Five high school seniors take home $1,000 each from Better Business Bureau of Central New England's Consumer Education Foundation
2022 Sinnott Scholarship Winners
BBB of Central New England Consumer Education Foundation is pleased to announce the 2022 winners of the Barbara J. Sinnott Student of Integrity Scholarship. Scholarships have been awarded to five outstanding young students and leaders:
- Julia Allain, Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical HS - Upton
- Jaclyn Greenwood, Hopedale High School
- Lucy Koester, Pioneer Valley Regional School - Northfield
- Maya Velasco, Monument Mountain Regional HS - Great Barrington
- Sasha Wilkinson, Westborough High School
Each of the awardees was selected for demonstrating a commitment to ethics and other values in line with the mission of the Better Business Bureau, such as trustworthiness and leading with integrity. The scholarship uniquely honors students not just for what they have done, but how they have done it. The Barbara J. Sinnott Student of Integrity Scholarship provides each of the five students with a $1,000 scholarship to be used for the expenses associated with the costs of attending college.
"The Consumer Education Foundation is so honored to have received such outstanding entries this year from all across central and western Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut," said Nancy B. Cahalen, President and CEO of Better Business Bureau of Central New England. "These students' effort in school shows their commitment to leading with integrity. Not only do they excel academically, but they do so while participating in sports, clubs and extra-curricular activities. Additionally, they are active in their community.
We wish these students the best of luck as they continue their academic pursuits."
Scholarship applicants were required to write an essay that defined their character-building efforts, specifically addressing how they have motivated others to do the right thing, even when no one else was watching. Students had to demonstrate notable leadership skills, display their commitment to community service, and discuss the ways in which their ethical judgement governs their everyday lives.
Meet this year's winners and read a sampling of what they shared in their application essays:
Julia Allain, Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical HS - Upton
Julia will be attending Quinnipiac University
"I never planned to become a passionate character-builder but one life-changing moment catapulted me into one of my most important passions. Helping others. My experience will help me become a better nurse and advocate for my patients. they will never doubt that I will fight for them."
Jaclyn Greenwood, Hopedale High School
Jaclyn will be attending Johnson & Wales University
"My development from character building has made me passionate about its importance, influencing me to encourage others to strengthen their character as well. The progress in my character has undoubtedly transformed all parts of my life for the better, and I hope to continue to share its endless potential."
Lucy Koester, Pioneer Valley Regional School - Northfield
Lucy will be attending Connecticut College
"The culture of Cross Country is one of acceptance, kindness, and motivation and to become a better runner and person. Now that I'm one of the older girls, it feels less of a responsibility, and more of a source of enjoyment to pass that mentorship onward."
Maya Velasco, Monument Mountain Regional High School - Great Barrington
Maya will be attending Sacred Heart University or Providence College
"Leaders must be strong enough to take criticism and resilient enough to bounce back. I feel that my character strengths embody the strengths of a strong leader. They are the foundation that has allowed me to be an effective student, teammate, friend and leader so far and I only want to continue to evolve into a better, stronger and wiser person and leader."
Sasha Wilkinson, Westborough High School
Sasha will be attending University of British Columbia
"People change people. This is a concept that I have lived my life by. I believe that change is made in small steps, and although I will never be the loudest person in the room, I understand that I still have the ability to impact others and their perspectives of the world because passion and character is contagious."
The Barbara J. Sinnott Student of Integrity Scholarship fund was named to honor the late Mrs. Sinnott, who was a past president of BBB of Central New England, a post she held for 18 years. In addition to her longtime service at the BBB, Sinnott held positions in a number of political organizations and government agencies.
Download the 2023 Scholarship Application here.
