Rourke Memorial Scholarship

July 9, 2024 (NATICK, Massachusetts) – The Natick Service Council and the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Natick are proud to announce the creation of a scholarship program in memory of the late Mike Rourke, Mr. Rourke served the Town of Natick for over 30 years, first as Superintendent of Recreation and Parks and then as Deputy Town Administrator. As a longtime resident of Natick, Mr. Rourke also participated in many local civic and charitable activities dedicated to improving the lives of others.

In celebration of Mike Rourke’s passion to give back – especially to those less fortunate, the scholarship program is geared towards enabling all Natick residents between the ages of 5 and 18 to participate in activities offered by the Natick Recreation and Parks Department or other Natick-based recreational providers. The ultimate goal is to foster self-confidence, inspire teamwork and foster community connections for the youth that participate.

Any school representative, representative of the Recreation and Parks Department or other Natick-based program providers can fill out the Mike Rourke Scholarship Program application on behalf of a program candidate and submit the application to the Natick Service Council for review.

You can make a donation to the Mike Rourke Scholarship program by visiting https://natickservicecouncil.org/michael-rourke-scholarship-program/

Established in 1962, Natick Service Council has been dedicated to serving the most economically challenged members of the community. Natick Service Council helps clients meet basic needs for food, housing, utilities and programs for children with the goal of promoting self-sufficiency. Natick Service Council is guided by the motto "Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”

Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul.