Second-Chance Scholarship Named for Charlestown High Alum

A few years ago, a group created a special scholarship in honor of a Charlestown High School alum named Alray Taylor.

When Taylor attended CHS, according to alray.org, his size earned him the nickname “Horse” and his gentle nature earned him extra deserts from the lunch ladies.

After high school, he earned a Division 1 basketball scholarship to the University of New Hampshire.

“The transition to college proved difficult, as it does for many students, especially those whose often spotty educations from inner-city schools can leave them unprepared,” a pamphlet for the group reads.

Taylor transferred to a smaller college, the dropped out when both of his parents died within six months of each other. He had to take care of his younger siblings.

“He planned to return to college,” the pamphlet reads, “but his life was tragically cut short, an innocent victim of the urban violence plaguing Boston.”

In his honor, the board of Alray Taylor Second Chance Scholarship Fund award scholarships annually to students who have dropped out of a higher education program, but then returned.

In addition to educational grants, the group connects winners with a mentor.

Full guidelines—The Alray Taylor Second Chance Scholarship is looking for young people returning to school who:

• Graduated from a public or charter high school in Boston, or received a GED after attending a Boston high school.
• Are applying within 15 years of receiving their high school diploma or GED.
• Enrolled and started in a college, trade school, or vocational program after high school but did not complete the program.
• Have used their time away from school productively, such as being involved in community, school or work activities.

The deadline for the next round of submissions is June 15.