Friends of CRLS to Present Over $70,000 to the CRLS Class of 2021

Friends of CRLS to Present Over $70,000 to the CRLS Class of 2021
Posted on 02/12/2021
focrls graphicBy Janis Navikas, Friends of CRLS staff

Friends of Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (FOCRLS), an independent nonprofit organization that expands opportunities at the city’s public high school, has committed to present $70,750 in scholarships this spring. This amount, an increase of $15,250 above their scholarship total last year, has been made possible by hundreds of donors and sponsors. The 45 awards range from $500 to $5,000 each.

The scholarships have a variety of criteria, including commitment to specific subjects, career fields, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities, as well as cultures, family backgrounds, and being first-generation college students. Financial need is a requirement for most of the scholarships, though some reward outstanding academic achievement combined with extensive community service.

Most applications require personal essays, and seniors apply by February 26 using the scholarship system through the Cambridge Rindge & Latin School website for nearly all of the scholarships. The Charlene Holmes Memorial Awards, established in honor of a beloved member of the CRLS Class of 2014 who lost her life in a 2012 drive-by shooting, are given to students – nominated by teachers, guidance counselors, and other CRLS staff members ─ who have shown caring toward their peers and are planning to pursue professional careers. The Calvin Hicks Memorial Award for the Study of Music, which may be awarded to a student at any stage in their musical progress, is the one scholarship FOCRLS presents that may go to a 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grader.

FOCRLS has been able to add five new scholarships to their roster for 2021, with three new sponsors plus an expansion of their awards specific to the STEAM fields. Members of the Cambridge business community who would like to support students preparing to make a positive impact on the future through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, or Mathematics can donate to the “100 by 100” Cambridge Business Community STEAM Scholarships fund.

Marc Levy, Cambridge Day’s editor and publisher, reached out to establish the Cambridge Day Sue Reinert Scholarship for Journalism. Tutoring Plus, an organization that provides volunteer tutors and mentors to Cambridge students, is offering a scholarship for a senior who has benefitted from their academic services. Cambridge Day and Tutoring Plus join returning sponsors CambridgeSeven, Cambridge Trust, Fresh Start Contracting, The New York Community Trust, and Philips North America LLC. DivcoWest, an annual donor as a Spring Bash sponsor, has already stepped forward with their support knowing the pandemic will override the gala for the second consecutive spring.

Also new this year, the Zagarella family is honoring the memory of John D. Zagarella, Sr. with two scholarships that may be used for either college or trade school by recipients who have played sports and overcome obstacles. Ongoing sponsors include the Gardner family; Calvin Hicks's family & friends; Juliette Kayyem & David Barron; John P. (Jack) Leydon & family; David A. Link, M.D. + family, friends & colleagues; Rose & Victor Rifkin’s friends, family & descendants; Neil B. Rosenburg; Mary Tavares Sutula & family; and basketball superstar Patrick Ewing, who graduated from CRLS in 1981.

To learn more about Friends of Cambridge Rindge & Latin School’s scholarship program, join the “100 by 100,” donate, become a sponsor, or establish a new scholarship, please visit focrls.org or email [email protected]. If you have questions about applying, please email [email protected]. FOCRLS is a 501c3 nonprofit.
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