More than 100 Attleboro Students Awarded Scholarships

More than $250,000 in scholarship money was awarded to seniors at Scholarship Night  which was held at the high school's Bray Auditorium Tuesday night. 

A total of 135 scholarships were given to 142 deserving seniors, according to assistant principal Elizabeth York. 

 "Your commitment is to accept rewards with gratitude and grace," said superintendent Pia Durkin before students took to the stage to accept their scholarships. 

It was also an emotional time for members of the Brastow family, as the  was awarded to Zach Chomyszak and Allie Lori. Myles Brastow died tragically in a motorcycle accident this past September.  His mom, Melissa Brastow and brother Christopher Brennan presented the award. 

Chomyszak and Lori won the by competing in an essay contest, which required them to relate experiences in their own lives with the qualities demonstrated by their former classmate. Brennan  read excerpts from the winning essays  to the silenced crowd and tearful hugs ensued as the Brastows, Chomyszak and Lori came together at center stage.

Senior Linda Nguyen, who was recognized at the most recent meeting of the school committee, was the winner of the Superintendent's Challenge Award, given for her accomplishments at AHS and for being the first member of her family to attend a college or university.

 "What a great job you've done here at AHS,  We are so proud of you!," Attleboro School Committee Chairman Ray DiCiaccio said. 

For the seniors, their AHS career is about to come to an end, which reminded DiCiaccio of something he was once told by a friend: "'Why is the rear-view mirror so small and the windshield so large? Because where we've been isn't nearly as important as where we're going.'"