2021 Scholarships

The Agawam Rotary Club is pleased to announce that we will be awarding 5 scholarships this year.
 
The Andrew Gallano Scholarship For The Arts - $1,000
 
This scholarship is presented in the loving memory of Andrew Gallano.  Mr. Gallano was a lifelong resident of the Town of Agawam and a member of the Agawam Rotary Club.  "Andy" contributed in many ways to Agawam including his paintings of many area landmarks.  The initial funding for this scholarship was provided by the sale of many of his paintings from his estate.
 
Purpose
To financially assist any individual in obtaining education related to pursuing a career in the cultural arts.  In any given year, if no individual is deemed to warrant this scholarship, the board may designate a related community based nonprofit group for a grant in a similar amount.
 
Definition
Cultural arts is to be described as any endeavor which is considered to be influenced heavily by creativity and intended at least in part to appeal to the aesthetic senses.  The determining board will have the right to a wide interpretation.  Some examples include but are not limited to:  Painting, drama, languages, music, dance, journalism, poetry, architecture and graphics.
 
Qualifications
  • The applicant must be a resident of Agawam.
  • The applicant must be attending or scheduled to attend an accredited learning institution or program.  The determining board will have the ability to interpret the validity of any program.
  • The primary purpose for the education is to provide a livelihood in the cultural arts, as described above.
  • The applicant will be allowed to apply in consecutive years, whether or not they are awarded the scholarship.
  • Determination of the award will be primarily based on the applicants specific skills related to the individual's planned field of endeavor and commitment to it, however, overall academic standing will be taken into consideration.
  • Emphasis will be placed on recommendations to be provided by teachers, instructors, and others.
 
Deadline
The scholarship will be paid to the recipient upon verification of payment to the institution in an amount at least equal to the amount of the scholarship.  Applications must be forwarded no later than April 1st, to the Agawam Rotary Club, Inc., P.O. Box 587, Agawam, MA  01001-0587 or can be emailed to AgawamRotaryClub@gmail.com.
 
 

Charles H. Heyl Vocational/Technical Scholarship/Grant - $2,000

This scholarship is presented in loving memory of Charles H. Heyl.  "Charlie" was devoted to vocational/technical education.  Charlie began his career as a tool and die maker in 1946.  In 1962 he began his teaching career at Agawam High School as a machine shop teacher.  While serving as President of the Massachusetts Industrial Education Society from 1975-1977 he fought for the inclusion of industrial arts in funding for technology and this was the beginning of today's technology education in Massachusetts.  Charlie served as the President of the Agawam Rotary Club for the 1998/1999 year and was held in the highest regard by his fellow Rotarians;  Charlie passed away on February 14, 2002.  This program was started with generous donations from Club members and is unique in its purpose.

Purpose

To financially assist an individual in obtaining an education related to a vocational/technical career or to grant an individual the amount of the scholarship for the purpose of purchasing tools or equipment to become established in their trade.  The applicant need not be a high school senior.

Definition

A vocational or technical education shall be defined as an education which is not customarily obtained through traditional 2-year or 4-year college programs, although specialized education beyond the high school level is required.  Examples of a vocational or technical career include but are not limited to:  electrical, plumbing, HVAC/Refrigeration, barber/cosmetology, culinary arts, secretarial, automotive, etc.  Tools or equipment of the trade refers to tools or equipment that are essential to performing work in the applicant’s field of endeavor.  The Committee shall have the right to interpretation.

Qualifications

  • The applicant shall be an Agawam Resident.
  • For a scholarship award, the applicant shall be attending or scheduled to attend an accredited vocational school or training program.  The board will interpret the validity of any program.
  • For a grant, the applicant shall provide a list of tools and equipment.  Include a description as well as a cost estimate and, if necessary, an explanation of what the items will be used for.
  • Determination of the award will be based on the applicant's specific skills related to the individual's planned field of endeavor and commitment to that field.
  • Emphasis will be placed on recommendations/references provided by teachers, instructors, employers (past and present), etc.
  • School grades in courses not related to the vocation will also be taken into consideration (where applicable) as well as extracurricular and community activities.
  •   

Deadline

The scholarship will be paid to the recipient upon verification of either payment to the institution or proof of purchase of tools and/or equipment in an amount at least equal to the amount of the scholarship or grant.  Applications must be forwarded no later than April 1st, to the Agawam Rotary Club, P.O. Box 587, Agawam, MA  01001-0587 or can be emailed to AgawamRotaryClub@gmail.com.

Ray and Reita McCarroll Memorial Scholarship - 1 - $1,000 to an Agawam Resident and 1 - $1,000 to a West Springfield Resident
 
The Agawam Rotary Club awards scholarships to seniors from Agawam and West Springfield.  The Selection Committee will choose students who best exemplify Rotary's principal motto, "Service Above Self", and who show leadership abilities and a desire to make a contribution to their home, school, community and country.
 
Purpose
The purpose of the Fund is to perpetuate the memory of memory of Ray and Reita McCarroll by providing scholarships in their names.  Ray was a charter member of the Agawam Rotary Club and a recruiter of many new members.   Ray was the manager of the Agawam Food Mart for 27 years and, until his death in 1980, resided in West Springfield with his wife, Reita.  Reita (Stacy) McCarroll was an active supporter of the scholarship until she passed in 2009.
 
Qualifications
  • The applicant must be a high school senior residing in Agawam or West Springfield.
  • The applicant must be attending or scheduled to attend an accredited academic or technical college in the month of September following graduation from high school.  The Committee will have the ability to interpret the validity of any program.
 
Criteria for Award
The Selection Committee will take into account the following when evaluating individuals:
  • Participation in extra curricular school activities and interscholastic sports.  (List the top three based on importance)
  • Work experience.  (Include part-time and summer employment)
  • Success in activities such as Scouting, National Honor Society, athletics, class officer, student government, religious organizations etc.
  • Participation in family life and contribution to family responsibilities.
  • Academic achievement.
  • Emphasis will be placed on recommendations provided by teachers, instructors, and others.
Deadline
Applications must be forwarded no later than April 1st, to the Agawam Rotary Club, Inc., P.O. Box 587, Agawam, MA  01001-0587 or can be emailed to AgawamRotaryClub@gmail.com.  The scholarship will be paid to the recipient upon verification of payment to the institution in an amount at least equal to the amount of the scholarship. 
 
 
Beverly M. Ladizki and David A. Ladizki Scholarship - $1,000
 
The Agawam Rotary Club awards scholarships to seniors from Agawam. The Selection Committee will choose students who best exemplify Rotary's principal motto, "Service Above Self', and who show leadership abilities and a desire to make a contribution to their home, school, community and country.
 
Purpose
To recognize an outstanding high school senior who is planning to continue their education, and with intent to attend law school.
 
 
Qualifications
  • The applicant must be a graduating high school senior residing in Agawam (graduating either from Agawam High School or Pope Francis High School).
  • The applicant must be scheduled to attend an accredited academic college or university in the month of September following graduation from high school. The Committee will have the ability to interpret the validity of any program.
 
Criteria for Award
The Selection Committee will take into account the following when evaluating individuals:
  • Participation in extra-curricular school activities and interscholastic sports. (List the top three based on importance)
  • Success in activities such as Scouting, National Honor Society, athletics, student government, religious organizations, etc.
  • Participation in family life and contribution to family responsibilities
  • Academic achievement
  • Emphasis will be placed on recommendations provided by teachers, instructors, religious pastors and others
Deadline
Applications must be forwarded no later than April 1st to the Agawam Rotary Club, Inc., P.O. Box 587, Agawam, MA 01001-0587 or can be emailed to AgawamRotaryClub@gmail.com.  The scholarship will be paid to the recipient upon verification of payment to the institution in an amount at least equal to the amount of the scholarship.