NCMC Foundation establishes new scholarship for area students

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation’s Board of Trustees approved the establishment of a new endowed $1500 yearly youth scholarship.

The new scholarship will be named in honor of Barbara Silva in recognition of her efforts, nearly 25 years ago, to institute the program and such scholarships for the area’s youth.

Silva, an active business leader in the region for many years, is now retired and living in Pepperell.

“This acknowledgement of Barbara’s achievement is long over due. Her work in establishing the scholarship program has provided a legacy that will, for generations, assist students that excel in area high schools with college expenses,” said Foundation Chairman Fred Healey, president of Workers’ Credit Union.

This is one of 22 scholarships for area high school seniors to be presented at an Awards Breakfast in May.

High school guidance counselors will select the applicants, who are required to attend school within the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s service area, including Ashby, Ashburnham, Townsend and Westminster.

The number of applicants per school is based on the number of students in the senior class.

This is the fourth perpetual scholarship that has been established from member contributions and fundraisers since 1983.

— Submitted to The Journal