Sips For Scholarships Returns This Saturday
Written By Patrick DeVivo
Photographed by Nancy Clover
Last Year's Sips for Scholarships
Sips for Scholarships, one of Melrose's favorite new events, returns next Saturday to benefit the Melrose High School (MHS) Permanent Scholarship Fund.
The fundraiser will take place at 7pm on Saturday, October 4th, at the Bellevue Golf Club. It will feature a selection of craft beers, fine wines, and premium spirits, accompanied by appetizers and a dessert spread. The Peanut Gallery, a jazz ensemble led by MHS senior Oren Santillo, will provide live music. Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased here.
The MHS Permanent Scholarship Fund is a nonprofit that was established in 1961 by members of the Melrose Citizens Education Council with an initial investment of $200. The goal was to provide financial assistance to MHS graduates pursuing college or trade/vocational school. Through fundraising efforts over the years, the Fund has built a multi-million- dollar portfolio that makes scholarships available to graduating MHS students.
Sips for Scholarships, which started in 2023, is the Fund’s primary annual fundraising event and a special evening for the Melrose community. Each year at Sips for Scholarships, one individual, whose memory has been honored with a donation, is recognized for their special meaning to the community. This year, the Ellen Adomnes Herrington Memorial Scholarship has been selected. Read more about Ellen here.
Last Year's Sips for Scholarships
In addition to the annual proceeds from Sips for Scholarships, the Fund receives proceeds from one-time events, such as this year's sale of “BEAT Wakefield” long-sleeved shirts and hoodies in advance of the traditional Thanksgiving Day football game. These proceeds will be designated for the David Carrbonneau Memorial Scholarship, in memory of this beloved MHS teacher. These items can be purchased here before October 17th.
Aside from supporting specific fundraisers, individuals may contribute to the Fund in a variety of ways, including individual donations, an estate bequest, a beneficiary designation, a one-time or defined annual scholarship, or a permanently endowed scholarship. Options are outlined on the Fund’s website.
Students receiving scholarships are selected by a committee of MHS faculty and staff that includes the principal, guidance counselors, and teachers of all subjects and grade levels. Ann Guanci, Executive Director of the MHS Permanent Scholarship Fund, describes this as a “long and detailed process,” matching students with scholarships that fit their characteristics and goals. “The selection committee is very thoughtful and really good at what they do,” added Guanci.
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.”
General information about the MHS Permanent Scholarship Fund can be found on their website. Questions can be directed to: execadministrator@mhsfund.org.