At Sunday's New Haven Scholarship Fund celebration.
The following writeup was submitted by New Haven Scholarship Fund President Jeffrey Alpert.
On Sunday, June 8, the New Haven Scholarship Fund held its annual Award Ceremony at Wilbur Cross High School, honoring the accomplishments of 151 graduating seniors from New Haven’s public high schools. These students received scholarships to support their continued education at colleges, universities, trade, and technical schools across Connecticut, New England, and beyond.
The fund awarded $290,400 to first-year recipients and $160,000 to continuing scholars, for a total of $450,400.
More than 400 attendees — including students, families, friends, donors, and community members — filled the auditorium to celebrate this inspiring moment. In a tradition that adds a personal touch to the occasion, many of the Fund’s donors were present to award scholarships directly to recipients, forging meaningful connections and reinforcing the community spirit behind each gift.
The keynote address centered on five powerful themes: the value of giving back, the importance of hard work, the necessity of listening, the strength found in resilience, and the courage to seek help when facing roadblocks. Students were encouraged to carry these values with them as they embark on the next phase of their educational journeys, reminding them that success is built not just on ambition, but on community, humility, and persistence.
A unique aspect of the New Haven Scholarship Fund is its ongoing commitment to students’ success — recipients are eligible to reapply for scholarships for up to three additional years as they pursue their degrees or certifications.
The ceremony was a powerful reflection of New Haven’s enduring commitment to educational equity, and a celebration of the potential, promise, and perseverance of its young people.
A special thanks to the Wilbur Cross culinary program headed by Chef Bradshaw. The food was delicious and it was paid for by very generous donors including the Community Foundation, the Local 18 School Administrators Association of New and the New Haven Federation of Teachers.
Contributed photo
