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.