Inaugural Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Recipients Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Fund today announced its six inaugural scholarship recipients.

Presented to graduating senior student-athletes of Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) member high schools, the six recipients were chosen from a pool of close to 100 applicants. Each recipient will receive a one-time grant of $1250.00 toward the cost of their college education.

Riley Bergstrom of Duxbury High School, Hallie Canfield of Foxboro High School, Daniel Freitas of South Shore Charter School, Krystina Goroshko of Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School, Ryan Puglisi of Andover High School and Jack Sutherland of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School will be presented their scholarship gifts at 7pm on Saturday 6/17 prior to the start of the Boys Lacrosse State Final game at Boston University.

The Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Fund recognizes high school athletes who have contributed in a positive manner to both their respective school's athletics program and the community at large. The scholarships are designated to assist student athletes who exhibit exceptional leadership skills and strong academic performance in pursuing further education.

Organized in 2016, following the death of journalist Bruce Lerch, the Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Fund strives to celebrate and preserve the memory of its namesake’s commitment and enthusiasm to high school athletics, coupled with the tenets of integrity and community-building. During his time contributing to the high school sports sections of the Boston Herald, ESPNBoston.com and as editor-in-chief of BostonLax.net over the last decade, Lerch was widely respected by student-athletes, coaches, administrators, fans and his peers for his rapport, care and advocacy for the myriad sports, teams and individuals he covered across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Please reference bios below for more information on this year’s Bruce Lerch Memorial Fund Scholarship recipients.

Media interested in speaking with Bruce Lerch Memorial Fund Scholarship organizers and recipients are asked to contact Scott Barboza at (508) 642-3404.

Recipient photos available upon request.

Inaugural Bruce Lerch Memorial Fund Scholarship recipients

Riley Bergstrom, Duxbury: A member of the football and lacrosse teams at Duxbury, Bergstrom was the recipient of the Coach's Awards and named a Patriot League all-star selection while serving as team captain. Additionally, he is a National Honor Society student who has given significant time to his community through various efforts and organizations, including working as a peer buddy to special needs students through Best Buddies. He is also a Quincy youth lacrosse coach. Bergstrom founded the Seniors to Students organization, which organizes monthly visits by high school students to elderly housing residents.

Hallie Canfield, Foxboro: In addition to being a 4-year varsity soccer and lacrosse player, and serving as captain to both Warriors teams, a Hockomock League all-star and Sun-Chronicle all-scholastic, Canfield is active in her community. She has led fundraising efforts for Fallen Heroes by running the Boston Marathon, raised funds for schools in Kenya and volunteered weekly with the elderly.

Daniel Freitas, South Shore Charter School (Weymouth): A varsity basketball player, Freitas helped the program reach the tournament for the first time in its history last winter. He is active in his school comminute, having founded the Black Student Union at his school while working on the newspaper staff. Inspired by the story of his brother, who is a varsity lacrosse goalie who plays despite significant disability, Freitas is inspired to tell stories similar to his brother’s and others who overcome great obstacles and intends to study journalism in the fall at the University of Rhode Island.

Krystina Goroshko, Bridgewater-Raynham: Goroshko is an accomplished swimmer, a 2-year varsity lacrosse player and volleyball player at B-R. She maintained a 4.33 GPA in her academic career while balancing volunteer efforts with local youth sports programs. Goroshko has also given her time to causes associated with the American Heart Association and is a summer camp counselor. Goroshko plans to pursue a dual degree at the University of New Hampshire with the intent of working in education as a health and physical education teacher.

Ryan Puglisi, Andover: A standout on the basketball and lacrosse teams, Puglisi has balanced community involvement and athletics, while carrying a 4.17 GPA for his academic career. He serves as the chairman of the Warriors Way student leadership program at Andover High School, in addition to his efforts with the Frost School and Andover Youth Services volunteering his time and athletic abilities to encourage and support the young athletes.

Jack Sutherland, Lincoln-Sudbury: A 4-year varsity golf and lacrosse player, Sutherland was a golf senior captain and member of the Warriors’ back-to-back D1 state championship lacrosse teams. Behind the hard-working student athlete is a story of poise, having dealt with the loss of his mother. While giving back to the community in various roles, Sutherland has worked with the L-S Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) program, in addition to leading workshops on violence prevention for the Yeardly Love's One Love organization.