Monday, June 24, 2019

3rd Annual Bruce Fund Recipients Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Fund today announced its 2019 scholarship recipients.

Presented to graduating senior student-athletes of Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) member high schools, this year 4 recipients were chosen from a pool of remarkable student-athletes. Each recipient will receive a one-time grant of $2000.00 toward the cost of their college education.


Ryan Finneran of Central Catholic High School, Matt Crepeau of Hopedale HS, Dylan Gardner of Xaverian Brothers High School, and Jason Child of Needham HS have been selected as the recipients of the 2019 Bruce Lerch Fund Memorial Scholarship.


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 Dan O’Brien at (978) 265-9458.

2019 Bruce Lerch Memorial Fund Scholarship recipients

Ryan Finneran, Central Catholic High School: A 3 sport athlete for all of his 4 years at Central Catholic playing Hockey, and captaining both the Football and Lacrosse teams, Ryan has also maintained Honor Roll status throughout high school.  While balancing the academic and athletic demands, Ryan still manages to find opportunity to volunteer in the community working at the Andover Senior Center and at the Emmaus House Food Pantry.  Additionally Ryan gives back to the local lacrosse community by referring and working as a youth coach. Ryan will continue his lacrosse career at St. Anselm's College in the fall. 

Matt Crepeau, Hopedale Jr-Sr. High School: A 3 sport captain in Football, Track & Field, and Lacrosse at Hopedale, Matt also boasts a 4.5 GPA. During his senior year Matt served as the VP of the National Honor Society and DECA, as well as being the class treasurer.  He also participates in the Loop mentoring program at Hopedale.  Matt volunteers his time in the community working with the Special Olympics in Worcester, Hopedale Youth Baseball, and the Milford Daily Food Bank.  Matt will be attending Bentley University in the fall. 

Dylan Gardner, Xaverian Brothers High School: Dylan is a 4 year standout in lacrosse who has received recognition as a 2x Catholic Conference All-Star, and 2x EMLCA All-American.  He is a member of the National Honor Society with 3.96 GPA.  Dylan has given back to the lacrosse community in particular through his work with Harlem Lacrosse. In addition he has been an active participant with the Volunteer for Golden Opportunities for Independence, a program the helps to train service dogs.  Dylan will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall to continue his lacrosse career. 

Jason Child, Needham High School: A football and lacrosse star who has captained the Rockets and earned recognition as a 4x Bay State League All-Star and 2019 MVP, Boston Herald All-Scholastic, Boston Globe All-Scholastic, and 3x EMLCA All-American, Jason has been able to balance success in the classroom, on the field, and in the community.  He regularly gives back to the Needham community through his work with the Rocket camp where he volunteers coaching and working with the youth programs. Jason will continue to play lacrosse at Boston University this fall. 

1 comment:

3rd Annual Bruce Fund Recipients Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Fund today announced its 2019 scholarship recipients. Presented to gradu...