The Guilford Foundation is proud to announce James Napolitano as the recipient of the 2025 Alison Varian Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship honors the passionate legacy of Alison Varian, who dedicated her life to aquaculture, boating safety, and the ecological stewardship of Long Island Sound. 

Established in 2018, the Alison Varian Memorial Scholarship Fund awards annual scholarships to graduating seniors from The Sound School in New Haven, aspiring to pursue careers in aquaculture, fisheries, or marine science. This year’s award to James underscores the foundation’s commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders dedicated to marine science and environmental conservation. 

“We believe James, who is embarking on his journey into marine science at Roger Williams University, embodies the vision of the scholarship,” said Garth Varian. “Alison spent her life on the water and loved the ocean. We are confident that he will honor her legacy and make us proud for years to come. 

Alison Varian’s contributions to the community extended far beyond her roles as Chair of the Town of Guilford Shellfish and Harbor Management Commissions, Treasurer of the Guilford Marina Commission, and Commander of the Power Squadron. Her enthusiasm for marine life and dedication to education laid a strong foundation for students pursuing similar paths.  

The scholarship has already had a profound impact on its past recipients. Emma Kelsey, the 2024 recipient, has just completed her freshman year at Roger Williams University and is interning this summer in the Guilford Shellfish Commission’s lab, gaining hands-on experience in shellfish propagation and helping to pilot the commission’s hard clam hatchery. 

“Speaking for myself, we can’t be happier with what Sound School is making possible and the results that are being achieved. It’s exactly how we wanted Alison’s love of aquaculture, her vision, and character to be carried on. We are thrilled that Emma is working with the Guilford. Shellfish Commission. It is a completion of the arc Alison began”, stated Garth Varian.  

Ruby Blustajn, a 2023 recipient, recently completed her sophomore year at the University of Rhode Island. She is actively working in Dr. Gomez Chiarri’s Shellfish Pathology Lab for the Northeastern Bivalve Hatchery Health Consortium, contributing to critical research for the long-term health of oysters, clams, and scallops. 

Maryorie Hernandez, another 2023 scholarship recipient, also finished her sophomore year focused on marine science at Southern Connecticut State University. This summer, she will be interning at the Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies, continuing her commitment to marine research and education. 

“We can’t be happier with what Sound School is making possible and the results that are being achieved. It’s exactly how we wanted Alison’s love of aquaculture, her vision, and character to be carried on. We are thrilled that Emma is working with the Guilford Shellfish Commission.  It is a completion of the arc Alison began”, added Steven Goldschmidt.  

The Guilford Foundation and the Alison Varian Memorial Scholarship Fund remain dedicated to advancing the educational aspirations of motivated students like James Napolitano, while continuing to honor the remarkable legacy of Alison Varian. Through her examples of courage, selflessness, and passion for aquaculture, Alison’s spirit lives on in the endeavors of these young scholars. 

“As we celebrate our milestone 50th Anniversary, it is wonderful to get the updates about past scholarship recipients and their success. It reaffirms our mission as we learn the long-term impact our scholarships and grantmaking have in the community,” explained Executive Director Liza Janssen Petra. “We awarded over $70,000 this spring to recipients from Guilford High School. It’s powerful that the memorial fund scholarship goes to a Sound School student, reflecting her passion for the water.”

For more information about the Alison Varian Memorial Scholarship Fund, to make a donation, or learn about establishing a charitable fund, contact The Guilford Foundation or click here.