every day in Bethlehem and Woodbury, around Connecticut and throughout the country. Margaitis alumni are making their mark as responsible members of the world community.
Mr. Margaitis attended the University of Connecticut majoring in history. He soon recognized that teaching was his vocation. After gaining his certification, he taught for one year in the Enfield, Connecticut school system before beginning his years of service to Region 14. Jack loved teaching and coaching and felt that all students would be successful if they worked to their potential and respected those who are part of their lives. He understood the challenges many students are presented with and respected those who worked hard to achieve their set goals. This scholarship recognizes two students who embody the ideals that Jack brought to his classroom every day in his long and storied career.
Robert Wheeler Travers and Mary Jane McClay Travers Scholarship
Established 2019
By Robert and Mary Jane Travers
Mary Jane and Bob Travers, long-time educators in the Region # 15 School District, endowed a scholarship in their names for students planning to pursue degrees in an education-related field.
Mary Jane, a native of Bangor, Maine, graduated from Mount St. Mary College in New Hampshire followed by MED graduate studies in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Maine. Her community service endeavors in the area include Board of Director Membership at Family Services of Greater Waterbury; the Junior League Of Waterbury (President); Southbury-Middlebury Youth & Family Services )President) and the Woodbury Scholarship Fund Dollars for Scholars where she also serves as President.
Bob, a Woodbury native and Woodbury High School graduate, received a Bachelors of Science degree in Mathematics from Davidson College, North Carolina followed by graduate school at the University of Oregon at Eugene where he received a Masters of Science degree in Mathematics. A long-time member and Chairman of the Town of Woodbury Planning and Zoning Commissions, he has held numerous roles at the North Congregational Church including Deacon and Trustee. A member of the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition Board, he also serves as its President. A master of stone wall building and gardening, he also enjoys time spent with students in the role of math tutor.
The Travers are long-time supporters of education at all levels and are pleased to endow their scholarship in perpetuity on behalf of local students.
Carol and Gordon Gereg Memorial Scholarship
Established October 27, 2021
Established by the Family and Friends of Gordon and Carol Gereg
The family and friends of Carol and Gordon Gereg and the Woodbury Scholarship Fund Dollars for Scholars established an endowed scholarship in the Gereg's names to commemorate their lives. The award is to be made to a graduating senior or college student planning to major in engineering, computer science, the arts or music.
Both Carol and Gordon received degrees in engineering - Carol from the Bridgeport Engineering Institute and Gordon from the University of Connecticut.
Carol worked in fiber optics while Gordon's career dealt with the manufacturing of medical devices for which he received many patents. Carol was also a prolific artist and began her work in ceramics, built her own wheel and kiln and went on to work in sculptures and painting, many of which were on exhibit at various shows. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, for many years Carol was active in the St. Teresa's Church choir in Woodbury. Family was the focal point of her life having raised two sons. She passed away in January, 2021.
After graduating from college, Gordon served in the U.S. Army Reserves. His engineering career included time spent working for Barden, Air Products and DuPont as well as starting his own business. He was a member of many Engineering Societies. Gordon passed away in May, 2018.
Tim Cocchiola Memorial Scholarship
Established October, 2021
Established by family and friends of Tim
Born October 17, 1973, Timothy Neil Cocchiola was a life-long Bethlehem resident and Nonnewaug High School 1992 graduate.
A man of integrity, Tim always kept his word and rarely met a person who would not end up becoming a friend. He was patient, kind and always there to help others.
While at Nonnewaug High School, Tim was an All-State wrestler and as Captain, he led the Chiefs to a state championship. He was thrilled to have two sons of his own who would go on to follow in his footsteps as wrestlers, each working hard toward setting their own records.
Tim was diagnosed with cancer in April, 2017. Though he fought courageously, he lost his battle in August, 2019. The outpouring of love and support from family, friends and the community was a true testament to his character and his loss was felt by many. The grant was established to honor his memory.
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The Adele S. Taylor Memorial Scholarship
Established November, 2021
Established by the family and friends of Adele Taylor
The scholarship was established to commemorate the life of Adele Stemmler Taylor who was an educated and adventurous woman and a long-standing Woodbury Scholarship Fund Board member. The scholarship is to be awarded to a high school senior or college student based on their academic record, community service and financial need.
Born in 1927, Adele grew up on Long Island and earned her B.A. from Middlebury College in 1948. Married to Norman Taylor in Woodbury where they raised their four children, she was a devoted Woodbury resident for 71 years.
Among Adele's many passions, were the American Field Service Program (AFS) and the Experiment in International Living Exchange Program leading her to join the AFS USA and International Board of Trustees. In these roles, she provided orientation programs for teachers from Thailand and China and led cultural exchange programs to China and Japan in the 1980's. Locally, she played an active role as a supporter of Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust, the Woodbury Scholarship Fund and the Mattatuck Unitarian Universalist Society. A committed hiker, she went on to climb MT Fuji and in New England, Vermont's and New Hampshire's Green Mountains.
Described as "one of a kind and an indefatigable organizer", Adele continued her adventures until her passing in 2021 at the age of 93.
Peter Nulty Memorial Scholarship
Established April, 2023
Established by the Nulty Family
Peter Nulty, a Brooklyn native, was a long-time resident of Oxford and Woodbury.
He was a Little League coach for many years, a founding member of the Nonnewaug Booster Club and one of the first Nonnewaug basketball announcers.
He believed in the magic of combining youth and sports.
His family has endowed the memorial scholarship to be awarded to a student who participated in interscholastic sports at Nonnewaug High School and demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship.
The Dr. Edward E. and M. Margaret Byers Memorial Scholarship
Established June, 2023
Established by the Byers' Children
The Dr. Edward E. and M. Margaret Byers Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in memory of our parents. Both were strong advocates for young people and for education. Our father used to regularly say that "what you earn depends on what you learn." He also used to tell all of his children that education opens doors and no education is ever wasted.
Our parents were also passionate fans of the University of CT. Three of their four children earned degrees there and four of their six grandchildren did as well.
It is our hope that this scholarship can benefit a Nonnewaug High School graduate who will be attending the University of Connecticut to continue their education.
The Val Gallagher Memorial Scholarship
Established May, 2023
Established by Deborah Corsico, daughter
Val Gallagher was an elementary school teacher for 41 years, 39 of which she taught first grade at Memorial School in Montvale, New Jersey. She was named Teacher of the Year in 1996-1997.
She loved teaching first grade. If you were lucky enough to have Val Gallagher as your first grade teacher, you would be sure that by the time you left her class room you were reading. She never hesitated to go above and beyond for any of her students whether it was taking extra special care of a student whose parents were going through an ugly divorce or fighting for a child so he/she would have access to special education services.
Val's impact on her students and their parents was deep and long-lasting with many of her former students and their parents remaining in touch with her even after she retired.
IOpen to graduating Woodbury high school seniors and college students in their second, third or fourth year pursuing a degree in Education, History or Social Sciences. Student should also demonstrate commitment to community through volunteering, extra-curricular activities, sports, and clubs.
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