Concord Carlisle Scholarship Fund App. Deadline Draws Near

The following was submitted to Concord Patch.

Carlisle twins Benjamin and Hanna Parra excelled in indoor and outdoor track at Concord-Carlisle High School, each serving in their senior years as Captain of both teams.  They also shared a love for music and academics, and were dedicated to helping classmates and friends learn to enjoy those passions with them.  And last fall, Benjamin and Hanna shared one more experience: they were both awarded the prestigious Adrian A. Martinez Memorial Scholarship by the Concord Carlisle Scholarship Fund.  

Adrian A. Martinez, CCHS Class of 2002, was a humble, gentle, caring young man whose love of learning inspired the lives of all he met.  He gave of himself selflessly to all who sought his help, academically as a gifted math student and athletically as a champion distance runner.  He was universally loved as a friend, teammate, leader, athlete, son, and brother at CCHS and at Williams College where he graduated with the Class of 2006.  Upon his untimely loss shortly after his graduation, his family and friends established the Adrian A. Martinez Memorial Scholarship to commemorate his passion for running and his devotion to learning; for the past three years the CCHS Track Coach Steve Lane has hosted the Adrian Martinez Classic to augment the scholarship.

There are few more ideally suited than Benjamin and Hanna to receive the honor of being named the Martinez Scholars.  Ben and Hanna are thriving in their freshman years at Vassar and Emory Colleges, and have followed in Adrian's footsteps by vigorously embracing their college experience and exercising leadership skills: Ben was elected Dorm Representative and is playing in several jazz ensembles while thoroughly enjoying his academic life, and Hanna follows her passion for running as a member of the Emory Track Team. 

Since 1966 the Concord Carlisle Scholarship Fund has provided nearly $2 million in scholarships to over 1,000 students in our two towns, thanks to support from Concord and Carlisle townspeople and friends. Students who are currently in college seeking support for the 2012-2013 academic year must submit their applications by April 2, 2012. High school seniors must submit their applications by May 1, 2012.  Applications and more information on the Concord Carlisle Scholarship Fund are available online at www.CCscholarshipfund.org.