Rebecca Giden, a 2011 graduate of Joseph A. Foran High School who will attend Boston University this fall, has been selected as a recipient of a $2,000 scholarship from the Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC) of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.
Giden was one of only 22 area students selected from 400 applicants to receive a scholarship. This year, RMHC of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts awarded a total of $50,000 to area students, with 20 students receiving $2,000 scholarships and two top students each receiving $5,000 scholarships.
Scholarship applicants were scrutinized by a panel of judges in several categories including academic achievement, community involvement and financial need.
RMHC of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts awarded funds to graduating high school seniors who will be attending college in the fall through two scholarship programs: first through the RMHC/Scholars Program which provides monies to graduating high school seniors regardless of race or ethnicity; and secondly through the RMHC/Hispanic American Commitment to Education Resources Program (HACER) Scholarship, which is awarded to students with at least one parent of Hispanic origin.
The scholarship program is supported by the Connecticut and Western Massachusetts McDonald’s® Owner/Operator Association (CWMMOA).
“We are proud to provide scholarship dollars to local students to help them achieve their education and career goals,” said Laura Phillips Ward, president of RMHC of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.
“All of the recipients are extremely deserving. They have demonstrated passion and perseverance to overcome challenges and triumph in many areas of their lives. We wish them continued success in college and beyond.”
All of the McDonald’s owner/operators throughout Connecticut and Western Massachusetts are committed to programs that support schools and students,” said Rachel Deane, President of CWMMOA and a local McDonald’s owner/operator. “We are proud of our role in helping these students achieve their educational goals. We are especially proud to honor students who share our commitment to giving back to the community.”
Since 1988 RMHC of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts has provided more than $6 million to over 400 non-profit organizations, helping thousands of area children lead happier, healthier and more productive lives. RMHC and its global network of local chapters in over 50 countries and regions have awarded more than $460 million in grants and program services supporting children worldwide. For more information about RMHC or to apply for a grant, please call Carole Bowman at (860) 659-0514, visit www.rmhc-ctma.org or connect on facebook.com/rmhc.ctma.
