Scholarship Honoring Stephanie Mercandetti Accepting Applications

FRAMINGHAM, MA — A scholarship honoring Stephanie Mercandetti, a former Framingham Planning Board member, is now accepting applications. Three graduating seniors will be picked to receive $500 scholarships to pursue studies in public policy or government.

While serving on the Planning Board, Mercandetti was also the economic development director for Medway. She also served in that role in Walpole. Mercandetti also worked for former governor Michael Dukakis and former state senator David Mangani.

Mercandetti died of cancer in January 2018 at age 42. A scholarship fund was set up to honor her work shortly after.

"Stephanie was a special person who spent much of her time working to make the world a better place through community activism and using her expertise in smart community planning," Stephanie Mercandetti Memorial Committee Chair Bob Berman said in a news release. "Providing future leaders with financial help through the scholarship is a great way to ensure that her legacy lives on.”

The scholarship is open to graduating seniors from Keefe Tech, Framingham High School, and Medway High School. Applicants must submit an essay up to 750 words describing "what public or government service means to you and why you have chosen to pursue a career in this area."

Applicants must also include:

• Full name:
• Home address
• Email
• Phone
• Current school
• College or university you plan to attend, or schools where you have been accepted
• Major you plan to study
• Awards

The application deadline is March 31 at 5 p.m. Email submissions to mercandettischolarship@gmail.com. Winners will be notified before the award ceremony on May 7.