Dollars for Scholars Presents Scholarship Awards to 136 BHS Seniors

Students checked in before the start of Tuesday’s Dollars for Scholars presentation event at the high school. Photo by Wayne Braverman

The Bedford High School Class of 2024 began the stretch run to graduation with the 59^th annual Dollars for Scholars presentation of scholarship awards on Tuesday night in the BHS auditorium.

This year, 136 Bedford High School graduating seniors are sharing $172,065 of scholarships.

Shirley Kring, president of Bedford Dollars for Scholars, opened the night with a message for the seniors. She said, “To the Class of 2024, you can see that your whole community is behind you. Your creativity and resilience are remarkable – you persevered through a global pandemic during high school, having entered 9^th grade in the Fall of 2020. You are critical thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers. We are proud of the resilient young adults you have become, and we have high hopes for you. We are confident in your continued success, and encourage you to discover and pursue your dreams. We celebrate you, and wish you all the best.”

Mike Rosenberg returned for the 36^th time as the master of ceremonies. The only time he has missed the event since 1987 was last year when he was busy throwing out the first pitch during a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. But he was back this year, moving the presentation along, sprinkled with witticisms.

Terrace Parker, right, presented the Irene Parker Memorial Scholarship to Gabriel Paula. Photo by Wayne Braverman

There were different categories of awards, including 62 Dollars for Scholars scholarships with money raised through donations.

Next was the presentation of the named scholarships that were established by families and friends in honor or memory of an individual or given by a local business, professionals, or organizations to Bedford students.

There were also scholarship awards funded and awarded by other local community organizations.

Recognition awards were given to acknowledge BHS graduates heading to the military academies. Renby Fernald will be attending the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD and Farrah Scott has been accepted to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY.

Bedford Dollars for Scholars President Shirley Kring opened Tuesday’s presentation event at the high school. Photo by Wayne Braverman

“On behalf of Bedford Dollars for Scholars, we wish to recognize your hard work, and thank you for your commitment to support our country by serving in our military. We are most grateful,” said Kring.

CSF of Bedford Dollars for Scholars is a volunteer community organization that provides scholarships to many high school graduates who plan to continue their education. It is the local chapter of Dollars for Scholars®, a national program sponsored by Scholarship America.

Active in Bedford since 1965, CSF of Bedford Dollars for Scholars has provided close to $3.5 million of scholarship awards to 3,649 graduating students living in Bedford, on Hanscom Air Force Base, and/or attending Bedford High School.

Students are selected by a chapter member committee made up of a cross-section of the community. Scholarships are awarded to students based on academic merit and financial need, and who meet the scholarship criteria.

To learn more about CSF of Bedford Dollars for Scholars, visit bedfordma.dollarsforscholars.org.