Good evening everyone. Good evening everyone and welcome to Hollison High School's senior scholarship night. Tonight is one of the nights that reminds us of what is so special about Hollist. We are here to celebrate the hard work, talent, character, and promise of our seniors.
And we're also here to recognize the incredible generosity of the community that surrounds them. This year, more than $165,000 in scholarship will be awarded to members of the class of 2026. That number is impressive, but what matters most is what it represents. It
represents people, families, businesses, organizations, sports leagues, and community groups who believe in our students and want to support them as they take their next step. Many of the scholarships awarded tonight were created in honor or memory of loved ones who attended Hollist High School or
or who had a meaningful impact on this to this community. That speaks to the lasting impact that this school has on so many people. For generations, Hollison High School has shaped students lives in ways that continue long after graduation. Tonight, that legacy continues through
the generosity of those who have chosen to give back. To our scholarship donors and representatives, thank you. Thank you for investing in our students, for honoring people and stories behind these scholarships, and for helping our seniors move forward with support and encouragement.
To our seniors, congratulations. You have worked hard to reach this moment and tonight is a celebration of your accomplishments, your perseverance and the exciting future ahead of you. I hope you take pride not only in receiving these scholarships but also in knowing that
this community believes in you. Thank you all to join for all. Thank you to all for joining us tonight. We are proud to celebrate our seniors and grateful to the many people who make this evening possible. With that, let's begin this year's awards to ceremony. >> [applause]
[applause] >> The Holliston Scholarship Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that raises money to distribute scholarships to Hollist graduates. Established in 1964, the Hollist Scholarship Foundation has provided more than $2 million to
graduating seniors who reside in Hollist. Approximately 98% of the funds raised are distributed directly to seniors each year. This evening, 36 scholarships will be awarded to the class of 2026 by the foundation. Our first foundation award of the evening is
the Matthew Damagela award. This award is given in memory of Matthew Damagela, a graduate of Hollison High School and member of the class of 1992. This award funded by Matthew's family, friends, and the Hollison Scholarship Foundation will be given to a student pursuing an education in ocean studies or music.
Presenting this evening is Miss Melanie Harrington. [applause] Thank you and congratulations to the class of 2026. This scholarship is given in memory of my brother Matthew Damagella who lost his battle with cancer in January of
2023. Matthew graduated from Hollist High School in 1992. And those that knew him may find it amusing that we are doing a scholarship in his name. My brother always used to say, "I don't break the rules. I just shake up the system." And he sure did that at his time here at HHS
and really his whole life, keeping my mother, teachers, and administrators on their toes. My brother was playful, magnetic, quick with a joke, larger than life, and loved by all. He was happiest out on his tractor in the woods, working on the ocean or playing his instruments.
So, we thought it would be fitting to give this award to someone that is pursuing higher education in ocean studies or music. My brother was adamant about living life on your own terms and pursuing your passions. So, I hope as you leave Hollston High School, you all do just that. Before I announce the
recipient, I want to share that this scholarship holds a very special place in our hearts. And my mother took the lead in choosing this year's winner. When she read through the essays, one stood out to her in a way that felt deeply personal. Matthew loved music, not just because he could hear it, but because he could feel it. It was part of
who he was. In this student's essay, he wrote that music is at the heart of his world, and music fuels his soul. Those words immediately resonated with her. They felt like this was something Matthew himself could have said and that connection meant everything. It is clear that this student doesn't just
participate in music, but he lives it. And that's exactly the kind of passion this scholarship was created to honor. So, it is truly meaningful for us to present this year's Matthew Damagela Scholarship to Leo Ross. Leo, we hope you continue to follow your passion, trust your instincts, and live life on
your own terms, just like my brother did. Congratulations. >> [applause] >> Yeah. [applause] [applause] >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. The Washington Street Players Award is
given by Hollist's Community Performance Art Theater Group to a Holliston High School senior who has participated on stage or behind the scenes in Hollison High School's drama and musical production. Presenting this evening are Miss Lyanna Vinceni and Miss Allesandre
Bono. [applause] Great. >> Hello. It's an honor to be here and congratulations class of 2026. Um, so we're Washington Street Players. We're the community theater group in
town. And one of our important goals is to foster theater and what that brings to a community. And I think there are two tenants of theater. There's collaboration for every one person you see on the stage. There's dozens in the
wings. There's designers and and backstage crew. And then there's also curiosity because where else can you literally walk in someone else's shoes and immerse yourself in someone else's story? And we ask our applicants to not
only provide the general essay, but also a supplementary one that speaks to how theater has affected them and how they expect to take that the lessons they've learned into their life beyond high school. And there was one student that really stood out in her curiosity and
her interest in exploring all aspects of theater and it's uh its effect on where she's going beyond the high school walls. So we want to congratulate So we want to congratulate Caroline Monty as our recipient this year.
[applause] Thank you so much. >> Thank [laughter] you. >> The Veteran of Foreign Wars award is given by Leonard Chesmore, VFW Post 8507 award to honor Leonard Chesmore, a Hollist High School graduate killed in
World War II. and Amanda Rivera, a Holliston High School teacher who served in Iraq and was nominated by the Hollistan VFW as VFW's teacher of the year. The third award in memory of Charles The third awards in memory of Charles Duford is
given by the Hollist Scholarship Foundation to honor Hollist resident killed in action in the First World War. Presenting this evening are Mr. Paul Desaine and Mr. Usabio Gonzalez. [applause] people [applause] awards right here.
>> Good evening. My name is Paul Duchain and I'm with the Hollston VFW and I'm also a member of the American Legion here in town. Uh, as you can see, I'm flying solo. UCBO is unfortunately unable to be here tonight. Over 700 veterans live here in Hollist.
We share a common bond gained through our military service. The Veterans of Foreign Wars came about in supports veterans and the communities in which they live, including a long-standing commitment to our next generation of
citizens, our youth. They're shown through our annual Patriots spend a voice of democracy essay contests. So if few seniors have younger siblings um we have these contests every year through the local post which goes on to
perhaps to the national level. This year the members of Hollston's Lynard DZmore VFW Post 8507 have allocated funds for a scholarship in our post's name. Lenny Chzmore graduated
from Hollist High School in 1936 where he played on the basketball team. He lived on in uh on Franklin Street. Providing us with an example of citizenship, Lenny and many others like him joined the military during World War II. He became an aviation radio man in
the Navy. Lenny died on December 24th, 1943 at the age of 23 when his plane was shot down over the Pacific Ocean near Tower. His body was not recovered. We are pleased to present the Leonard D.
Chzmore VFW Post 8507 2026 scholarship award to Luke Bette. [applause] >> [applause] >> Uh, Perhaps you didn't know about your chemistry teacher, Mrs. Amanda Rivera,
who was also a Hollston High School graduate, or that she attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army and later was deployed as an infantry platoon leader during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Neither
died until recently. This year, Mrs. Rivera was VFW's po BFW Post 8507's nominee for the VFW's smart mayor VFW national championship citizenship I'm sorry education teacher program award to
honor Mrs. Rivera Post8507 is awarding a $500 scholarship to a Holl High School senior through the Hollist scholarship foundation. The smart mayor citizenship education teacher program uses criteria such as educational innovation,
patriotism, use of educational resources and passion in addition to citizenship to choose post level nominees. Nominations for the award are submitted to the post. They can be made by fellow teachers, supervisors, any interested individuals, even themselves but not by
family members. Mrs. Rivera's nomination resulted from the way in which she presented diplomas to Holl four Hollistston High School seniors who were taking steps toward serving in the armed forces after graduation last year.
And this award goes to Sena Perovski. [applause] >> [applause] >> And the third award award that I'm presenting is through the Hollist scholarship foundation. It's in honor of Charles E. Douford.
Holl's American Legion Post 47 is named in honor of Charles A. Douford, a sergeant United States Army who was killed in action on October 14th, 1918 during World War I, less than a month before the war ended when the armistice
was signed on November 11th. Charles was the first person from Hollist to be drafted into service in World War I. He was thought to be the first person from Hollist to die in action during the war. But it was found out later that
distinction belonged to Ernest G. Kho who had died three months earlier. Charles Duford was a member of the 82nd Infantry Division when he was killed during the Allied Muse Argon offensive, a trench warfare battle that line that
extended for almost 500 miles along the entire western front from the Belgian coast to the English Channel of the in the English Channel through France to southern Germany and into the Swiss Alps. More than 26,000 Americans died in that offensive and more than 95,000 were
wounded. The offensive lasted 47 days ending on November 11th, now called Veterans Day. Sergeant Duford is buried at the Muse Argon Cemetery in France. His memorial square in Hollist is located at 13 Exchange Street. Ernest
Khos is located at the corner of Arch and Water Streets. And this award goes to Alicia Holmes. >> [applause] [applause] >> Before I give up the podium, I have to
say one thing. Um, I graduated in 1964. My 50th reunion was in 19 was 50 years later. And I [laughter] like if I could do the math, sounds like 2014. So when I was a senior at graduation
day, uh the 50th reunion attendees uh were there. There weren't too many of them. But it wasn't until my own reunion 50 years later that I understood who those people were. They uh graduated in
1914 and two months later World War I broke out. So sitting there as a senior, I had no idea that these people were that closely connected to World War I. So we're not too far removed from history.
I was a history major. Can you guess? Anyway, thank you. [applause] >> [applause] >> The Christopher Clansancy Award is a new scholarship award given in memory of Christopher Clancy, a 40-year resident of Hollist and proud dedicated father of
two Hollist High School graduates. His sons, Patrick and Ryan, have funded scholarships for two Hollist High School seniors. Presenting this evening are Mr. Ryan and Patrick Clancy. >> [applause] [applause] >> The awards are on the podium there. The
awards are there. >> Sounds good. >> Sounds good. Good evening, guys. My name is Ryan Clancy. This is my brother PJ Clancy. Uh, graduating class of 2008. Graduating class of >> 1999, way before me.
Um, on behalf of our father, Chris Clancy, it's an honor and a privilege to be here tonight. It's a special moment for us to be able to give back to the community we were raised in, all while keeping our father's memory alive. Dad was a special person. If you asked for the shirt off his back, he would try to find a way to get you a jacket as
well. If he could help make someone's life easier, there would be no hesitation. Whether it be monetarily, everyday advice, or lending a helping hand, he was your guy. There's nowhere he'd rather be tonight than here. As a self-made man, I I know
I just know rewarding someone some hardworking individuals would do nothing but bring him instant gratification and put a smile on his face. On behalf of the Clancy family, it's my pleasure to award one $5,000 scholarship to Oliver Brown and one $5,000 scholarship to
James Caldwell. To Oliver and James and the rest of the students here at Hollison High School, we wish you all the best of luck. Please continue to work hard. You are our future and we can only hope this will help propel you to guest the next level. Congratulations, Gus. [applause]
[cheering] [applause] >> Thank you very much. You're very welcome. Good luck. Yeah, you're very welcome. Thank you. Who's your name? >> Oliver. >> Oliver. Thank you. Thank you very much. >> Yeah, James, you're very welcome. Congratulations. Good luck. All right.
Thanks guys. The Justin D. Brockard scholarships is given in memory of Justin Brockard, a Holliston resident and graduate of Hollist High School by his friends and family. During this time at HHS, Justin developed a passion for computers that was shared with his close group of
lifelong friends. He parlayed this passion into a successful career in software development. The award will be given to graduates pursuing a degree in a science or technology related field. Presenting this evening are Mr. Mrs.
Andrew and Kaen Simon. [applause] Are they here? [applause] Okay. Well, yes, I'm presenting. All right. All right. Well, the recipients of the Justin D. Brockert scholarships are Min
Lee and Aush Anand. [applause] The Donna R. Keenan Award has been awarded since 2015. The award has been given in memory of Donna R. Keenan, a decade-long resident of Hollist and mother of three students who graduated
from Hollist High School. The award is given by her family and the Hollist Scholarship Foundation. Presenting this evening is Mr. Chris Keenan. [applause] Thank you. Every year I look forward to this night. Not only is it an opportunity to
acknowledge the graduating classes, achievements, and accomplishments over the past four years, but it's also an opportunity for we, the presenters, to connect the memory of someone who was important to us, to a message of
recognition, encouragement, and belief in you and your potential. Another reason I look forward to this night is that the process of choosing a recipient involves taking time to stop and reflect
on Donna's life and what was meaningful to her and be guided to who I believe she would have wanted to receive this award. For me, the final decision always comes
down to making a connection with the recipient. Sometimes that connection is made by a sentence or two in the applicant's essay or in the guidance counselor's recommendation letter or a phrase that stands out
or even a single word somewhere in the application package. This year was no different. I'd like to congratulate and wish the best of luck to Shawn Warner, this year's recipient of the Donna Keenan annual scholarship.
[applause] [applause] The the remaining foundation awards are presented by Mr. William Fipps, a graduate of Hollist High School and vice president of the Hollist Scholarship Foundation. The first award he will present is the William and Alice Fipps award.
It'll be awarded for the 11th time in the name of William Fipps and in the memory of his wife Alice. Both are lifelong residents of Hollist and graduates of Hollist High School. William Fipps has been a driving force in the scholarship foundation for over 30 years. This year's recipient is Grady
Kylie. >> [applause] >> Thank you. [applause] The Mary Anne Miller Award. This award is being awarded in memory of a Holliston resident, mother of four Hollist High School graduates, and a scholar athlete who passed away in 2008
at the age of 45 from breast cancer. The recipient is Pan Penelopey Derling. [applause] The Holliston Business Association scholarships are funded by the Holliston Business Association and given through the Hollist Scholarship Foundation to
graduating seniors who are attending college and majoring in some aspects of business. The recipients are Kenya Batista, Isabella Olivea, and Ali Basher. >> [applause] >> So first
[applause] >> then backwards. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you so much. is backwards. >> Oh, >> I don't teach you. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations.
>> Thank you so much. They changed the door on their way up quickly. >> The Elizabeth Stillings Brooks Memorial Scholarship has been funding scholarships since 2017. Many scholarship awards have been given in memory of Elizabeth Stillings Brooks,
a longtime Holl Hollist resident who is very active in the Hollist community and mother of three Hollist High School graduates. This annual scholarship dedicated in her honor is awarded to graduating Hollist senior with a passion for English and writing. This year there
will be three Elizabeth Stilling Books Awards. The recipients are Jay Patel, Laurian Dos Santos, Jane Gdopoulos. [applause] That's Jane. That's Jane. [applause]
>> Congratulations. >> Which one? >> J. Congratulations. >> The Joey Larissy Award is given in memory of Joey Larissy, a member of the Hollison High School class of 2010 by his family. Since 2009, the Lares have
given more than $90,000 in scholarship awards to 20 students in memory of their son. They will continue to give an award in his name to a member of every graduating class at Hollison High School. The recipient is Lindseay O'Connell.
[applause] [applause] The Doug Perry and Linda Frank Award has been awarded since 2017. This award has been given in memory of Doug Perry and Linda Frank, both graduates of Hollist High School's class of 1975. This award is given to a student who
displays an interest and talent in the visual arts and a commitment to community service. The recipient is Alexi Shchikovski. >> [applause] [applause] >> The Mary C. Flattly Scholarship Award is being presented for its eighth year in memory of Mary Flattley, a highly
regarded Hollist High School teacher for 20 years. The recipient is Maisie McGawan. Congratulations. [applause] >> Thank you. The Masonic Lodge Award is being presented for its 12th consecutive year by the Hollist Masonic Lodge and the
Holliston Scholarship Foundation to a Holliston senior who demonstrates the Masonic traditions of tolerance, community service, and charity. The recipient is Colobby Mcun. [applause] The Ela the Ela Mitsocks Memorial
Scholarship is being presented for its fifth year in memory of Ela Mitsach who for 36 years was a dedicated special education teacher at Hollist at Hollist's Robert Adams Middle School. The scholarship is given by her family, friends, and the
Hollison Scholarship Foundation. The recipient is Hannah Dtoma. >> [applause] >> You got more money. Give that a >> the Peter Sawyer Awards have been awarded for the last 12 years in memory of Peter Sawyer, a Holliston resident
for over 25 years and parent to two Hollist High School graduates. Preferences are given to students who are pursuing an education in technology related field. The Peter Sawyer Awards will be given to three students this year. The recipients are Pawet Fuang
Azour Hartinstein and Ruathinka Monar Kumar. [applause] [applause] Thank you so much Hello. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations so much.
>> Congratulations. Thank you so much. >> The Thomas and Marjorie Lions Award is given in memory of Thomas Lions and his wife Marjgery by their family in the Hollist scholarship foundations. Both were actively involved in the Hollist community for many years. Tom served on the school committee and was an avid
supporter of quality public schools in Hollist. Preferences given to students pursuing a study in business or music. The recipient is Bridget Doherty. [applause] >> Congratulations running. The Fred W. Miller Award has been given in memory of Fred Miller for nearly 50
years. He was a superintendent, principal, and teacher in the Hollist public schools. For many years, the major benefactor of the scholarship foundation. The Miller Elementary School is named in his honor. This award is being presented to Sophia Mancini.
Congratulations. [applause] >> Thank you. The Sam Placentino Award is given in memory of Sam Placentino, a former longtime superintendent of schools and the architect of excellence in the Hollist school system. The Plantino Elementary School is named in his honor.
The recipient is Paige Giblet. [applause] Congratulations. The Virginia Aldrich McGrain Award is given in memory of Virginia Aldrich Mcgraine, a longtime Hollist resident and major benefactor of the Hollist Scholarship Foundation. This award is
presented to Nicole Vidmitch. [applause] Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> The Thompson Award is given in memory of Richard Thompson, a local business person and member of the school committee and his life partner Peggy
Enquist. Both were avid supporters of the Hollist public schools and the Hollist Scholarship Foundation. The recipient is Casey Miller. [applause] Congratulations. The Andrew Lynn Award is given in memory of Andrew Lynn, a former Holl a former
student at Hollison High School. This is the scholarship foundation's oldest dedicated award. The recipient is Landon Perry. [applause] The Kathleen Webster Memorial Scholarship has been given since 2010 in memory of Kathleen Webster, a former
devoted teacher at Hollist High School who taught English for 33 years. The award is funded by her family and friends and the Holliston Scholarship Foundation. The recipient is Max Collins. [applause] >> Thank you so much. [cheering] Thank you. The Bedros and Helen Comedian Award has
been given for many years in memory of longtime Hollist High School principal principal Bedro Committee and his wife Helen. Both were longtime supporters of quality education in Hollist and the Hollist Scholarship Foundation. The recipient is Jacqueline Vaughn.
[applause] The Beth Lion Award is given in memory of Beth Lion, a member of the class of 1985. This award is given to a student who has demonstrated interest and skill in English and writing. This award is presented to Jillian Lesson.
[applause] [applause] >> Congratulations. >> Finally, the Terres S. Kakaval scholarship award is given in memory of the Madame Kakaval since 2017. Theres was a dynamic teacher in the Hollist public schools for the past 38 years.
She was a teacher of the French immersion class in Hollist and the K12 coordinator of foreign languages. The recipient is Lindseay Okonnell. [applause] Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Fipps. And thank you to the Hollison Scholarship Foundation for your support of the
Hollist High School students. [applause] [applause and cheering] And bless you. And now for our community scholarships. The Timothy T. Okonnell Memorial Scholarships are provided by the Timothy O'Connell Foundation and are being
presented by the Okonnell family. [applause] Good evening everyone. My name is Joanne O'Connell and I'm here with my husband Kevin. We're Tim's proud parents and we're here on behalf of the Timothy O'Connell Foundation to award the Timothy T. Oonnell Memorial Scholarship
for an 18th consecutive year. I'd like to give a bit of context to the scholarship by quickly discussing Tim's short but extraordinary life. Timmy was born on Labor Day of 1998. He passed away in 2008, just two days after he
turned 10 years old. And just as his classmates were entering fourth grade at the Miller School, many of you seniors attended Miller and many of you were born in 2008, the year that Tim passed away after a very difficult and very courageous struggle against acute myoid
leukemia. Some of you perhaps have heard about Tim from your families who know our family. Or maybe you recognize Tim's name from a bench out in your courtyard or in Goodwill Park or on the plaques in front
of trees in front of Miller and in the Placentino school courtyard where there are team uh trees in Tim's memory. Maybe you've seen the orange car magnets so many of our fellow towns people continue to display on their
vehicles. Some of you might have run in Tim's trot when you were younger. And some of you may have enjoyed Tim's very favorite food, a chocolate cake we've come to call a Timmy cake, which we continue to bake and sell each September, childhood cancer awareness
month, and coincidentally the month of Tim's birth and death, and a fundraiser for the Timothy O'Connell Foundation. That fundraising enables the foundation to keep the memory of Tim alive in the form of these scholarships bearing his
name. We know Tim would very much approve of our honoring his memory in this way. He loved his three brothers, of course, and animals of all kinds and competition, too, in a healthy way, especially sports. But perhaps as much as anything, Tim
loved school and learning and his classmates and teachers. Tim was an incredibly gifted student as those teachers can attest and he was a natural leader of his peers. Tim always played by the rules. He was
kind, considerate of others, polite and exceedingly fair. People, including his teachers and classmates, and so many people in the community of Holliston, were drawn to Tim and felt his goodness. What we saw from Tim's schoolmates, we
also saw from doctors, nurses, and hospital staff over the year and a half that Tim was treated mostly on an inpatient basis at Children's Hospital Boston, the Jimmy Fund, and the Dana Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
When we created Tim's Foundation, we discussed with the trustees where and how best to deploy any funds we might raise in support of finding cures for and easing the burdens of pediatric cancers. It was only natural that we
steer money to Holliston in the form of scholarships. We're proud to recognize and support graduating high school students like the ones we'll announce tonight who have demonstrated a commitment to care for others by pursuing a career in medicine,
nursing, physical therapy, and other health related fields. It's a critically it's critically important work and so much remains to be done. Thank you to all of you seniors who applied for a scholarship. There were so many worthy applicants. Your stellar
academic records and heartfelt essays give us hope and good reason to believe that the future of cancer research and treatment is bright. And thank you more broadly to all of you gathered here, students and parents alike, who have supported the Timothy O'Connell
Foundation in one way or another over the past 18 years. It is your generosity that makes possible our honoring Tim's memory and our students achievements in this special way. This year we're pleased to award five
Timothy Tokonnell Memorial Scholarships to Poet Fuang, Luke Burgett, Magdalena Jankovski, Nel Oliver, and Alexander Roby.
>> [applause] >> I was about [applause] Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] >> The Hollist Lions Club Educational Assistance Awards are being presented by Mr. David Kim who after 27 years will be
retiring from the Hollist public schools. So a big round of applause for Mr. Kim. [applause] [applause] Thank you. Good evening everyone. How are you? My name is David Kim and I have a couple different hats that I play here in
Hollist. Since 2018, I have been on the Lions for the last five years. I've had the privilege as serving as the chairperson of the Hollist Lions Scholarship Committee. Our committee this year was Steve Hedrickk, Carolyn
Tierney, Vinnie Alwani, Mike McKenna, James Arena D. Rosa and Stea Paces. On behalf of the Lions Club, congratulations to all of you tonight um graduating sen seniors um receiving
these awards. The Lions Club is the world's largest service organization with more than 1.4 million members in communities across the globe. Here in Hollison, we are a group of volunteers committed to making a
difference through service. Throughout the year, we support organizations and programs such as the Hollist Food Pantry, Hollist Youth and Family Services, the Senior Center, Friends of the Library, Educational Scholarships,
and many other community initiatives. Everything we do is guided by a simple model. we serve. Our biggest fundraisers that help us to be able to donate to the scholarship are the breakfast with Santa and the carnival, which this year is
Wednesday, July 8th through Saturday, July 11th, right here in the parking lot. Our first set of awards are the Hollist Lions Club Educational Assistant Scholarship. This scholarship recognizes
graduating seniors who have demonstrated strong academic achievement, active involvement in school and community activities, and a commitment to serving others. The recipients embod the spirit of the Lion's motto, we serve
through their contributions to both the school and the broader Holliston community. Those people are Brody Cordon, Lauriani Dos Santos, Claire Fitzgerald, Gabby Lima, Bridget Malvi
Sansa Naga Podman, Jay Patel, Maddie Pierce, Sophia Rickman, Grace Whitten, and Kevin W. Not [applause] that [applause] time.
The second award this evening is the Douglas Bloomquist Educational Assistance Scholarship. This scholarship honors the memory of Doug Bloomquist, a dedicated Lion who believed deeply in community service, education, and
helping young people achieve their goals. Doug had a special appreciation for those pursuing careers and education and for students who demonstrated a commitment to serving others. This award recognizes a student whose character,
service, and future aspirations reflect those same values. This award goes to Allison Forbes. [applause] [applause] >> Congratulations. >> Thank you all. And seniors, we'll see you on Friday at the Miller School.
[applause] The Hollist Drug and Alcohol Awareness Coalition Scholarships are presented by Miss Zoe Maro. [applause] >> Good evening everybody. Um so tonight we are proud to recognize three amazing students. Um we have Gabriella Lima,
Gracie Rristuchia, uh Noel Oliver. Um and they are all receiving the second annual HDAC opioid prevention scholarship. Um so this is a $1,000 scholarship funded through the town's um opioid settlement dollars.
Um it is going to uh Gabriella and Noella because they are studying nursing and Gracie will be studying biochemistry. All three of the students have shown a deep commitment to helping others and bringing and they bring a personal a meaningful personal cause uh connection
to this cause. Um the opioid crisis has touched many families across the nation and state and including here in Hollist. Our goal is to invest in the next generation of professionals who will be helping to prevent the opioid crisis and substance mis misuse. Uh we believe the
future is in very good hands with these three and everyone in this room. So congratulations Gabriella, Gracie, and Noel. [applause] >> Hi guys. Thank you. The Hollist Federation of Teacher
Scholarship is presented by Miss Jamie Katone. [applause] Hi there. I'm Jamie Katone, the president of the Hollist Federation of Teachers. The Hollist Federation of Teachers is the local union of teachers, par profofessionals, secretaries, and
nurses here at Hollist Public Schools. Each year, the HFT provides a high school graduate with a scholarship recognizing their understanding of labor issues, the history of the labor movement, and the important role unions play in our society. I'm proud to
present this year's award to Luke Burgett. [applause] The Middle Sex Savings Bank recognizes a graduating senior who has demonstrated both academic and personal achievements, service to one's community, and a commitment to others. The recipient is
Sarah Nami. [applause] The Diamond Awards provided by the Joseph and Faith Tiberio Foundation are presented this evening by Miss Faith Foyer. [applause] The Diamond Award. The year was 1940 and the place was Hollist, Massachusetts,
where a decorated World War I veteran and his wife began the Century Manufacturing Company. Joseph and Faith Tiberio embodied all the noble characteristics of the greatest generation, and word of mouth of exceptional quality and fairness of price set the company apart. The
company, formerly known as Century Thai Wood, became a thriving global entity offering fiber optical products, green solutions, complex metal fabrications and engineering capabilities. An interesting example of its expertise was Century Thai Woods contribution to the
Fleer camera used to capture the marathon bomber. Also to its credit, the governor of Massachusetts awarded the company essential status during COVID and the employees worked historically 24-hour shifts, seven days a week to pump out ventilator parts that saved
thousands of lives. Honor, truth, fairness, and meeting every challenge remained the pillars of the company culture. Always eager to give back to the community where it all began, the Joseph W. and Faith K. Tiberio Charitable Foundation
established scholarships for graduating high Hollist High School seniors wishing to pursue a career in aspects related to manufacturing. Although the company is no longer owned or operated by any member of the Tiberia family, the foundation bearing their name continues to provide scholarships.
Recipients of the Diamond Award are selected from a field of gems to be polished by further education and become guiding light for the good of humanity. The recipients this year are Jack Barabbo, Llaya Feldman, and Grady Kylie. [applause]
[applause] >> Thank you so much. Good luck. The Dorothy B. Stevens Garden Club scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior in good standing who while in college will take courses in horiculture, botany, landscape design,
forestry, environmental sciences, land management or fields related to gardening in its widest aspect. The recipient is George Sevitus. [applause] [applause] The Hollist Music and Arts Parents
Association awards multiple awards multiple scholarships to Hollison High School seniors who have enriched the HHS community by demonstrating a strong commitment, enthusiasm, and spirit to art, band, chorus, and or drama at HHS. In addition to the Jodi Msina scholar,
In addition, the Jodi Msina scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to music and is also planning to major in music performance or music education in college. The awards will be presented by Miss Karen Haynes. [applause]
The recipients of the HMAPa scholarships are Adele Vgas, Bridget Doherty, Allison Forbes, and Kulani Kanka. [applause] And the Jodi Msina Scholarship is awarded to Min Lee.
[applause] >> [applause] >> The Hollist Athletic Booster Association scholarships. Each year through a random drawing, HABA offers scholarships to seniors who have participated in sports all four years at HHS and have been members of HAB during those years. A rand a random drawing took place last
week by the HHS school counseling staff. Presenting this evening is Miss Michelle Hastings. [applause] [applause] >> Um I'd like to congratulate all of the class of 2026. Um sorry I need my glasses on. Uh the Hston Boosters were
proud to recognize four student um athletes as a recipient of this um year's Haba scholarships. So Ronan Florendo, Bridget Malvie, Sarah Schillings, and Alexander Pierers. [applause] [applause] >> [laughter] >> The Hollist Youth Baseball soft and
softball association scholarships will be presented by Mr. Brian McDonald. [applause] Thank you. And it's great to be here tonight. For um many of us, we sign our kids up for youth sports with the hope that they will meet many life lessons,
right? Things like role models and coaches, the value of teamwork, hard work paying off, right? There's endless opportunities for learning and and life lessons. One that we don't emphasize enough is
that folks who continue to play sports develop a passion for it and begin to work harder at it. And there's a beautiful lesson there because you learn that if you're passionate about something, work isn't a chore,
work is a pleasure. And so that's item number one. We have two uh scholarship winners who um who've demonstrated that tremendously. I know I've been doing this for a while because I used to talk about my young children looking up to the varsity players and now those young children are teammates of the two
scholarship recipients which is fun. Um item number two is that you can use sports as an opportunity to give forward, right? And so examples of the scholarship recipients here include volunteering at youth clinics and camps,
initiating an equipment drive, umpiring, face painting at the hipster parades, being a role model for young kids in town, and although the award criteria doesn't include leadership on the varsity team, by chance, both recipients were captains of their respective
baseball and softball team. and I've had the opportunity to see them lead with the young children, lead with their peers, and really serve as role models. So, why does HIPSA have these two criteria? It's simple. Passion and
purpose. The members of the class of 2026 will walk across the stage on Sunday, and the next four to six years will be defining years in what you choose to do for a living. And if work becomes something you need
to do for 40, 50 hours a week so that you can pay the bills and live your life, I'd encourage you to do a bit more than that. Do your best to find something that you find passion in. Because if you're passionate, like was the case for the award recipients here,
it's not work, it's a pleasure. And in terms of purpose, is there an opportunity to give forward as again demonstrated by our scholarship recipients? Is there an opportunity to do something that serves others? Public
service, teaching, principal, medical, social work, whatever the case may be. So, it's an honor to be here tonight to both recognize the scholarship recipients and offer that small bit of wisdom to the graduating class. So with
that said, it's great honor of mine to introduce both Broen Roach and Julia Gallipo. [applause] [applause] The Hollist Youth Soccer Association scholarships will be presented this evening by Mr. Brendan Malvi.
[applause] Good evening everyone. Um I'm delighted to be here on behalf of the Hollist Youth Soccer Association or HISA as most people know it. Um we are really a special organization. I've been involved for the last um 10 years with Heisa. Uh
and we're special for a number of reasons. Number one, we're the largest sports program in town. We have 750 boys and girls that play soccer every fall and spring. We have kids from grade kindergarten up through 8th grade. Um we
are also 100% volunteer organization. So every board member, every coach, every field coordinator, ref asser is a volunteer that's giving their time, effort, enthusiasm, and talent to the community. We're also self-funded uh
through our membership dues, uh small amount of donations, and our field rentals up at the Marshall Street Field Complex, which we lease from the town and maintain entirely on our own. So, with that, I have a couple asks for you. One is be on the lookout for some
updates with regard to Marshall Street. Um, we have some plans in place where we'd like to upgrade the facility. I learned today that the turf fields that we have up there were installed when these kids were just finishing fourth grade. So, we're just about due for an
upgrade to our fields. um and we're going to require a lot of community support um to fulfill what we want to accomplish with that facility. The other ask is to volunteer. Trust me, volunteer. You will not regret it. Um
you will get more out of it than you put into it. We're always looking for soccer people and non-socker people. Old people, young people, we have a place for you. Um so please don't be shy about volunteering. And one of the very special things about Heisa as a coach
and an administrator is you get to see kids come all the way up through the program and become the next generation of leaders. And the three scholarship recipients we have tonight um have embodied that mission, have fulfilled that mission. They're excellent role
models for the next generation of players and they've really gone above and beyond to give back uh to Heisa. So with that, on behalf of Heisa, um please join me in congratulating our three recipients, Caitlyn Clark, Claire
Fitzgerald, and Brody Cordon. [applause] Sorry about that. The Hollist Youth Lacrosse Association is proud to offer college scholarships in recognition of deserving graduating seniors who participated in the Holliston Youth Lacrosse Association program and who displayed leadership
integrity and academic accomplishment. Applicants were asked to submit an essay about what Hollist Youth Lacrosse has meant to them. The recipients are Bridget Malvi and Alexander Roby. [applause] >> [applause] >> the Hollist Youth Basketball Association scholarships.
In addition to their essay submissions, in in addition to their essay submissions, these students are being recognized for their contributions to the community, particularly the basketball community, and for their outstanding accomplishments in the classroom and beyond. The recipients are
Liam Brangan, Cooper Fermani, Lindseay Oonnell, and Grace Whitten. [applause] The Olivia Barrett Bergstrom Scholarship will pres will be presented this evening by Mr. David Strawan. >> [applause] >> It never gets easy. [laughter]
Um, I'm Olivia's dad and uh, so most of you now probably don't know Olivia. Maybe you've heard her story or you know somebody that knows her, but um here we are. And uh
so for us, we just wanted to keep Olivia alive and just think about how special life is and the and the things you get to do and how many times you get to reinvent yourself and searching for your passion and your mission and your people. Um,
and so that was Olivia. And every year we read through a ton of thankfully a a ton of uh essays for people that try to embody that and understand where she was and what she might have been like or and
so we read through them as so many other presenters have talked about and you you every year it kind of changes what we're what we what we see and who kind of uh rises to the top or somehow just grabs what we feel was who she would be right now. um
so I was going to read this poem on the back of her card that we had, but I just don't think I can do it. So, I just like to say that um that we're really excited to help somebody figure out what they're going to do and become the person that's going to help uh change a lot of lives, I
think. And uh I was thinking about this while I was surfing the other day. Nod, that would be George. you don't have to come in quite yet, but yeah, I was hanging out surfing the other day and just thinking about you and the the choice we made and how Olivia would be about that and the things that you're
going to do. And so, I hope this helps you. So, congratulations. [applause] [applause] I know you will. something card and this is we have a lot of these I'm running
low but these we made up when she passed away and I have a bunch because I put them in my running vest when I go running or when I'm go surfing or it just she travels with me all the time. So I hope you have somebody that you can travel with. So >> thank you so much. >> Best of luck.
>> Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] >> The Hollist PTO essay scholarship award will be presented by Miss Stacy Rafi. [applause] This year the award will go to Kevin Why not. [applause]
>> [laughter] [applause] [applause] >> the Hollist Police Association. John Johnson Memorial Scholarship is given in memory of officer John Johnson and is presented by Miss Jessica Aronson.
[applause] Good evening. My name is Jessica Aronson and for those that of you that do not know who I am, I am the daughter of Officer John Johnson. The Holliston Police Department and the Johnson family established the John Johnson Memorial
Scholarship in 2001. for a graduating senior who plans to pursue a career in criminal justice. The very first recipient of this scholarship was Matt Wah, who is now proudly serving as a sergeant at the Hollist Police
Department. For those of you who do not know, my dad was a police officer here in Hollist and was tragically killed in the line of duty on August 13th, 1981 when I was 10 years old. while protecting the
community he loved. My brother Brian was three years old and both Brian and I live here in Holliston with many members of the Johnson family that we still call home and we have have been raising our
families here. We are deeply grateful to the Hollist Police Department and the entire Hollist community for continuing to honor our father's memory in such a meaningful way. It is my honor tonight to present the
2026 John Johnson Memorial Scholarship to Paige Gimlet who will be attending UMass Amherst studying sociology. Thank you. [applause] [applause] The Society Fund Foundation is a
nonprofit organization that provides student athletes opportunities to achieve life's ambitions and was started by the family and close friends of Matthew Matthew Sidebottom after his sudden passing in October of 2021. Born and raised in Franklin, Matt graduated from Assumption College and spent six
years as a football coach between Assumption and Bentley College. Matt's father was a Holliston High School graduate. The scholarship will be awarded to a collegebound graduating senior who intends to participate in collegiate level athletics. The recipient is Ben Mariano.
Ben Myano. [applause] The Hughes mentorship scholarship is given in memory of Thomas Hughes, a longtime Hollison resident whose children and g grandchildren attended Hollison High School. Presenting this evening is Miss Jessica Hughes. >> [applause]
[applause] >> Hi everyone. Congratulations seniors. My name is Annabelle Monte and I graduated from Hollist High three years ago. Every year that I try to write this speech, I can never seem to find the right words. Nothing I say will be able to portray the kind of person my grandfather was.
Thomas Hughes is my grandpa, among many other things. And I'm honored I get to talk about him tonight. He was the most loving, resilient, and gentle person I've ever met. When creating the scholarship, my mom had told me my grandpa had struggled in his high school education. He found support and encouragement through his time at school, which helped him become the man
I know to be my grandfather. Knowing that he made a success himself and shared it with other others, I somehow have earned even more respect for him. Grampy is my biggest role model and always will be. I want others to know the type of person he was through my eyes since I feel like the luckiest girl in the world knowing I was his
granddaughter. This essay stood out to my family for a number of reasons, but primarily the noticeable compassion and generosity of this student. This scholarship is designed for people who want to be a backbone for others. Someone who will support and lead just like the ones who encouraged my grandpy. Throughout this essay, we saw that this
student is more than capable of being this person and that they are dedicated to their dreams of helping and uplifting others. Congratulations to Lindseay Oonnell. [applause] The Lieutenant Shaun F. More memorial scholarship is awarded to a Holliston High School senior majoring in criminal
justice, criminology at a college or at a college university or to a Hollison High School senior who has enlisted in any area of the armed forces or military police. The recipient is Bella Dean. [applause] The officer David J. Moore Memorial
Service Scholarship is given in memory of off of Officer Moore, a lifelong resident of Hollist and a 1950 graduate of Hollist High School and the United States Naval Academy. Officer Moore proudly served the town of Hollist for 35 years, 33 years at the Hollist Police
Department and two years at the highway department. This scholarship is given in loving memory by his family. Presenting this award will be Miss Mary Anne Moore and Mr. John Moore. [applause] Good evening and congratulations to all
the graduating seniors and also to their parents who were part of the work. Um I like the promotion that they gave my dad with the Naval Academy. Um, truth be told, he was in the Navy for four years and he was very proud of it. Um, this
scholarship is all around public service. Um, public service doesn't give you a lot of notoriety, doesn't pay you a lot of money, but it gives you a lot of satisfaction. Um, we've had this scholarship in existence for now eight years. We've
given out in excess of $25,000 in scholarship money. Um, every year in February we put together a bowling tournament. This past February we had 88 bowlers show up. Um, and we exceeded all goals in terms of um, uh, money that did
come in. Um, so little bit about um, our recipient. Um, and she's been up here many times tonight. Um, she is going to Clemson University. She's going to study elementary education. If you look at her
resume, which we did, um it shows her to be a scholar, an athlete, a humanitarian, a volunteer, a leader, and a motivator. But what stuck out to us most was her personal statement. And I would say this, most people in
this room, including myself, go through their life asking the question, why am I here? And what is my purpose? In um Lindsay Connell's statement, she answered that. She knows her why. She knows her why is teaching young kids in
elementary school. So without further ado, the 2026 Officer Dave Moore Memorial Scholarship goes to Lindseay O'Connell. [applause] [applause] The Hollison Special Education Parent Advisory Council Scholarships are
presented by Miss Alina Robinson, Miss Algra Deni, and Miss Eileen Radcliffe. [applause] The Holliston Special Education Parent Advisory Council holds several fundraisers each year with a specific
goal of giving back to the community. We love being able to provide students with funds to help them reach their educational dreams. This is the third year the CPAC is sponsoring a senior scholarship. We truly appreciate everyone that applied for it. We
recognize your hard work and perseverance. We have two scholarships to give out this evening. Again, thank you again for applying for the Hollist CPAC scholarships. We wish you all the best. The two recipients are Daru Gwad and
Noel Oliver. [applause] >> [applause] >> So before we conclude tonight's program, I just want to say a special thank you to Issa Elsasser. Where is she? >> Lisa, come here. >> Hey, thank you. >> So, so, so she is made everything happen
tonight. Thank you very much. You're amazing. It was awesome. So, [applause] so as we bring this evening to a close, I want to ask our seniors to just take a moment to reflect on what this evening represents. You're sitting here tonight because
you've worked hard. You've earned recognition through your effort, your character, your accomplishments, and the way you've represented yourselves, your families, and Hollist High School. But this night's only possible because of the kindness and generosity of others.
Most of you do not personally know the families, organizations, businesses, and community groups that created the scholarships you received this evening. In many cases, these scholarships were created by people who simply wanted to honor someone they loved, give back to a school and community that mattered to
them, or help a student take the next step in life. As you leave these halls and move on to whatever comes next, I hope you remember that your journey was made just a little bit easier because someone, most likely someone you do not know, believed in you. So, thank you
again to our donors, our families, our staff, our community members for making this evening possible. and have a wonderful night.