Wesley Palmer Receives Sixth Annual A. James Lavoie Scholarship from Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation

Dana M. Neshe, president of the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation, has announced that Wesley Charles Palmer of Concord is recipient of the sixth annual A. James Lavoie Scholarship.

The $5,000 award is named in honor of Mr. Lavoie, former president of Middlesex Savings Bank, who was deeply committed to the support of education. Palmer, a graduate of Concord-Carlisle High School, will attend Boston University and major in film production.

Marianne Staknis, also of Concord and a graduate of , was one of 30 students who received grants of $1000 from the Middlesex Savings Foundation. Staknis will attend Smith College.

The foundation’s program of scholarship aid to deserving students from public and vocational schools in the bank’s market area began ten years ago. Recipients are chosen based on academic merit, community service, financial need, and personal and academic improvement. Nearly $300,000 has been distributed to date through the program.

Palmer was selected for the award by an independent committee for his essay that described his passion and focus in the area of filmmaking. He recounted how he had become interested in film and storytelling as a young child, and how he had nurtured his passion for visual media throughout his high school years. He has produced 15 short films and is principal and chief creative officer of a web design company, Modernist Media. He also is an Eagle Scout and was captain of Concord-Carlisle’s indoor and outdoor track teams, competing in the shot put and javelin.

“We’re pleased to award this year’s A. James Lavoie Scholarship to Wesley Charles Palmer,” said Neshe.

“His personal and academic achievements demonstrate remarkable leadership and perseverance. He has also shown a deep appreciation for the potential that new forms of media can have for making a positive impact on the community. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation was established as a non-profit charitable foundation in 2000 through an endowment provided by Middlesex Savings Bank to ensure funding of scholarships and support of worthy non-profit organizations in any economic climate.