The Guilford Foundation (TGF) is proud to announce that scholarships totaling $65,950 have been awarded to 30 Guilford High School seniors and one Sound School (New Haven) senior to assist with their college expenses. These awards, ranging from $500 to $6,000, are established through charitable scholarship funds set up by donors who determine the award criteria.

“Each scholarship reflects the unique interests and areas of study of the individuals for whom they are named. It’s a powerful and lasting tribute to a loved one or to honor a legacy while advancing the educational aspirations of these remarkable students,” said TGF Executive Director Liza Janssen Petra. “We are delighted to facilitate this community connection between donors and students, which fosters growth and development through education. It’s truly a rewarding experience for all.”

TGF collaborates closely with the administrations of both schools to manage the scholarship process. The scholarships often specify fields of study, including marine science, healthcare, dentistry, liberal arts, teaching, foreign service, and industrial arts. Additionally, some funds are created specifically for community or vocational college students.

Petra added, “We are fortunate, along with our fundholders and family members, to participate in the senior recognition events. It’s truly heartwarming and magical to hear the stories of those for whom a fund is named and see the sense of achievement these young and remarkable students show when recognized for their accomplishments.”

The 2024 Scholarship and Award Recipients include:

Guilford High School Scholarship Awards

• Al & Gene Bishop Fund for Vocational & Industrial Arts Scholarship: Coleman Love
• B. Joan and Dennis F. Hickey Scholarship: Hannah Gray
• Barbara Nugent Scholarship Fund: Alexandra Willsher
• Carl A. Balestracci Jr. Humanitarian Scholarship: Brenna Tichy & Cooper John King Formica
• Elisabeth Adams Scholarship: Adrianna Piascik & Eli Green-Perez
• Elizabeth M. “Lizzie” Schwanfelder Scholarship: Avery Spagnone
• Guilford ABC College Education Fund: Andrea Kaluma & Jasmine Laryea
• Guilford Youth Mentoring Scholarship: Connor Ryan
• GSB Charitable Fund Scholarships: George Wiley & Aubrey Schwanfelder-Nelken
• Jake Penman Memorial Scholarship: Sadie Iozzia
• James P. Scialabba Scholarship Fund: Juliana Montgomery
• Karen and Terry Bergantino Education Scholarship Fund: Emma Getrost & Lua Suarez
• Kyle E. Smith Memorial Scholarship: Aubrey Schwanfelder-Nelken
• Maureen Cyr Caruso Scholarship Fund: Lydia Yaggi
• Ralph Schipani Memorial Scholarship: Christopher Gambardella & Kylin McMahon
• Richard W. Brooks Memorial Fund: Teagan Kruczek
• Stephen Looney Scholarship: Gia Turcio & Jason Li
• Stuart D. Burt Scholarship: Jaden King
• The Jaffe Scholarship Fund: Kylin McMahon
• The Richard Hersh & Judith Meyers Scholarship Fund: George Wiley, Alexa Handelman & Sofie Green-Perez

Guilford Institute Prizes
• Elizabeth Leete Award: Molly Peterson
• Helen Bergstresser Award: Min Jameson

The Sound School Scholarship Award
• Alison Varian Memorial Scholarship Fund: Emma Kelsey

Information about The Guilford Foundation scholarship funds and the application process is available at www.guilfordfoundation.org.