Peabody High Seniors Honored With Cara E. Murtagh Memorial Scholarship

PEABODY, MA — Two talented Peabody High seniors planning a career in education were rewarded for their tenacity and devotion in that pursuit as recipients of the 2023 Cara E. Murtagh Memorial Scholarship.

The Peabody Education Foundation awarded Sydney Campbell and Siobhan Smith with the scholarships at a ceremony on Tuesday.

The PEF established the scholarships to honor Murtagh's memory, her dedication and commitment to education, and her love for the school children of Peabody. The former Peabody Public Schools teacher and superintendent, who died unexpectedly in 2019, is remembered for her kind and loving personality, her enthusiasm, flawless attention to detail, and her ability to develop strong relationships with students, teachers, parents and administrators.

While the PEF gives out one scholarship a year, this year, through the generosity of the Splaine Family Trust, the PEF was thrilled to be able to offer a second scholarship this spring.

"Education plays a crucial role in societal development and is essential for creating an informed and engaged society," Smith said. "It empowers individuals to participate in the democratic process, advocate for their rights, and contribute to their communities. Education promotes social mobility and reduces inequality by providing opportunities for individuals to break free from poverty and achieve their full potential."

Campbell said she believes that having an understanding teacher is essential for a comfortable and safe school experience.

"Children should feel safe and welcomed wherever they go," she said. "I want to become a teacher that children look up to and think of me as someone they can trust. Education is important when you are young because it is the stepping stone to their future."

Donald Johnson, Sr., Trustee of the Splaine Family Trust, said he was thrilled to assist Campbell and Smith in furthering their respective academic careers and commended them for striving to develop their full potential and further the legacy of Murtagh.

"Sydney and Siobhan both demonstrate their resolve to better the lives of future generations in their daily work," Peabody Education Foundation President and Chairman David Gravel said. "They will respect their students, regardless of their age and skill, and make them feel special, important, and unique.

"They both possess a passion for teaching and working with children which personifies the life of Cara Murtagh."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)