WESTFIELD-The South Middle School auditorium was jam-packed on Tuesday night with parents, siblings, and community leaders who were celebrating “the best and the brightest” high school seniors who were awarded $131,600 in scholarships – a record for CSF Westfield Dollars for Scholars.
Andrea Onyski received the Joel Philip Brown Memorial Endowment Scholarship from Valerie Sapier-Brown. The two had a chance to formally meet at the reception. Onyski will attend Southern New Hampshire University this fall.
“Tonight is a celebration,” said Cynthia Neary, president, CSF Westfield Dollars for Scholars, who provided the greetings for the evening. “Through the generosity of many donors and organizations, we are awarding 137 scholarships to very deserving Westfield students.”
Neary noted that the scholarships were not an entitlement and not everyone who had applied for a scholarship received one.
“The scholarships are a gift,” said Neary. “You are all very, very lucky. I want to congratulate you on behalf of our board of directors. You have all done a great job.”
Scholarships were given to students from Westfield High School, Westfield Technical Academy, St. Mary’s High School, and city residents from other schools or were homeschooled.
A recurring theme throughout the program by guest speakers to the recipients was the importance of paying it forward.
State Rep. John Velis said this was his third year at the event and it is a role he relishes.
Astrid Esquilin Nieves and Natasha Muto were eager to say thank you to the donors who awarded them scholarships at the reception. Astrid Esquilin Nieves will attend the University of Massachusetts this fall and Natasha Muto will attend the University of New Haven.
“At its very core Westfield folks look out for Westfield folks,” said Velis. “We look out for our own. We care about each other and support each other.”
Mayor Brian Sullivan echoed those sentiments.
“I know how important this event is because we set records every year,” said Sullivan. “Respect where this gift comes from and come back and say thank you. Use it wisely, accept
The Westfield High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Patrick Kennedy, on piano, presented several musical selections prior to the evening’s festivities.
it with honor, and enjoy it because you deserve it.”
Dr. Suzanne Scallion, superintendent of the Westfield Public Schools, said she too had received a Dollars for Scholars scholarship many years ago. She will be retiring as superintendent at the end of the school year.
“You have a community behind you,” said Scallion, adding, “You will be charged to give back and we are counting on your generation for a more civilized world. Make time today to say thank you to your family. Make your studies a priority, and remember your reputation and integrity most of all.”
Paula Pagos also took a few minutes to explain why she created a scholarship in memory of her parents, Ann and Jack Pagos.
“I established the Ann Pagos Memorial Endowment Scholarship in 1988 so that her spirit lives on and so that others can seek higher education,” said Pagos. “My dad attended every Dollars for Scholars program with me. Since he too was a role model and he was an educator to thousands, it was fitting to add his name to the scholarship when he passed in 2001.”
Sylvester Halama, a 2015 CSF recipient, shared some insights in his first year at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and once again thanked Dollars for Scholars for their generous scholarship.
Robert McKean, director of Stanley Park, presented the Ozzie the Duck Memorial Scholarship to Kianaliz Roman who will attend Worcester State University in the fall.
“I was blindsided by the amount of work,” said Halama of his first semester. “I worked harder during the second semester just with the thought of all the donations I received through CSF. My education would not have been possible without CSF’s help.”
When Neary introduced the last speaker, John Malcovsky, a 1966 CSF recipient, she asked the current students to consider where they will be in 50 years.
“Where do you think you will be in 2066?” said Neary to the students. “Just try to imagine what you will be doing.”
With that introduction, Malcovsky spent a few minutes discussing the doors that were opened for him with his college degree.
“I was the first grandson of immigrants from Austria and Hungary to graduate from college,” said Malcovsky. “I am a product of the Westfield schools and had some incredible teachers. I was also fortunate to receive a scholarship from CSF.”
Malcovsky spent 37 years in Vermont teaching math, science and computers to middle school and junior high students. He retired in 2007 but then provided “tech support” until 2013.
“The scholarship is a tremendous opportunity,” said Malcovsky. “Maximize that scholarship and say thank you for it.”
Malcovsky also shared some words of wisdom for students which included to “cherish” one’s family, to “unplug” from technology to see the world around you, “pay it forward” when you can, understand the “tremendous sacrifices” your parents have made, “be a good citizen,” vote, and participate in government, “enjoy music” whether it is a playing an instrument or listening to a favorite tune, and know the importance of lifelong learning.
“Also recognize there will be peaks and valleys in your life,” said Malcovsky, and lastly, “plan for retirement and save as you go.”
Neary noted that Malcovsky has been supporting CSF for many years.
“John is a shining example of paying it forward and we appreciate his scholarship,” said Neary.
Just before awards were presented, Neary also encouraged those in attendance to consider making a donation to Dollars for Scholars in the future.
“CSF relies on donations and we accept donations any time of the year,” said Neary, who was also feted for her selection as the recipient of the 2015 Dollars for Scholars National Volunteer of the Year Award.
“I am humbled and honored to represent Westfield among more than 30,000 Dollars for Scholars volunteers across the United States,” said Neary.
The evening, which also featured special musical selections by the Westfield High School Jazz Band under the direction of Patrick Kennedy, closed with a reception in the cafeteria, allowing recipients to meet one-on-one with the donors who had made the presentation on stage.
“It makes me very grateful for this scholarship,” said Neal Bachmann, who received the Roy, Celemna & Richard Holcomb Memorial Scholarship. “The scholarship is a selfless act to invest in the future of Westfield’s youth.” Bachmann will attend Syracuse University in the fall.
Bachmann’s friend, Jakob Dupuis, concurred.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved who made it possible for all of us seeking higher education,” said Dupuis. “I’m honored to receive the Robert F. & Jean Cantell Pease Family Endowment and the CSF Westfield Dollars for Scholars Scholarship.” Dupuis will attend New York University in the fall.
Since 1962, CSF Westfield Dollars for Scholars has given out $3,179,115 in scholarship awards to 6,006 Westfield students. New endowments for 2016 included the Vic Gardner Memorial Endowment and the Parker Family Scholarship Endowment.
For a list of all the recipients and the scholarships they received, please go to thewestfieldnews.com
