$1 million in Simon Youth Scholarships includes awards for local students

A local student will continue his education this fall with the help of Liberty Tree Mall and Simon Youth Foundation (SYF).

Simon Gagliardi of Lynnfield, Mass., has received a Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarship valued at $1,500. The scholarship is awarded in partnership between Liberty Tree Mall and Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational and career development opportunities for youth.

Gagliardi is a recent graduate of Lynnfield High School and exemplified himself through academic excellence, leadership skills, and participation in both school and community activities. He plans to study pre-med at New York University in the fall.

“We are very proud of the Simon Youth Scholarships program, because it has given us the opportunity to support the academic endeavors of promising youth right here in our community,” says Richard Balest, Mall Manager of Liberty Tree Mall.

Simon Youth Scholarships are awarded annually to at least one student in every U.S. community that is home to a Simon® property. This year, approximately $1.1 million will be awarded.

“Simon Youth Community Scholarships reward academic excellence across the country and help students to continue their education,” said J. Michael Durnil, President and CEO of SYF. “Financial concerns should never be the reason preventing a child from pursuing their dreams.”

About SYF

Simon Youth Foundation, a national nonprofit, exists to help at-risk students, who are on the verge of dropping out of high school, graduate. Through 22 Simon Youth Academies in 11 states and Simon Youth Scholarships, SYF advocates, creates and initiates educational opportunities for students. In partnership with local public schools, SYF has maintained a 90% graduation rate at its Academies since inception, graduated more than 13,000 students, and awarded more than $13 million in scholarships. Learn more at syf.org.

About Liberty Tree Mall

Liberty Tree Mall is the dominant value shopping destination for Boston’s North Shore. Major Retailers include Best Buy, Kohl’s, Marshalls, Nordstrom Rack, Target and more. The shopping center also features restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings and Panera Bread, numerous specialty retailers, and Sky Zone, the largest indoor trampoline park in New England. Liberty Tree Mall is located on Independence Way in Danvers.

PHOTO: (L-R): Simon Gagliardi of Lynnfield, Mass., receives a $1,500 Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarship, presented by Richard Balest, Mall Manager of Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers. Gagliardi will attend NYU in the fall.