Congratulations to Our Scholarship Recipients!

The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod was pleased to award six local high school graduating seniors each with a $500 scholarship as part of our Building Community Scholarship Program. The 2020 recipients are: Emily Gallagher of Hanover High School, Jake Cotter of Carver High School, Emily Nelson of Falmouth High School, Katie Ferrante of Rising Tide Charter Public School, Ashley McGettrick of Plymouth North High School, and Edward Mallard of Plymouth South High School.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer scholarships and encouragement to the next generation of human services leadership,” said Mary Valachovic, Executive Director of The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod. “Our agency received so many wonderful submissions – it truly shines a positive light on the future of the field,” continued Kathy Baldwin, the organization’s Director of Program Development.

The Building Community Scholarship Program was created to benefit local deserving seniors who hold a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and who have demonstrated commitment to the human services field by volunteering or participating in programs that foster greater community inclusion of people with developmental disabilities.

“Emily plans to pursue Social Work or Counseling, and I know that this field will be incredibly lucky to have her,” explained Lindsey Ruthven, Guidance Counselor to Emily Nelson. “I have witnessed her countless times offering support and guidance to peers, yet seeking out adult assistance when there were ‘red flags’ that needed that next level. She has been consistently confident in making connections and is empathic to the nth degree.”

“Jake rose through the ranks of the Best Buddy Leadership board from class representative, to Buddy Director, Vice President and finally, co-President,” said Mike Schultz, Principal of Carver Middle High School. “He earned his right to be co-President by his remarkable participation and leadership in school wide initiatives to support inclusion and respect. As co-captain of the Unified Track and Field team, he inspired all our athletes with a motivational speech before each meet. He is a true mentor to all athletes on the Unified team, those with and without disabilities.”

Congratulations to our scholarship recipients! We cannot wait to see the amazing work they will do in our field.