Upcoming Sips for Scholarships Fundraiser to Support Melrose Seniors
The Melrose High School (MHS) Permanent Scholarship Fund will be hosting its popular Sips for Scholarships fundraiser on Saturday, October 5th at the Bellevue Golf Club. Melrose community members are encouraged to buy tickets to support the MHS Class of 2025 in their postgraduate education.
The MHS Permanent Scholarship Fund was founded in 1961 and has grown from an initial $200 investment to a multi-million dollar portfolio that funds scholarships for over 90% of graduating MHS students. The scholarships are available to any student who is continuing on to college, trade, or vocational school. Many of these scholarships are named scholarships, donated in honor of loved ones.
Last Year's Fundraiser
Photo From Ann Guanci
Students are chosen for scholarships by a committee of MHS faculty that includes the principal, guidance counselors, and teachers of all subjects and grade levels. This committee pores over scholarship applications in what Ann Guanci, Executive Director of the MHS Permanent Scholarship Fund, called a “long and painstaking process,” matching students with scholarships with criteria that fit their characteristics and goals. “I can’t tell you how often I get calls from fund owners where they say, ‘I want this scholarship to go to this student,’” added Guanci, “and nine times out of ten, the committee chooses that student. They’re really good at what they do.”
While all students are encouraged to apply for scholarships, financial need is taken into account for some awards. “The school is always aware of these types of things,” said Guanci, “of who needs help and what the situation is.”
This year’s Sips for Scholarships event will honor the Beth A. Lucien Scholarship. This scholarship was established in 2021 to recognize Beth Lucien, whom Guanci described as “a very connected community member.” Lucien lived in Melrose with her husband and three children, and worked in the Mayor’s Office and later at SDM Foundation.
The Sips for Scholarships event began in 2018 as a wine tasting event, and has since expanded to include craft beer and spirits. This year’s event will also include heavy appetizers and live music. Last year, this event sold out, so community members are encouraged to get their tickets early to avoid missing out.
Follow Us: