Scholarships
Annual Athena Scholarship - Established in 2001. The Athena Scholarship recognizes extraordinary local students who best exemplify the same characteristics sought in Athena nominees: Leadership, passion, fierce advocacy, and helping others. Over the years, scholarship awards have been made to seniors attending Stonington High School, Westerly High School, and Prout.
First Physical Therapy is the proud sponsor of the Athena Scholarship program. Thanks to their generosity, and donations from others, we are able to present an annual Athena scholarship that ranges from $500-$1,000.
The scholarship award is presented at the annual Athena dinner where recipients are recognized as part of the program. Applications are due by noon on October 15th 2021.
Application for graduates of Westerly, Chariho or Stonington High Schools - class of 2022.
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Application for graduates of Westerly, Chariho or Stonington High Schools - class of 2021.
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Application for graduates of Westerly, Chariho or Stonington High Schools - class of 2020.
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Angela Smith Memorial Scholarship - Established by Angie's children, this scholarship is given in loving memory of Angie, with contributions by her friends and family. Angie was a one-of-a-kind citizen of Westerly. She worked for many years as Administrator of Westerly Medical Center and she also was active with her real estate license. Her personality sparkled as brightly as her bedazzled clothing. She was a high-energy, outgoing, hard working and savvy businesswoman who spent three decades devoting her life to community service. Angie was unstoppable and set her goals and standards high. She tried to pack as much activity as she could into every single day, including fitness, family, work and volunteerism. While generous with her time and funds to virtually every non-profit in the town of Westerly, she was particularly devoted to the Westerly Lions Club, the Dante Society and the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce. She achieved leadership roles within each of these groups and took on an incredible amount of committee work and fundraising responsibilities. She loved coordinating programs for the Westerly Yacht Club where she was undeniably considered the "Queen". She gave a great example of how to truly LIVE each day to the fullest. She was inspiring to her huge circle of friends, and also to her adoring husband Arthur and their large family, whom she loved more than anything. The window to apply for this scholarship has closed.
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download an application in Microsoft Word format
download an application in Adobe pdf format
Arthur Smith Memorial Scholarship - Established by Angela Smith, this scholarship is given in loving memory of her beloved husband Arthur, thanks to contributions by his friends and family. Arthur Smith was a master carpenter whose talents were proudly displayed in many of the beautiful Watch Hill homes. A gentle giant, Arthur was a kind and humble individual. Happy to live life in the supportive shadow of his wife Angie, Arthur gave of his time and skills to many of the same organizations that Angie was immersed with. In particular, he created the interior shelves at The Chamber of Commerce office, was the office "Mr. Fix It", and volunteered at the Virtu Art Festival each year by marking spaces for the artist's set-up. He attended many fundraisers and was always dressed "to the nines", usually in a dapper ensemble picked out by Angie, perfectly coordinated with whatever she was wearing. He was very active at the Westerly Yacht Club and enjoyed dancing and attending their events. He loved spending time in his beautiful yard which he meticulously maintained. It became a treasured landmark in town with seasonal decorations and natural beauty. Artie's greatest joy was spending time with his growing family. It was Angie's wish that this scholarship be awarded to someone entering the trades in his honor. The window to apply for this scholarship has closed.
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download an application in Microsoft Word format
download an application in Adobe pdf format
Falguni B. Hauser Memorial Scholarship - Established in 2013. Fal was the daughter of Babubhai H. and Naresha B. (Soni) of Bethel, CT. She was a 1991 graduate of Western Connecticut State University. Fal was married for 19 years to Rudolf C. Hauser, Jr. of Hauser Chocolatier. She was a devoted mother, wife and homemaker to her loving family. Fal was a talented artist, generous with her gifts and actively involved in the community. She donated her time at Fusion, and was a popular exhibitor at the Virtu Art Festival. She was a volunteer in the Westerly schools and with the Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts and was the author of a scouting column in the Westerly Sun. She was a former Board member of the Chorus of Westerly. Fal passed away on January 13, 2013 and friends and family established the scholarship in her honor. Sales from her art work and donations from friends and family provide the annual funding. The window to apply for this scholarship has closed.
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download an application in Microsoft Word format
download an application in Adobe pdf format
Jeanne "Joan" Fournier Rushlow Memorial Scholarship - Given in loving memory of Joan, with contributions made by her friends and family. Joan served for many years as the Executive Director of the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce (now known as the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce). She was a positive force for economic development and an outstanding ambassador for the Town of Westerly. She valued every business the same, regardless of size, and she passionately advocated for a pro-business climate at the local level and pro-business legislation at the state level. She had a strong financial and marketing background which served her well in helping support small businesses and keeping the Chamber financially sound. Joan had an incredible sense of humor. She was thoughtful and was a gifted communicator who often sent beautiful hand written notes to mark special occasions. She knew how to make everyone feel valued and comfortable in every setting. She was known for her impeccable style and love of fashion. Joan considered herself very blessed to have married the love of her life - Cliff - and to build a beautiful family with 3 children and many grandchildren. The window to apply for this scholarship has closed.
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download an application in Microsoft Word format
download an application in Adobe pdf format
Joseph & Ann-Maria Trebisacci Memorial Scholarship - Established by their children and grandchildren, this scholarship is given in loving memory of Joseph and Ann-Marie Trebisacci, with contributions made by friends and family. Joe and Ann-Marie, married for 50 years, were life-long residents of Westerly, Rhode Island and had great pride in their local community. Joe was a decorated WWII veteran who returned from service to work with Narragansett Electric for over 30 years. Ann-Marie worked in the Town Clerk's Office at Westerly Town Hall for nearly 50 years and loved meeting all of the residents in town. They both believed so strongly in giving back and the power of kindness and donated much of their time and talents to both local nonprofits and global causes. Their generous spirit was contagious, and they were both beloved by all who knew them. They are missed very much, and their family hopes that their legacy of compassion and community spirit will live on in the next generation of Westerly youth. The window to apply for this scholarship has closed.
Youth must have demonstrated:
•Solid academic achievement
•Volunteer service and commitment to showing kindness to others
•Engagement and pride in their hometown of Westerly, Rhode Island
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Youth must have demonstrated:
•Solid academic achievement
•Volunteer service and commitment to showing kindness to others
•Engagement and pride in their hometown of Westerly, Rhode Island
download an application in Microsoft Word format
download an application in Adobe pdf format
Konicki Family Scholarship - Established in 2017 with a surprise donation of $500 made by Carol Amedeo in honor of Lisa Konicki's 20 years of service as President of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce. Numerous other community members contributed funds allowing two scholarships of $500 to be awarded in 2017. Today, a scholarship award is $1,000.
Ms. Konicki established the criteria for the scholarship with her family which include academic achievement, volunteerism and extra consideration for support of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers/Big Sisters or involvement with adoption. Applicants are required to write an essay on the topic "What Family Means To Me" and are reviewed by Ms. Konicki, her three children and her mom, Mary Reed. The window to apply for this scholarship has closed.
download an application in Microsoft Word format
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Ms. Konicki established the criteria for the scholarship with her family which include academic achievement, volunteerism and extra consideration for support of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers/Big Sisters or involvement with adoption. Applicants are required to write an essay on the topic "What Family Means To Me" and are reviewed by Ms. Konicki, her three children and her mom, Mary Reed. The window to apply for this scholarship has closed.
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Maddie Potts Memorial Leadership Scholarship - Established in 2018 by the Westerly Hospital in honor of Maddie Potts, who died due to an unexpected brain abnormality, on the soccer field that she so loved, in September 2017, during the second half of her last game. Maddie was passionate about helping others achieve their personal best. She was Captain of the Soccer team and also loved indoor track and lacrosse. She was gifted in art and photography and found inspiration at the beach and while skiing with friends, or just "hanging out" with family and her pups. She always had a smile.
The Maddie Potts Memorial Leadership Scholarship is open to high school seniors who have lived in Westerly for at least 2 years. Youth must be in their senior year of high school and plan to attend college or technical school, or indicate a medical or handicap need that the funds could be used for. Youth must have demonstrated appropriate academic achievement, active participation in athletics (to include team managers, statisticians, athletic training, or medical support, and individuals with special needs that help with team building/participation).
Applicants must have demonstrated volunteer service and/or notable actions that display compassion and/or advocacy that results in an improved quality of life for others in the community.
Special consideration will be given to the following: Those with special needs that love athletics but are unable to specifically participate in varsity play. (Unified players), those that were elected captain or who have demonstrated leadership skills both on and off the playing field, those that are known to "stand up for others that may not be able to stand up for themselves", youth who have persevered while overcoming a challenge (medical issue, family crisis, etc.) and continued to balance their studies, community service activity and other responsibilities. Those that demonstrate the most characteristics of Maddie mentality - mental toughness, aggressive (athletically), drive, determination, inclusive leadership, emotional control, perseverance, outstanding coachability, trust, team first, self confidence.
There should be no known evidence of inappropriate behaviors on social media (i.e. being derogatory toward opposite sex or otherwise, or represent themselves inappropriately) . No involvement in substance use, abuse or criminal activity. Members of the Potts family will review the applications and make the determination of the award. The window to apply for this scholarship has closed.
download an application in Microsoft Word format
download an application in Adobe pdf format
The Maddie Potts Memorial Leadership Scholarship is open to high school seniors who have lived in Westerly for at least 2 years. Youth must be in their senior year of high school and plan to attend college or technical school, or indicate a medical or handicap need that the funds could be used for. Youth must have demonstrated appropriate academic achievement, active participation in athletics (to include team managers, statisticians, athletic training, or medical support, and individuals with special needs that help with team building/participation).
Applicants must have demonstrated volunteer service and/or notable actions that display compassion and/or advocacy that results in an improved quality of life for others in the community.
Special consideration will be given to the following: Those with special needs that love athletics but are unable to specifically participate in varsity play. (Unified players), those that were elected captain or who have demonstrated leadership skills both on and off the playing field, those that are known to "stand up for others that may not be able to stand up for themselves", youth who have persevered while overcoming a challenge (medical issue, family crisis, etc.) and continued to balance their studies, community service activity and other responsibilities. Those that demonstrate the most characteristics of Maddie mentality - mental toughness, aggressive (athletically), drive, determination, inclusive leadership, emotional control, perseverance, outstanding coachability, trust, team first, self confidence.
There should be no known evidence of inappropriate behaviors on social media (i.e. being derogatory toward opposite sex or otherwise, or represent themselves inappropriately) . No involvement in substance use, abuse or criminal activity. Members of the Potts family will review the applications and make the determination of the award. The window to apply for this scholarship has closed.
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download an application in Adobe pdf format
Mary Lou Serra Memorial Scholarship - Established in 2017. A lifelong resident of Westerly, Mary Lou graduated from Westerly High School and the University Without Walls with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Her love of children was strong and she worked as the head of the Catholic Youth Organization fostering religious education. She taught at the Westerly Preschool for 25 years and founded the Westerly Substance Abuse Task Force. As it coordinator, she forged a collaborative relationship with the Westerly Police, bringing education and prevention programs to those suffering with addiction. She created the DARE program to educate youth about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. She became a state certified prevention specialist. Mary Lou brought the First Night celebration to Westerly starting in 1996. She was honored with the Dante Society award in 2006 and Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce citizen of the year award in 1996. Mary Lou passed away on April 10, 2017 and her family and friends honor her memory and community contributions with this scholarship. The window to apply for this scholarship has closed.
download an application in Microsoft Word format
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download an application in Microsoft Word format
download an application in Adobe pdf format
Sandy Bliven Scholarship - Established in 2018. Friends and family of Sandy Bliven established this scholarship in her name after she was honored as an Athena nominee in 2017. A real estate industry dynamo, Sandy has a long history of mentoring other women and creating leadership opportunities for them. The window to apply for this scholarship has closed.
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download an application in Adobe pdf format
download an application in Microsoft Word format
download an application in Adobe pdf format
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