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. 

3rd Annual Bruce Lerch Fund Scholarships Applications now being accepted

We are now accepting applications for the 3rd Annual Bruce Fund Scholarships

The Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Fund awards a limited number of scholarships to High School Senior Varsity Athletes who have contributed in a positive manner to both their school's Athletics program and the larger school community. These scholarships are one-time grants, designated to assist student athletes pursuing further education. The scholarships are intended to recognize outstanding Massachusetts student-athletes.

Last year, we recognized 5 outstanding student-athletes from around the state. Each received a one-time $1500.00 award toward their collegiate academic pursuits. 

To be considered for a scholarship, student-athletes must meet the minimum requirements:
Athletic Participation​ – Applicant must be a 12​th ​grade student in good standing at a Massachusetts High School who has participated on at least one varsity athletic team for the last two school years. Eligible applicants will also have ​not​ been in violation of MIAA rules and regulations during such time.

Post-Secondary Education​ – The applicant must be accepted by a post-secondary institution. Post-secondary institutions include, but are not limited to, colleges, universities, and technical and vocational schools.

Application Form​ – Students must complete and submit the application to The Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Fund. This form may be completed and submitted via email to ​thebrucefund@gmail.com​ The application deadline is ​Friday May 31st, 2019​.

Selection Criteria​ – Scholarships are given on the basis of merit. While financial need is not a determining factor for this scholarship, applicants are encouraged to provide information regarding need and/or hardship.

Reminders - Please include applicant's name in the subject line of the email.  Coach recommendations can be sent with the application form or separately from the coach, but the coach should include applicant's name in the subject line (Only fully completed applications will be considered).  

Recipients will be notified by a member of the scholarship committee in early June.

Download application here:
Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Fund Application Form

Download Coach Recommendation Form here:
Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Fund Coach Recommendation Form 

Questions? Email The Bruce Fund at:
thebrucefund@gmail.com

2nd Annual Bruce Fund Scholarship Recipients Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Fund today announced its 2018 scholarship recipients.

Presented to graduating senior student-athletes of Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) member high schools, this year 5 recipients were chosen from a pool of remarkable student-athletes. Each recipient will receive a one-time grant of $1500.00 toward the cost of their college education.

Jake Antonucci of Westwood High School, Cole Dwyer of Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School, Connor Flint of Newton North High School, Christian Olivieri of Hull High School, and Dylan Sweeney of Acton-Boxborough Regional High School have been selected as the 2018 scholarship recipients.

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.

2018 Bruce Lerch Memorial Fund Scholarship recipients:

Jake Antonucci, Westwood: A 4-year member of the football and lacrosse teams at Westwood, Antonucci is a 3-time Tri-Valley League All-Star in football and lacrosse, as well as serving as a captain for both teams. Additionally, he is a National Honor Society student who has given significant time to his community through various efforts and organizations, including volunteering at a local non-profit organization. He is also a Westwood youth lacrosse coach.  Antonucci finishes his high school career as the all-time goals and points leader for Westwood lacrosse. He will continue his lacrosse career at Providence College in the fall.

Cole Dwyer, Hamilton-Wenham Regional: In addition to playing 4 years of both basketball and lacrosse at Hamilton-Wenham earning the Coach’s Award and league All-Star in basketball, Cole has numerous academic recognitions. A member of the Leader College Bowl, Environmental Club and Interact Club, he also volunteers at Gloucester Healthcare, where he helped initiate a recycling program. Cole is planning to continue his education at Lehigh University in the fall.

Connor Flint, Newton North: 3 years of both varsity lacrosse and ice hockey, Flint helped Newton North to D1 quarterfinals in hockey and semifinals in lacrosse 2016. A top performer in the classroom, he volunteers countless hours to the school and community serving as a tutor and learn to skate coach. Connor is the co-President of the Newton North Peer Mentor group and active participant with the “One Night Out” program that works with special needs children in the community. Connor will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall.

Christian Olivieri, Hull:  A 3 sport standout at Hull in football, basketball and lacrosse, Olivieri has received much recognition in the league, including Patriot All-Scholastic and 2-time All-League in both basketball and lacrosse. A leader on and off the fields, he is a 2-time team captain in all three sports as well as class President for 3 years. A National Honors Society member and student-athlete ambassador to the MIAA, Christian also volunteers his time coaching youth basketball and on weeklong service trips with the church. He will be attending Bates College in the fall.

Dylan Sweeney, Acton-Boxborough Regional: Dylan is a 4-year member of the lacrosse and football programs at AB. In addition to being the President of the National Honor’s Society, Dylan serves on the Principal’s Advisory Board and volunteers as a youth coach for both football and basketball. Dylan earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award for completing over 1000 hours of service, all while maintaining his 4.3 GPA. Dylan will continue his academic pursuits at Northeastern University in the fall.

2nd Annual Bruce Fund Scholarship Applications now being accepted

We are now accepting applications for the 2nd Annual Bruce Fund Scholarships

The Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Fund awards a limited number of scholarships to High School Senior Varsity Athletes who have contributed in a positive manner to both their school's Athletics program and the larger school community. These scholarships are one-time grants, designated to assist student athletes pursuing further education. The scholarships are intended to recognize outstanding Massachusetts student-athletes.

Last year, we recognized 6 outstanding student-athletes from around the state. Each received a one-time $1250.00 award toward their collegiate academic pursuits. 

To be considered for a scholarship, student-athletes must meet the minimum requirements:
Athletic Participation​ – Applicant must be a 12​th ​grade student in good standing at a Massachusetts High School who has participated on at least one varsity athletic team for the last two school years. Eligible applicants will also have ​not​ been in violation of MIAA rules and regulations during such time.

Post-Secondary Education​ – The applicant must be accepted by a post-secondary institution. Post-secondary institutions include, but are not limited to, colleges, universities, and technical and vocational schools.

Application Form​ – Students must complete and submit the application to The Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Fund. This form may be completed and submitted via email to ​thebrucefund@gmail.com​ The application deadline is ​Friday May 25th, 2018​.

Selection Criteria​ – Scholarships are given on the basis of merit. While financial need is not a determining factor for this scholarship, applicants are encouraged to provide information regarding need and/or hardship.

Reminders - Please include applicant's name in the subject line of the email.  Coach recommendations can be sent with the application form or separately from the coach, but the coach should include applicant's name in the subject line (Only fully completed applications will be considered).  

Recipients will be notified by a member of the scholarship committee on Sunday June 3rd, 2018.

Download application here:
Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Fund Application Form

Download Coach Recommendation Form here:
Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Fund Coach Recommendation Form 

Questions? Email The Bruce Fund at:
thebrucefund@gmail.com

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.

The Bruce Lerch
Memorial Scholarship

The Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Fund awards a limited number of scholarships to High School Senior Varsity Athletes who have contributed in a positive manner to both their school's Athletics program and the larger school community. These scholarships are one-time grants, designated to assist student athletes pursuing further education. The scholarships are intended to recognize outstanding Massachusetts student-athletes.

To be considered for a scholarship, student-athletes must meet the minimum requirements:
Athletic Participation​ – Applicant must be a 12​th ​grade student in good standing at a Massachusetts High School who has participated on at least one varsity athletic team for the last two school years. Eligible applicants will also have ​not​ been in violation of MIAA rules and regulations during such time.
Post-Secondary Education​ – The applicant must be accepted by a post-secondary institution. Post-secondary institutions include, but are not limited to, colleges, universities, and technical and vocational schools.
Application Form​ – Students must complete and submit the application to The Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Fund. This form may be completed and submitted via email to ​thebrucefund@gmail.com​ The application deadline is ​Friday May 5th, 2017​.
Selection Criteria​ – Scholarships are given on the basis of merit. While financial need is not a determining factor for this scholarship, applicants are encouraged to provide information regarding need and/or hardship.

Download application here:
The Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Application

Download Coach Recommendation Form here:
Bruce Lerch Memorial Scholarship Fund Coach Recommendation Form 

Questions? Email The Bruce Fund at:
thebrucefund@gmail.com