Peabody Resident Awarded Salem State Civic Engagement Scholarship

Press release from Salem State:

July 27, 2020

The Center for Civic Engagement at Salem State University has awarded one-time $5,000 scholarships to 13 students through the Frederick E. Berry Institute for Politics and Civic Engagement. Recipients include nine undergraduates and four graduate students who have made outstanding contributions to civic and political engagement.

The Frederick E. Berry Institute for Politics and Civic Engagement honors the legacy of Senator Frederick E. Berry, who throughout his life championed civic engagement, public service, and democratic participation. Massachusetts State Senator Joan Lovely secured funding in the state budget to help establish the Institute.

“Having had the honor of succeeding Majority Leader Fred Berry in the Senate, I took particular pride in securing funding establishing the Fredrick E. Berry Institute of Politics and Civic Engagement at Salem State University as a lasting and living tribute to his legacy,” said Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem). “I know that Fred would be as thrilled as I am to know that these funds will help a baker's dozen worth of Vikings continue to make the world around them a better and more inclusive place.”

Recipients are actively engaged in a wide range of community-based service both on campus and in their communities. One recipient founded a non-profit to distribute backpacks and school supplies to elementary school students. Another is a former military police officer who helps disabled veterans get needed equipment and other resources. Others are local leaders in national organizations such as Girls, Inc. and the Sunrise Movement.

“We received 35 very strong applications for this newly established scholarship,” said Kimberly Barboza, coordinator of the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics and Civic Engagement. “Our students are committed to making a difference at Salem State and in the communities where they live and work. It is wonderful to be able to recognize their contributions in this way.”

2020 Frederick E. Berry Politics and Civic Engagement Scholarship Recipients:

Undergraduate:

Richeline “Richie” Cadet, Criminal Justice and Political Science (dual major), Mattapan

Michael Corley, Undeclared, Danvers

Kelly Cryts, Early Childhood Education and Care and Psychology (dual major), Brighton

Hannah Levine, Social Work, Framingham

Shannon McMahon, Social Work, Stoneham

Michaela Normand, Social Work, Agawam

William Scanlan, Political Science, Bellingham

Toiell Washington, Sociology, Dorchester

Joey Wolongevicz, Geography and Sustainability, Pembroke

Graduate:

Rosa Alvarado, Master of Social Work, Salem

Jacki Saunders, Master of Education in School Counseling, Reading

Rich Stewart, Master of Social Work, Saugus

Catarina Veludo-Saenz, C.A.G.S. in Educational Leadership, Peabody

In February, Salem State University received Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, which indicates significant institutional commitment to community and civic engagement. Currently just 26 institutions of higher education across Massachusetts, and 359 nationwide, have earned this designation.

This press release was produced by Salem State. The views expressed here are the author's own.