WEDF Congratulates 2022 Scholarship and Award Recipients

Graphic: A piggy bank wears a graduation cap and sits next to a diploma. Text Reads: "Announcing 2022 Scholarship and Award Recipients".

Worcester Educational Development Foundation is pleased to announce 2022 scholarship and award recipients, including the Dr. Lee Gurel Award for Teaching and Learning Advanced Placement English, Elizabeth “Betty” Reidy Scholarships, the Nina and Miriam Barber Scholarship, North High Alumni Association Scholarships, and the Ryan P. Quinn Memorial Award.

Dr. Lee Gurel Award

Recipients: Bryce Maloney (student) & Kitren Farrel (teacher)

The 2022 Dr. Lee Gurel Award for Teaching and Learning Advanced Placement English has been awarded to student Bryce Maloney of South High Community School and his teacher, Kitren Farrell. Mr. Maloney was chosen by lottery from the pool of Worcester Public Schools students who achieved the highest ranking score on the AP English examination.

Dr. Lee Gurel is a Distinguished Alumnus of the Worcester Public Schools. He established the award in 2006 in honor of his eighth grade English teacher, Miss Wilmot, who taught at the former Woodland Street Preparatory School in south Worcester. He donated an endowment for the award to thank the Worcester Public Schools for the educational foundation he received that prepared him to eventually become a nationally recognized psychologist

Elizabeth “Betty” Reidy Scholarships

Recipients: Donna Le, Genesis Ramirez & Dionelis Texidor

Betty Reidy was a North High graduate and lifelong Worcester resident who dedicated her life to improving the quality of life for individuals in our community. She graduated from Emanuel College, received her Master’s in Social Work from Boston College, and later an Honorary Doctorate from Assumption College. She nurtured her own children to go on and become highly successful individuals.

As a testament to her commitment to children and families, her family established the Elizabeth “Betty” Reidy Scholarship for North High School graduates who intend to pursue a course of study and career in nursing, education, social work, counseling, or the ministry. The 2022 Betty Reidy scholarship recipients are Donna Le, Genesis Ramirez, and Dionelis Texidor.

A photo of Nina and Miriam Barber with their Great Aunt Myrtle in 1929.

Nina & Miriam Barber Scholarship

Recipient: Jaida Hough

Nina and Miriam Barber were sisters who graduated from North High School, Nina in the class of 1928 and Miriam in the class of 1929. Raised by their mother in a single-parent home, they were encouraged by their great aunt to go on to college. Both graduated from Middlebury College and became teachers of world languages. 

The Nina and Miriam Barber Scholarship recognizes a female North High School graduate with preference for an aspiring world language teacher. The 2022 recipient is Jaida Hough.

North High Alumni Association Scholarships

Recipients: Elvis Adomako, Ashley Brito, Nhi Huynh, Mallory Perez, Donny Stapleton & Lenny Tran

In late 2021, WEDF became the fiscal agent of the North High Alumni Association. Each year, the association awards scholarships recognizing student accomplishments in academics, athletics, leadership, and the arts. 2022 recipients are Elvis Adomako (athletic), Ashley Brito (athletic), Nhi Huynh (academic), Mallory Perez (art), Donny Stapleton (leadership), and Lenny Tran (academic).

Ryan P. Quinn Memorial Award

Recipient: Kolby Miller

The recipient of the 2022 Ryan P. Quinn Memorial Award is Kolby Miller, a recent graduate of Burncoat High School and an accomplished student-athlete. 

Ryan P. Quinn, Burncoat High School class of 1996, was a star soccer player and golfer, earning Varsity Letters in both sports. Sadly, Ryan passed away in June of 2014. In memory of Ryan, the Quinn Family partnered with WEDF in 2016, to establish the Ryan P. Quinn Memorial Award for graduating Varsity Athletes of Burncoat High School. 

Connected Scholars: 2022 Computer Scholarships

A group of students hold new computers.

Last year, WEDF started Connected Scholars, a scholarship program that provides college-bound seniors with brand new laptops for graduation. In 2021, WEDF presented 31 seniors with computers; this year 50 seniors received them. 

A recent grant for the class of 2023 has been received and WEDF will continue soliciting donations for this program. We extend our sincere gratitude to the George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation, the Hoche-Scofield Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, and Berkshire Bank for supporting the Connected Scholars.

About the Program

WEDF wanted to make a larger impact so Worcester students would be able to transition into the next stage of their education prepared for everything that lies ahead of them. Part of this is outfitting students with the tools they need to get the most out of their collegiate studies.

Seniors who wished to apply for the program were required to meet the following qualifications:
• Acceptance at a two- or four-year college or university
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic

WEDF was fortunate to have plenty of support from guidance departments within the district, and especially that of Whitney Goodwin, the College and Career Readiness Liaison. As a result, the foundation was able to provide computers to 50 WPS graduates from eight high schools.

We are so pleased with the success of this program and look forward to continuing to build it in the future!

If you would like to help provide computers to graduating seniors in 2023, click below to donate.

Donate: Connected Scholars

2022 Connected Scholars

Hannah Afriyie • Worcester Technical High School • University of Massachusetts Amherst
Lloydia Agyemang • South High School • Northeastern University
Lizmarie Alicia Pena • Worcester Technical High School • Worcester State University
Xio Alvarado • South High School • Clark University
Rosan Alzuhairi • Worcester Technical High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Danice Andre Diaz • Doherty Memorial High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Afua Asare • South High School • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Maureen Bittner • South High School • Bay Path University
Rhylie Bray • Gerald Creamer Center • Worcester State University
Nathan Bui • South High School • Worcester State University
Tyler Burns • North High School • Assumption University
Mah Oumou Camara • North High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Hailey Choruzek • Doherty Memorial High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Jonathan Cruz • South High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Hayder Daffie • North High School • Worcester State University
Janes Delice • Claremont Academy • Worcester State University
Maryanna Dornelas • Worcester Technical High School • Bunker Hill Community College
Beninskee Dorvilien • North High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Favour Enwereuzor • Worcester Technical High School • Assumption University
Adonay Estrada • North High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Antoinette Gruanue • University Park Campus School • University of Bridgeport
Chyanne Guzman-Rios • Doherty Memorial High School • University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Janyia Hampton Hutchins • South High School • Nichols College
Yeiliani Hernandez Colon • Burncoat High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Virginia Hilli • Burncoat High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Aya Ishwa Murad • Worcester Technical High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Musa Kabundi • University Park Campus School • Worcester State University
Tiffany Kago • Doherty Memorial High School • Navy / St. John’s University
Mackayla Kent • Burncoat High School • Quinsigamond Community College or Mass Art
Jasmine Kibunja • Doherty Memorial High School • TBD
Isaiah Kparyea • Doherty Memorial High School • Endicott College
Sieda Mohamud • Worcester Technical High School • Worcester State University
Uendi Mullaj • Doherty Memorial High School • Assumption University
Cherise Namaganda • North High School • Worcester State University
Desire Ndihokubwayo • North High School • Bridgewater State University
Diana Nguyen • Worcester Technical High School • Tufts University
Lionel Nieves • Burncoat High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Rena Nurhussien • Worcester Technical High School • Boston University
Chase Owen • South High School • Clark University
Kayden Pham • Doherty Memorial High School • Clark University
Derek Quinones • North High School • Worcester State University
Isaiah Reyes • Burncoat High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Isa Reyes • Worcester Technical High School • Anna Maria College
Billie Jo Servie • North High School • Worcester State University
Randy Torres • Doherty Memorial High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Harry Valle • Burncoat High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Michael Vazquez • Doherty Memorial High School • Assumption University
Jaden Vega • Burncoat High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Evelin  Zacarias Cruz • Claremont Academy • Worcester State University
Jenkins Zziwa • North High School • Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Family Establishes Nina and Miriam Barber Scholarship

Nina and Miriam Barber were sisters who graduated from North High School, Nina in the class of 1928 and Miriam in the class of 1929. Raised by their mother in a single-parent home, they were encouraged by their great aunt to go on to college. Both graduated from Middlebury College and became teachers of world languages. 

In January 2022, Nina’s daughter, Sally Cummings, established the Nina and Miriam Barber Scholarship with preference for a North High School female student who has had a solid B grade average and an economic need for financial assistance. The family of Nina and Miriam prefers that an aspiring language teacher is chosen. The student will be selected by the principal and/or guidance counselor.

This generous legacy gift is an example of how a family can honor loved ones of the past and, at the same time, invest in the future of our most precious resource, the students who will be the leaders of tomorrow. 

Learn more about the Barber sisters through these slides provided by the family.

Slide 1: The Barber sisters, Nina (left) and Miriam (right), as toddlers.
Slide 2: Nina's class picture from 1918. An arrow and zoom box highlight Nina. Below, a class picture, perhaps from 1918. An arrow and zoom box highlight Miriam.
Slide 3: A portrait of Nina and Miriam from 1926. Nina is on the left and Miriam is on the right.
Slide 4: A page from Nina's 1928 North High yearbook - an excerpt reads "Who has ever seen Nina without her unruffled, calm poise? We are proud of her; we have reason to be. It is she we think of when we see an A." Below, a page from Miriam's 1929 North High yearbook - an excerpt reads "Another fair Northite is Miriam Barber. She came to North from Sever Street Prep. Miriam's shy, quiet ways, and her winning smile have gained the friendship of all of us. We're sure she uses "Palmolive." Middlebury, Vermont is her future Alma Matter. "
Slide 5: Grandaunt Myrtle Webber, Miriam, and Nina in 1929. Aunt Myrtie was a daughter of Civil War veteran George Watkins Webber. Aunt Myrtie never married, and worked as private secretary to the President of the local Normal School. She herself had not possessed the means to attend college, but it was she, more than anyone else, who inspired - and financially enabled - her grandnieces to attend Middlebury.
Slide 6: Nina while studying at Middlebury. After Middlebury, she taught French in two high schools in Vermont, raised two children and continued to work as a substitute teacher and tutor, and then worked for ten years as a social worker in child and family services for the State of Vermont.
Slide 7: Miriam while teaching French at Northfield School for Girls in MA in the late 1930s. She soon went on to teach at Cobleskil, NY as well as (after a 17-year hiatus to raise her children) Cooperstown, Springfield/Cherry Valley, and Ithaca High Schools, all in NY.
Slide 8: Photos of Nina and Miriam with their families. Sally, Nina, Allen, and Preston in 1954 or 1955 and Dale, Mim, Faye, and Randy in 1956.
Slide 9: Two photos. Top - A photo of Nina at her 35th Middlebury reunion. Bottom - a photo of Miriam at her 50th Middlebury reunion in 1983.

WEDF Launches “Connected Scholars” Computer Scholarship Program

In Spring 2020, the Worcester Educational Development Foundation (WEDF) announced the launch of its Connected Kids Campaign, designed to support Worcester Public Schools’ urgent goal of providing every student with a computer.

The district identified the additional funds it needed to make this goal happen. With the support of WEDF, we are pleased to say it did–all students were assigned computers this school year.

With the most urgent need met, WEDF’s goal for 2021 was to assist seniors in preparing for the next phase of their education. This was the basis of the “Connected Scholars” program.

About the Program

WEDF wanted to make a larger impact so Worcester students would be able to transition into the next stage of their education prepared for everything that lies ahead of them. Part of this is outfitting students with the tools they need to get the most out of their collegiate studies.

Seniors who wished to apply for the program were required to meet the following qualifications:

  • Acceptance at a two- or four-year college or university
  • Positive attitude and strong work ethic

WEDF was fortunate to have plenty of support from guidance departments within the district, and especially that of Cathy Knowles, the College and Career Readiness Liaison. As a result, the foundation was able to provide computers to 31 WPS graduates from eight high schools.

Looking ahead to 2022, WEDF’s goal is to more than triple this number. The ambitious target is to provide 100 laptops to WPS graduating seniors next year. (Want to help us reach our goal? Click here to donate.)

We are so pleased with the success of this program and look forward to continuing to build it in the future!

2021 Connected Scholars

Ny’Asia Adams-Russell  •  Burncoat High School  •  MCPHS University – Boston
Tigist Asmare  •  University Park Campus School  •  Quinsigamond Community College
Hillary Boadu  •  Burncoat High School  •  College of the Holy Cross
Shayla Bradwell  •  South High Community School  •  Salem State University
David Castillo  •  Worcester Technical High School  •  Worcester State University
Maria Diego Gomez  •  South High Community School  •  Quinsigamond Community College
Kayla Etwaroo  •  Doherty Memorial High School  •  Quinsigamond Community College
Carla Febus-Romero  •  University Park Campus School  •  Anna Maria College
Trinity Graham  •  Doherty Memorial High School  •  Quinsigamond Community College
Noora Habeeb  •  North High School  •  Middlesex Community College
Evelyn HernandezMo  •  North High School  •  Quinsigamond Community College
Abigail Kouevi  •  Worcester Technical High School  •  Quinsigamond Community College
Santos Leucaris Javier  •  Doherty Memorial High School  •  Quinsigamond Community College
Azellie Luyo  •  Burncoat High School  •  Worcester State University
Evelyne Nibitanga  •  Doherty Memorial High School  •  University of Massachusetts Amherst
Sharlotte Nishimwe  •  Claremont Academy  •  Worcester State University
Saidah Nisubreko  •  North High School  •  Quinsigamond Community College
Michael Nixdorf  •  Burncoat High School  •  Worcester Polytechnic Institue
Thantei Nsafoah  •  South High Community School  •  University of Massachusetts Lowell
Paul O’Connell  •  Worcester Technical High School   •  Quinsigamond Community College
Kayla Otero  •  Worcester Technical High School  •  Fitchburg State University
Berika Pierre  • University Park Campus School  •  Fitchburg State University
Neisha Pommier  •  Claremont Academy  •  Worcester State University
Shannon Prosper  •  North High School  •  Quinsigamond Community College
Maroua Rahaoui  •  Worcester Technical High School  •  Worcester State University
Tirsa Ramirez  •  Claremont Academy  •  Quinsigamond Community College
Carlos Ramirez Hualey  •  North High School  •  Quinsigamond Community College
Seraphina Rose  •  North High School  •  Quinsigamond Community College
Julius Tionna   •  Gerald Creamer Center  •  Mount Wachusett Community College
Dayanara Velazquez  •  Burncoat High School  •  Assumption University
Maryann Waleed  •  Doherty Memorial High School  •  Quinsigamond Community College

WEDF Congratulates Elizabeth “Betty” Reidy Scholarship and Dr. Lee Gurel Award Recipients

Worcester Educational Development Foundation is pleased to announce the 2021 Elizabeth “Betty” Reidy Scholarships and the Dr. Lee Gurel Award for Teaching and Learning Advanced Placement English.

Elizabeth “Betty” Reidy Scholarships

Betty Reidy was a North High graduate who was a lifelong Worcester resident who dedicated her life to improving the quality of life for individuals in our community. She graduated from Emanuel College, received her Master’s in Social Work from Boston College, and later an Honorary Doctorate from Assumption College. She nurtured her own children to go on and become highly successful individuals.

As a testament to her commitment to children and families, her family has established the Elizabeth “Betty” Reidy Scholarship for North High School graduates who intend to pursue a course of study and career in nursing, education, social work, counseling, or the ministry. 

The 2021 Betty Reidy scholarship recipients are Georgette Adu Agyekum, who will be attending Fitchburg State University to pursue a career in health care, Angel Mensah, who has been accepted at UMASS Dartmouth to study nursing, and Wendy Williams, who will attend UMASS Lowell to study nursing.

Dr. Lee Gurel Award

The 2021 Dr. Lee Gurel Award for Teaching and Learning Advanced Placement Enlgish has been awarded to student An Nguyen and his teacher, Jon Brien. Mr. Nguyen was chosen by lottery from the pool of Worcester Public Schools students who achieved the highest ranking score on the AP English examination.

Dr. Lee Gurel is a Distinguished Alumnus of the Worcester Public Schools. He established the award in 2006 in honor of his eighth grade English teacher, Miss Wilmot, who taught at the former Woodland Street Preparatory School in south Worcester. He donated an endowment for the award to thank the Worcester Public Schools for the educational foundation he received that prepared him to eventually become a nationally recognized psychologist.

Nominations Now Open for our Distinguished Alumni Awards!

The Worcester Educational Development Foundation is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the annual Distinguished Alumni of the Worcester Public Schools awards!

This is a very special edition of the Distinguished Alumni Awards, as it’s the 10th anniversary of the program. The program was established in 2011 by WEDF to honor and recognize alumni of Worcester Public Schools who:

  • Have made exemplary contributions to their professional fields, the Worcester community, Worcester Public Schools and/or the betterment of society
  • Serve as outstanding role models for current Worcester Public Schools students
  • Have achieved outstanding success in academics, the arts, community service, business, humanitarian efforts, research and various other fields

This year’s ceremony is scheduled for October 28, 2021 at a banquet held to honor the awardees. 

If you know of any alumni who meet the above criteria, we strongly encourage you to submit their names to the Foundation. Online and printable nomination forms are available here.

In addition to filling out the basic information about the alumnus, be sure to include a one-page biographical narrative describing your nominee’s accomplishments and why you’re nominating them. Supplementary documents such as newspaper articles about their accomplishments and resumes are also helpful in the review process.

Further instructions are available on the nomination form.

We look forward to seeing this year’s nominees, and selecting the next class of Distinguished Alumni! Be sure to spread the word!

Online Nomination Form
Printable Nomination Form

Worcester Alumni & Friends: A Place for Alumni and Supporters to Gather

We are thrilled to announce our brand new online community Worcester Alumni & Friends, which will allow us to establish greater connections with our graduates and the community.

Through this new alumni network, all Worcester Public Schools alumni, supporters and community members will be able to stay connected and receive regular updates and news articles. Over time, we aim to expand through special events, mentoring and volunteer opportunities. An Alumni Directory allows you to easily find and connect with other alumni, no matter where they’re located.

In addition, we are continuing to conduct an alumni and community interest survey. We began collecting responses in June seeking feedback regarding the information, services and updates that are important to you. If you haven’t completed the survey yet, it’s not too late! Take the survey.

Worcester alumni and local residents are a tremendous base of support for our schools, and it is our mission to keep the public and our alumni engaged in the challenges and opportunities our schools have. This community interest survey is helping us learn more about what it would look like for our school district to create stronger bonds with alumni and community members.

We are very much looking forward to moving ahead with this initiative! 

Graduates of Worcester schools, former school district students, supporters and all local residents may sign up for the alumni network and receive regular news and updates. This includes information on district news and events, community points of pride, class reunions and how alumni and residents can get more involved in Worcester schools. There will also be regular profiles on alumni who have gone on to serve their communities in notable ways.

We invite you to check out the alumni network and all that this online community has to offer. We look forward to connecting with you!

WEDF 2019/2020 Annual Report

OUR ANNUAL IMPACT:
• Field trip experiences for more than 22,000 students
• Warm winter outerwear for over 2,500 children
• College prep for hundreds of students
• Mini-grants for creative teachers
• Technology, uniforms, instruments, and more 

“As we celebrate this holiday season of giving, I look back over the past accomplishments of WEDF with pride, appreciation and affection for the many people who have made our work possible. Fifteen years ago, a small group of us had two things:  $ 10 and a belief that many people throughout the Worcester community care about and are willing to support the Worcester Public Schools. Today, realizing that WEDF has invested more than $ 6 million in the district, that belief has proven to be true.” — Stephen Mills, President

2019/2020 ANNUAL REPORT

WEDF-Annual-Report-2019-2020

Major Taylor Association Supports WEDF’s Connected Kids Campaign

Worcester Educational Development Foundation thanks the Major Taylor Association for its generous contribution to our Connected Kids campaign. The funds have provided Worcester Public Schools students with Chromebooks, a much needed resource during the district’s shift to remote learning.

Leveling the playing field was central to the struggles and successes of 1899 world cycling champion Major Taylor, aka “the Worcester Whirlwind.” As an African American, he was often denied equal footing, in his career and in other aspects of his life, because of his race. He used the term “square deal” 30 times in his autobiography, and he prefaced the chapters with verses about “a fair field and no favor.” He addressed advice directly to youth. 

Through its free downloadable curriculum guide, as well as events and activities of Major Taylor cycling clubs across the country, the Major Taylor Association aims to teach and learn from Major Taylor’s trailblazing experiences to help shape a fair future for all.

“When we saw how the COVID-19 pandemic forced a sudden and speedy transition to online education, and how it exposed inequities on many levels, we looked for a way to respond to this urgent need,” said Lynne Tolman, president of the Major Taylor Association. “We’re grateful that the Worcester Educational Development Foundation got right on it, and we’re pleased to be able to help the Connected Kids effort to bridge the ‘digital divide’ and ensure all Worcester students can participate fully in their education.”

To learn more about the Connected Kids campaign, or to donate, click here.

Worcester Resident Runs Marathon to Support WEDF’s Connected Kids Campaign

On Sunday, August 30, Ken McCormack of Worcester ran a marathon distance around Worcester’s North Pond. He took on this challenge to raise funds for WEDF’s Connected Kids campaign. To date, his fundraiser has raised almost $2,000 from nearly 40 donors.

“I couldn’t have asked for better running weather in August,” noted Ken after completing his run.

Ken launched his fundraiser in late July. “Recognizing the many uncertainties faced by school communities ahead of the fall semester, I felt compelled to chip in however possible,” he said. “Combating uncertainty with programs like Connected Kids highlights the critical role WEDF plays in supporting Worcester’s schools.”

WEDF congratulates Ken on both completing the marathon and surpassing his fundraising goal. We are incredibly grateful for his commitment to this fundraiser. Huge thanks go out to Ken, as well as everyone who donated on his behalf.

View Ken’s Fundraiser

Worcester Alumni & Friends, WEDF’s new network and community of support for the Worcester Public Schools, allows anyone to set a goal and run a personal fundraiser. If you’re interested in learning more, or starting a fundraiser of your own, email info@wedfwps.org.

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