Inaugural Charlie Fiskio Fund Scholarships Awarded to Middle School Students From Branford

BRANFORD, CT — In memory of Charles R. Fiskio, the Charlie Fiskio Fund was established by family members in 2025
and is dedicated to helping Walsh Intermediate School students pursue a specific passion, including
but not limited to a hobby, art form, or sports activity.

Recently, families and friends gathered at Francis Walsh Intermediate School to celebrate the accomplishments of Branford middle school students.

As part of the festivities, the inaugural Charlie Fiskio Scholarship was presented to Sofia Vallejo Contrares
and Logan Heath, who were announced as the 2026-2027 award recipients.

In April 2025, the family of Charles R. Fiskio established a fund with the Branford Community Foundation following the untimely passing of Charlie—beloved son, brother, and husband.

Charles Robert “Charlie” Fiskio passed away in March of that year due to complications of polycythemia vera, a disease he was diagnosed with at just 19 years old and bravely navigated with the love and support of family and friends.

The Charlie Fiskio Fund, in honor of Charlie’s passions and generous spirit, supports two or more students annually at WIS in pursuing a personal interest—whether artistic, academic, athletic, or through a camp or workshop experience.

Logan Heath is a rising freshman who will attend Branford High School this fall. An outstanding athlete, he is currently training for a triathlon.

Sofia Vallejo Contrares is a rising freshman who excels in the
visual arts, particularly in drawing and painting. She has already shown works at the Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance (BACA), she and will be attending Branford High School and the Educational Center for the Arts in New Haven this fall.

The Fiskio family is grateful to the many friends, new and old, and community members who have made the Charlie Fiskio Fund possible.

At the 1st Annual Charlie Fiskio Golf Tournament last August,
144 golfers—relatives, friends, business partners, and past teachers and coaches of Charlie’s—participated in raising almost $14,000 that went directly to Charlie's fund. This year’s second annual tournament is already sold out, and all funds raised will go toward supporting future scholarships made from the fund. For those wanting to support the tournament in the future, updates and more information
can be found at @charliefiskiogolftournament on Instagram or by emailing charliefiskiogolftournament@gmail.com.

Charlie’s legacy lives on in the Charlie Fiskio Fund and in the lives of the students who will now receive that extra bit of support to fund their passions.

"We look forward to recognizing many more WIS students in the years to come," shared Charlie’s mother, Sue Fiskio.

"We were fortunate to be able to give Charlie the encouragement he needed to explore his talents and
follow his passions," his father, Bob Fiskio, said. "It’s our hope that this scholarship can offer that same encouragement to other young people—just enough support to help them move forward with confidence and discover the potential within themselves."

To learn more or make a contribution to the Charlie Fiskio Fund, visit
branfordcommunityfoundation.org/fund/charlie-fiskio-fund.

For more information on upcoming grants, sponsorships, and community events, or to make a contribution to the Branford Community Foundation, please email
Marketing@BranfordCommunityFoundation.org.

About The Branford Community Foundation

The Branford Community Foundation (BCF), founded in 1980, is a public, nonprofit, tax-exempt, charitable trust. It provides an administrative, philanthropic service—a means by which public-spirited citizens may make gifts or bequests, the income from which is distributed for educational, cultural,
health, social, and civic needs.

The Foundation is overseen by the Board of Directors, composed of community leaders who serve without compensation and who have been selected for their knowledge, interest, and integrity of judgment.

A part-time executive director works with the board of directors, and advisors provide outreach with the community, give guidance to the board, and help to develop future
leadership.