New Hope Historical Society Presents Curley Scholarship

NEW HOPE, PA —The New Hope Historical Society has awarded New Hope-Solebury High School senior, Charlotte Scarlata, the 2022 Francis Curley Scholarship. Kay Weeder, society director, presented the award during the June 8 Senior Awards Ceremony at the New Hope-Solebury High School.

In the fall, Charlotte plans to attend Bryn Mawr College and pursue her studies in sociology and psychology.

“Charlotte was selected to receive this year’s award based on her scholastic achievements, community activities, and her desire to pursue a career in the social sciences,” said Weeder.

Of her many extracurricular activities, she was founder and president of the Storytelling Club which gave fellow students a platform to share perspectives, opinions, and experiences through the art of storytelling. In her junior year, Charlotte was one of only 31 students in the United States to earn a perfect score on the Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics exam.

The New Hope Historical Society established the Francis Curley Scholarship in 2003 to be awarded to a civic-minded New Hope-Solebury high school senior who has displayed excellence in social sciences and who is going on to a post secondary formal education in the broad field of social science. Over the last 20 years, the NHHS has awarded 21 scholarships to deserving New Hope-Solebury High School seniors.

“The scholarship honors Francis Curley’s many outstanding contributions to our community which fostered a greater public appreciation for New Hope’s rich and unique history,” Les Isbrandt, director emeritus and scholarship committee chair, said.

Francis served as an officer and director of the New Hope Historical Society. He was a veteran of WWII and serve on New Hope Borough’s Council. He taught history and social studies at the NH-S high school from 1957 to 1980.